(ALLENTOWN, PA) – Many homeless dads will spend Father’s Day separated from their children. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.4 million children, 1 in 4, live without a father in the home. The Allentown Rescue Mission works year-round to rescue, rehabilitate, and restore homeless men to their families.
This June, in anticipation of Father’s Day, guests in the Transformation Program will explore topics such as fatherhood responsibilities and second chances with family. The staff will emphasize the importance of family relationships and the effects of a fatherless household.
Stuart Smith, CEO of the Allentown Rescue Mission, explains, “By helping fathers return home and provide their children with guidance, no matter the age of the children, we can begin to break the cycle of generational poverty and change the pattern of despair and hopelessness in our city.”
Todd, a guest at the Allentown Rescue Mission, is unsure whether he will see his daughter on Father’s Day but has been working hard to salvage his relationship with her. He lived as a high-functioning alcoholic for many years. Todd hit rock bottom when he separated from his wife. He missed his daughter’s wedding while in rehab and eventually became homeless.
With the help and guidance of the Allentown Rescue Mission, Todd began rebuilding his life and renewing his relationship with his daughter. Both he and his daughter are taking brave steps to restore their family. Todd graduated from rehab and the Transformation Program and is currently working for the Clean Team Workforce. He prioritizes and cherishes weekly phone calls and outings with his daughter, while she focuses on rebuilding their relationship by going to therapy and Al-Anon.
“She’s a good kid, and I love her very much. We are working on things, but it just takes time,” Todd said.
To honor its dads, the Allentown Rescue Mission will celebrate with a Father’s Day cookout and haircuts for men residing at the shelter.
The Allentown Rescue Mission, a 501c3, 123 bed non-profit homeless shelter has been providing shelter for homeless men since 1900. In addition to emergency shelter services (365 days a year), the Allentown Rescue Mission offers a residential life skills program, and transitional employment on the Clean Team Workforce that’s available for hire to the community. The Clean Team Workforce pays the men above PA state minimum wage– helping them save a nest egg to transition back into the community. In a typical year, the Allentown Rescue Mission provides shelter services for over 946 men per year, and serves over 42,000 meals a year to men in need.
To refer someone to the Allentown Rescue Mission for services or to learn ways you can help make a difference please visit www.allentownrescuemission.org
