Mike Rebert’s Story

The Allentown Rescue Mission would like to recognize Mike Rebert (and family) as Allentown Rescue Mission’s November “Volunteer of the Month” for his contributions to the well-being of our community and guests of the Mission by donating time to beautify the shelter entrance.

In the Lehigh Valley, if you are a homeless man and need shelter you might travel to the Allentown Rescue Mission to find help and lodging and on your way into the Emergency Shelter you would pass through a park like setting. This walkway is beautifully landscaped and mulched, and is completed with park benches, river stone and a gazebo to shelter from the sun’s rays. Depending on the day you come down you might also pass Mike and one or both of his teenage children weeding, trimming, and beautifying the Emergency Shelter park.

When asked “why the Mission?” Mike responded “My family and I wanted an opportunity to give back to the less fortunate and do the right thing. We saw an ad in the paper about the Mission seeking volunteers to maintain the Emergency Shelter area and thought this is something we can do! It’s been a blessing to us to be able to see the smiles on the men’s faces when they realize we are trimming, weeding, and cleaning to make it nicer for them.”

Not only has the Rebert family volunteered their time, but the family has also collected watches and other items to donate to guests of the Mission who are in need. Mike’s son is also exploring options to run a supplies donation drive at Northwestern Lehigh High School with one of the clubs to support the Mission.

From all of the Allentown Rescue Mission staff – A big “Thank you” to the Rebert’s and congratulations for recognition as volunteer of the month!