By STEPHANIE APPEL

Special to The Press

Eduardo R., a resident of the Allentown Rescue Mission, enrolled at Lehigh County Community College this semester and began classes toward earning his Bachelor’s degree with help from the Mission’s scholarship program.

The scholarship money, donated by Glasbern and an anonymous benefactor, has been earmarked for education to help homeless men become more employable.

All graduates of the Mission’s Transformation Program are eligible to participate in the program to advance their careers through higher education or vocational training.

Participants are responsible for a small percentage of the expense to ensure their commitment to the program.

The remaining cost is paid through the scholarship fund. Students accumulate their portion of the tuition by working for the Clean Team Workforce or an outside company.

“Many men who are homeless struggle with believing there is a way to get back on their feet,” said Mark Faucette, Emergency Shelter supervisor and Transformation Program Associate at the Mission. “This scholarship is a much-needed asset for our men to obtain an education that is critical for their long-term development and their ability to provide for themselves and their families.”

Eduardo came to the Mission after the pandemic forced him to permanently close the painting company he started not long before COVID-19 emerged.

At the same time, family struggles left his grandmother in need of financial assistance.

With his savings depleted and the opportunity to work for himself shut down, Eduardo fell into a depression.

The Mission helped him get back on his feet and offered Eduardo a path to earn his degree.

Eduardo is enrolled in classes at LCCC while working for the Clean Team Workforce and living at the shelter.

He is taking four online classes and one at LCCC’s Donely Center, a satellite campus within walking distance of the Mission.

The Mission provides a laptop to use for online classes and for his homework.

He was asked why he wanted to take advantage of the scholarship program.

“I realized I’m not as young as I used to be and I wanted something different for myself,” Eduardo said. “I am so thankful for this opportunity.”