Allentown Rescue Mission's new director, Chris Aylward, was the guest speaker at the February Triad meeting at Emeritus Senior Living, Allentown.

Triad is a group for senior citizens and law enforcement representatives that seeks to reduce criminal victimization of older persons.

Aylward, formerly of Syracuse, N.Y., officially started his job as chief executive officer at the mission in January.

He has more than 20 years of experience assisting the homeless and impoverished.

Aylward came to Allentown to fulfill his passion of helping people in need.

Most people in Allentown recognize the mission, at 355 Hamilton St., by the large fluorescent sign that reads, "God Is Love," which is the "mission of the mission."

Aylward said the mission serves men ages 18 and older.

Most men are in their 40s but the mission has served men in their 20s through their 60s.

The mission provides emergency shelter, a Christian living and values program, hot food, clothes and the tools to have better lives.

The men who come to the shelter know it is a place that will help.

"Most people are two paychecks away from homelessness," Aylward said, "Some of the men who come to the mssion have had problems with alcohol and drugs. Maybe they lost their job, had a big medical bill or their wife kicked them out of their home."

The "gateway center," or homeless shelter, is where the men can come to sleep at night.

The Allentown Rescue Mission has 48 beds in the gateway center and 24 beds for those who are putting forth more effort to move forward.

The mission wants to provide an additional 24 beds in the future.

Aylward explained if a man is serious about making a change in his life, working and saving money and may need to stay for a couple months, he can.

"The hardest cases to help are a speciality to the mission," Aylward explained.

Alexandra Hackett, director of communications at the Allentown Rescue Mission, said she has been surprised and most affected by the number of men who are still dealing with the affects of the physically, mental and sexual abuse in their lives.

"It really resonated with me," Hackett said.

The mission assists men as they address issues from their background.

The mission helps men looking to bring themselves back by assisting them in getting jobs.

The mission has a "Clean Team" which provides jobs for the men to clean up the area along Hamilton Street.

"We just signed a brand new contract that allows us to triple the area we clean," Aylward said.

The "Clean Team" also helps with house cleanups and is a way for the men to begin positive and long lasting changes.

The Christian Living and Values Program furthers the men's skills.

They can attend anger and money management classes, learn how to use a computer, work on resume writing and interview skills, learn how to save money, and receive assistance in helping to find a church.

Drug and alcohol treatment is also available.

The Allentown Rescue Mission is completly funded by donations, private funds and by building community partnerships.

Tours of the mission are available and donations are constantly needed.

Clothes, canned foods, shampoo, trash bags and alarm clocks are some of the top items needed.

There are ways for members of the community to become involved either through donations or by volunteering.

Call the Allentown Rescue Mission at 610-740-5500 to schedule a tour of the facility, sign up to volunteer or find out specific needs.