American Rescue Workers

Celebrating ANOTHER graduation! Justin successfully graduated from the Fresh Start Program at American Rescue Workers on May 20, 2024. He joined us in July 2023 after being hospitalized. A dedicated military veteran, Justin showed unwavering dedication and focus throughout each phase of the program. From his first day, Justin worked on the bric-a-brac table on the sorting floor and was eventually hired as a sorter in the same position. His hard work and commitment paid off, leading to a permanent housing solution with the assistance of Veteran's funds. We're incredibly proud of Justin's journey and his accomplishments. Join us in celebrating his success and wishing him the best in his future endeavors!

Meet Our Board Members! Meet Nikolina Cleaver, a dedicated member of the American Rescue Workers (ARW) board since January 2023. Nikolina serves the community professionally as a Social Service Manager at STEP Office of Aging, where she has been employed for almost 9 years. This role allows her to collaborate directly with staff, colleagues from other agencies and departments, and the community. In addition to her work at STEP, since January 2021, Nikolina has served as the Office of Aging representative for the Social Justice Task Force for STEP. This team is committed to ensuring and creating equal opportunities and rights throughout STEP and the community. Most recently, Nikolina graduated from the Leadership Lycoming program, gaining valuable insights to better understand the needs and resources of the local community. We are grateful for her dedication and leadership!

Continuing to celebrate our recent graduations - We are overjoyed to announce the graduation of one of our remarkable residents, Ralph. Ralph joined ARW from incarceration in July 2023 and has shown incredible progress and dedication throughout the program. Ralph's journey has been truly inspiring. He dedicated himself to various roles, working diligently on the third floor in electrics, assisting in the kitchen, and serving as a committed houseman in the dorm. His hard work and perseverance paid off when he secured employment at Candlewood Suites upon entering Phase 2, where he quickly became a valuable asset to the team. Beyond his professional achievements, Ralph has demonstrated immense compassion and determination, supporting fellow residents in their recovery journeys. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have made a lasting impact on our community. Ralph has now secured a private rental and is excited to embark on this new chapter of self-sufficiency. We are incredibly proud of Ralph's accomplishments and wish him nothing but the best in all his future endeavors. Join us in congratulating Ralph on this significant milestone! Your ARW family will always be cheering you on.?

?? In the month of May, four men have graduated from the ARW Fresh Start Program, a notable number for a single month. Each participant stayed with us for nine to twelve months, diligently progressing through the program's phases. As per our tradition, we celebrate each graduate individually during morning devotions. We would also like to invite you to celebrate with us! Our first graduate is Darren, who graduated on May 10, 2024, and will continue to work at ARW as our Industrial Operations Supervisor. We'd like to share a bit of his inspirational speech with you: "These graduates of our 'Fresh Start' program walk through these doors just like myself out of a bad situation and into the Saving Grace of this organization. Everyone in this room has the exact same opportunities this program has to offer each and every one of you simply by putting in the effort you may one day be standing at this podium, just like me. My hope is that now I can be the same inspiration to all of you, that our previous graduates have been to me. Last March 5, 2023, I rode my bike 60 miles from Wellsboro, PA to Williamsport, PA. The last third of my trip was in the dark and in a snowstorm to make it to the facility. I began my trek at 12 noon, and I arrived at 12:10 AM. 12 hours and 10 minutes. I rang the door buzzer looking like the abominable snowman. I met Ian for the first time — our night watchman. After checking me in, he took me to the cafeteria for a coffee and a piece of cake. I am very proud to say that I am truly blessed every day I come to work. I have never been late and I have never called off or missed one minute of work, and most of all, I treat every man who walks through our doors with dignity and respect… Because I will never forget that I walked through these doors for the first time just like all of you. Let us bow our heads in prayer." Congratulations, Darren! ?? ?