The Allentown Rescue Mission announced today, Jan. 7, the hiring of Chris Aylward as its new Chief Executive Officer. Aylward brings with him over 20 years experience helping homeless and impoverished individuals achieve personal, professional and spiritual growth. Aylward replaces Gary Millspaugh, who served as executive director.
“Chris stood out to us for two reasons,” said Tom Gibson, Allentown Rescue Mission Board President. “He has an outstanding record for improving operational excellence at rescue missions. He also embodies the principals and values of our organization, which as a Christian ministry, seeks to help people make significant positive changes in their lives through the power of Jesus Christ. We are thrilled to welcome Chris to the Allentown Rescue Mission.”
Prior to joining the Allentown Rescue Mission, Aylward served as the Director of Vocational Services at The Altamont Program in Syracuse, NY since 2010. He also worked as a Job Placement Specialist with P.E.A.C.E. Inc., in Syracuse, NY, Director of Community Services at the Utica Rescue Mission, in Utica, NY, and as a Vocational Specialist at the Syracuse Rescue Mission, in Syracuse, NY.
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Aylward is completing the Master’s Degree program in Christian Leadership at Missio University, on track to graduate in April 2013. He holds a Missions Diploma from the Faith School of Theology. He is also a certified Career Counselor. In 2012, he was honored by the YWCA with its Diversity Achievers award for working to eliminate racism.
“I am very excited about taking on the new challenge as CEO of the Allentown Rescue Mission,” said Aylward. “I am confident my leadership, experience and faith will help the Mission continue to grow its efforts helping the Lehigh Valley’s homeless become self-reliant members of our community.”
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About the Allentown Rescue Mission
For more than 100 years, the Mission has been a place where men have begun to experience restoration with God, their families and their communities. The Mission’s goal for each man is self-sufficiency. Its programs aim to end homelessness one person at a time and in some cases, preventing it. They include: the Gateway Center (emergency shelter), the Christian Living and Values Program (life skills and transitional living), the Clean Team (workforce development/jobs program) and housing. Last year, the Mission spent more than $2.5 million on programs, jobs and housing for homeless men.
Additional information is located at www.allentownrescuemission.org.