Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Dedicates 5-Story Mural

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Good Shepherd Rehabilitation on Sept. 5 dedicated a new, 5-story-tall mural on the face of its South Allentown Campus parking garage (850 S. 5th St.), celebrating artwork that reflects the love and pride Good Shepherd feels for the community that has shaped it for more than a century.

Brought to life through the vision and artistry of local muralist Matt Halm, this mural serves as a welcoming beacon to the neighborhood — something to greet Good Shepherd’s patients, caregivers, neighbors and staff with warmth and inspiration.

“This mural is our love letter to the community. It celebrates people of all abilities living and thriving together. It reminds us that healing isn’t just clinical: it’s emotional, creative and collective,” said Good Shepherd Rehabilitation President & CEO Michael Spigel, PT, MHA. “With deep gratitude and great pride, Good Shepherd officially dedicates this mural to the people of South Allentown and to all who pass through our doors. May it continue to inspire hope, spark creativity and remind us that healing happens best when we do it together.”

Friday’s dedication event brought together local elected officials, Good Shepherd team members and community members to celebrate the artistry on display at 850 S. 5^th Street. Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Rep. Peter Schweyer, Rep. Mike Schlossberg and Gail Vivar, representing Sen. Nick Miller, all attended the event.

“This mural will last for years to come,” Halm said. “It’s a testament to accessibility.”

Alongside Halm, many hands helped shape the piece. A dedicated committee of volunteers from across Good Shepherd’s network shared ideas, offered inspiration and provided thoughtful feedback on draft concepts.

After finalizing the design, Good Shepherd hosted three community paint parties — one each on the Allentown, Bethlehem and Center Valley campuses — where patients, long-term care residents and staff picked up brushes and helped bring the mural to life. Halm attended all three parties, offering direction and working side-by-side with Good Shepherd’s community.

“Good Shepherd has been part of Allentown since 1908 when the Raker family founded the organization,” Spigel said. “In fact, Good Shepherd was founded on St John’s Street, just a few hundred feet from where we are standing. It was called the Good Shepherd Home for Orphans and Aged and provided a place for children and adults with disabilities a place to live. And from that day forward, this neighborhood has been our home.”