Bruce Johnson is accused of embezzling $3,200 from the Beacon Rescue Mission in Dunn.
Amos Love said Johnson, a former employee, took the money and then disappeared.
"Instead of looking forward to the future we will have to figure out how to survive the summer," Love said.
Sheila Johnson reported her son missing last month after friends went to his apartment and found a cake with a knife stuck through it and a threatening note demanding money.
Police believe Johnson is living out of a car in the Goldsboro area.
Detectives have not charged him with a crime, but he is the only suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Dunn Police Department at (910) 892-2716.
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