Better Times Ahead
Michael C. is happiest when he’s working in Pine Street’s busy kitchen or enjoying a pint of ice cream in his new East Boston
apartment. Neither is a place he imagined he would be a year ago, when he showed up at Pine Street with nowhere else to turn.
Michael spoke about his journey during Pine Street’s
Spotlight on Success event, sharing how addiction pulled him away from his family and career, and how he is now taking steps to rebuild his life.
“I thought I was down for the count, but I also knew I needed to make changes,” he says. “I had put myself in this position and I needed to get myself out, but I needed help.”
Gulet, his Men’s Inn case manager, initially offered Michael comfort and support, and then celebrated with him when he moved into his new apartment in April. Michael is also exploring his interest in cooking and learning new skills through Pine Street’s food services training program.
Michael enjoys his work in the kitchen so much that he volunteered to work extra hours during this winter’s blizzard to prepare meals for all the extra guests and staff that weekend. He stayed for almost three days – leaving only to go find his nightly ice cream treat!
After graduating from the food services training program in May, Michael found a job with Legal Sea Foods and is thrilled to be putting his new skills to the test.
“Michael is pursuing his passion. I can see him succeeding,” says Kathleen Pena, a counselor at
IMPACT Employment Services who helped Michael with his job search.
“Everything has changed for me in such a positive way, I still can’t believe it,” says Michael. “There are invaluable resources available at Pine Street, you just need to use them!”
Running Toward Recovery
Stephen tackled the Boston Marathon and achieved a personal victory over addiction.
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What Does It Mean to Have a Home?
Watch as tenants from one of Pine Street's 36 housing locations share how supportive permanent housing is helping them regain their confidence and independence as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.
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What A Difference A Year Makes
Over the years, Barbara had held various administrative jobs, primarily in human resources. A college graduate, she was used to supporting herself. When Barbara was laid off during the economic downturn, she managed to get by on her unemployment benefits, while continuing to look for work. Then her unemployment ran out. Without a safety net, Barbara lost her housing and wound up in the Women’s Inn at Pine Street.
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