Andrea – The Best is Yet to Come

Andrea, our Workforce Development senior trainee, is originally from Jamaica. When she moved to Boston at age 13, she and her family faced challenges in finding affordable housing. As a result, Andrea ended up in the foster care system.

“Once I got out of foster care, I moved in with my mother,” Andrea says. “She was in a more stable place housing-wise, but we weren’t getting along, and I had to move out. I was on my own after that. I ended up getting married a couple of years later and have a two-year-old son who lives with his father.”

When Andrea’s marriage failed, she became homeless. “I didn’t have any place to turn, so I came to the Women’s Inn,” Andrea says. “I’ve been here since August 2022, and I’m grateful to have a safe place to stay. I was also lucky to find out about iCater. I enjoy being a part of a team. I feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”

Andrea has proven to be a leader in her iCater training class. “I like watching the team grow,” Andrea says. “So much of being a good leader is passing on the training and tips that I’ve learned. Making sure that other trainees know that they’re valued and supported is also a big part of it.”

Andrea is working with Pine Street’s housing staff to find an apartment that would be suitable for her and her son. “I’m interested in going back to school to finish my B.A. in healthcare and business management so I can provide stability and a better life for me and my son. There have been hard times, but I feel like the best is yet to come.”