Anthony — Ready to Give Back

“Pine Street Inn never turned their back on me.” That support gave Anthony the strength to rebuild his life.

Growing up in Roxbury, Anthony took on the immense responsibility of fatherhood at just 15 years old. Determined to support his family, he found work wherever he could, including restaurants and odd jobs.

“It was a difficult time,” Anthony recalls. “I was young and working a lot, which was stressful. I separated from my wife and wasn’t dealing with my emotions,” Anthony says. “I became depressed and started using drugs as a way to cope.”

By his mid-twenties, substance use became a serious problem. He lost jobs and ran into legal trouble. After finding some stability in 2018, everything unraveled again in 2021. “I lost my job and housing,” Anthony says. “I didn’t have anywhere else to stay, so I turned to Pine Street for help.”

Anthony stayed in the Men’s Inn shelter for two years, where staff supported him on his road to recovery. “Staff connected me with a substance use treatment program, and I moved into a sober living facility. I’ve been in recovery for almost a year now. It’s become the most important thing in my life.”

In late 2024, Anthony returned to Pine Street to join the iCater food services job training program. “The iCater program has been an important part of my recovery. I learned kitchen skills, how to work as part of a team, and financial literacy,” shares Anthony. “The real benefit has been the support of caring staff. They supported me in the program when I faced challenges, and helped me find a great job in catering when I finished my training.”

Now 61, Anthony is focused on giving back to the community. “When I needed help, Pine Street was there for me,” he says. “I want to be able to give back to the community by volunteering to help others who are struggling. I don’t want people to make the same mistakes I did.”