James S. — “I’m Excited for What My Life Can Be”

James is a trainee in our housekeeping training program. He is also a survivor of addiction and abuse.

“I grew up in Dorchester as part of a great family,” James says. “As a child, I was abused by a so-called family friend, but I kept it all bottled up inside. I was ashamed and felt like it was my fault.”

“I first discovered drugs in my 20’s,” James says. “I got hooked on pain killers after I was injured in a forklift accident at my construction job. I quickly found out that the drugs not only numbed my physical pain, but also my emotional trauma from the abuse. Eventually, I turned to heroin — it was easier to get and less expensive.”

James continues, “I was an addict for several years, got into recovery, but then relapsed at the start of the pandemic. That’s when my family asked me to leave and I became homeless.”

“When I was homeless, I felt like no one cared about me. That changed when I came to the Men’s Inn. The staff there are incredible. I’ve received addiction counseling and have been connected to a therapist through Pine Street. You can tell how much the staff cares.”

James also learned about Pine Street’s housekeeping training program. “I started the program to learn new career skills and as a way to stay sober,” James says. “The program has been such a positive experience for me and has helped me turn my life around.”

“I’ve learned so much in the housekeeping program,” James says. “The instructors there are amazing and everyone is so positive. I’ve learned job skills, financial literacy, and how to work well with others.”

“I just started a job at a restaurant, and I’m looking for housing now. For the first time in many years, I’m excited for what my life can be.”