Lauren Mitchell — Building Community

Lauren Mitchell is an employment stabilization specialist (ESS) for Pine Street’s workforce development program. After completing their first eight weeks of either the iCater food services program or the housekeeping program, trainees are paired with an ESS like Lauren to help set them on a path for professional and personal success.

“I meet with each trainee individually to discuss what they want their career to look like,” says Lauren. “We get a holistic assessment of who this person is, the different facets of their life and help them find a job they will enjoy and help them achieve long-term stability.”

“I thrive by connecting with people and having conversations,” says Lauren, who pursued her passion at Northeastern University. “My innate interest in people led me to study human services and psychology and then join Pine Street Inn.”

“A lot of my classmates wanted to intern at Pine Street,” she continues, “which had a great reputation for being a successful non-profit with determined and motivated staff members. When I was searching for a job after graduation, I saw the organization was hiring. It was just a magical thing.”

“In my office, the relationships that we build offer a place where trainees feel supported, heard and hopeful,” says Lauren. “Trainees are willing to ask questions and advocate for themselves. To me, that shows they trust that someone will be eager to help.

“Everyone should have the right to reach for their dreams. It’s not always easy to reach out for help or even know where help is,” Lauren reflects. “Feeling like you’re supported and that there are people who want you to succeed is such a vital part of how Pine Street fosters community.”