Lauren Schmidt — Changing Lives

A familiar face to many at Pine Street, Lauren Schmidt is program manager for the workforce development team. Lauren first served as Pine Street’s senior manager of volunteer programs from 2018 to 2021, following her time in the Peace Corps and at a New York City nonprofit focused on HIV prevention and housing.

Pine Street’s mission to provide safe, stable housing with support struck a deep chord with Lauren. After earning her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University, she
returned to Pine Street in June 2024 to oversee job training programs in housekeeping and food services.

“Our trainees are so resilient,” Lauren says. “It’s incredible to witness their transformation from when they first enter the program to when they graduate. Seeing them succeed is
the most rewarding part of the job.”

While there are many rewards, Lauren acknowledges that managing the demands of the job can be challenging. “There are never enough hours in the day,” she admits, “but the team always finds a way to get the work done.”

For Lauren, workforce development is about more than just training — it’s about changing lives. “Every person deserves a place to call home, a dignified job and access to the
resources they need, regardless of their circumstances,” Lauren says. “Our trainees are among the most driven people I’ve met. After 24 weeks of training, they’re ready to launch their new careers. I’m proud of the entire team’s efforts to help make that happen.”