Shayne — Seeing the Good Again

Family has always been at the center of Shayne’s life. “It was me, my mother, father and two sisters,” he says. “We were a close unit.”

When Shayne was 19, his father passed away. “Substance use has always been a part of our family’s story — including how we lost my father,” he says quietly.

In the years that followed, Shayne tried to keep moving. He found work as a manager at Dunkin’ — his first taste of the food service world — but grief followed him. “I didn’t know how to handle it, so I turned to substances to cope,” Shayne shares.

After years of struggle, Shayne’s family helped him find his way into treatment. It was there he began to imagine a different life for himself — and discovered iCater, Pine Street Inn’s culinary job training program. iCater gave Shayne something he hadn’t had in years: structure, purpose and the chance to grow. Each week brings something new — from learning knife techniques to trying foods he never expected to like. “We recently made carrot juice, which I thought I would hate,” he laughs. “But it was delicious!”

Beyond the skills, the work itself feels meaningful. “I enjoy preparing meals for guests at Pine Street’s shelters,” Shayne says. “It feels good to give back.”

Now nearing one year in recovery, Shayne is focused on showing up — to work and to the family who never gave up on him. “My mother and sisters are also in recovery,” he shares. “We stay strong for each other.”

“I’m seeing all the good coming out of my hard work,” Shayne reflects. “For the first time in a long time, I feel proud of where I am.” And for Shayne, that’s everything.