Venice M. — Starting a New Life

Venice, a trainee in Pine Street’s food services job training program, loves to cook. She came to Boston from Jamaica in 2021 looking for a better life. When she arrived, Venice stayed with a friend as she looked for work.

“Back home, I was always working,” Venice says. She soon discovered that she needed certain documents to be eligible to work in the U.S. Venice sought help from Greater Boston Legal Services for help with the necessary documentation.

While she looked for work, Venice’s living situation changed and she found herself on the streets. “Someone I met while living on the streets told me to check out Pine Street. I came here and learned about the food service job training program. I’ve been passionate about cooking since I was a child, so I wanted to start as soon as possible,” says Venice.

“Cooking calms me,” Venice shares. “It brings back memories of cooking for my family. I’ve learned so much in the program. Everyone at Pine Street has been helpful. They ask us about our goals, and the trainees are so supportive of each other.”

Venice is currently staying with a friend and looking for housing of her own. She is graduating from the training program and says, “It feels great to be graduating. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I look forward to what the future holds.”