“St. Patrick Center was the best first step that I took when I got out of prison. They helped me come out of my shell and find out I am a good person.”

Lois Mueller became homeless when a 17-year relationship ended. At the age of 47, she didn’t want to go home to Mom and Dad, so she chose the streets, and got into the drug scene. That life landed her in prison, where she had an eye-opening experience working in the sewing factory.

“I was working for 50 cents an hour and doing just fine without drugs,” Lois says. “I realized that I no longer needed drugs to function, so I knew I would be able to get a job making more money once I got out into the real world.”

Through the prison system, Lois learned about St. Patrick Center and Project REACH. Case managers helped her find a part-time job. Today, she works full time for the same company, as a truck driver, and loves her job and work team.

Lois lives with her Mom, whom she calls her best friend. She enjoys her family, and facilitates a support group for ex-offenders. “I’m a different person,” Lois adds. “This is the best I’ve felt about myself in the longest time.”