“St. Patrick Center is a blessing to me. They helped me to get back on my feet and realize that I want to do better for myself.”

For Shanette, challenges came early in life when she was diagnosed with a mental illness before the age of 20. She had troubles with family and work, which led to her homelessness. As her church was assisting her with food and clothing, someone recommended that she come to St. Patrick Center.

Shanette made the best of her time at St. Patrick Center, listening to case managers, praying and adjusting her behaviors. With the help of BJC, she received much-needed medication to help her stay mentally healthy. She took advantage of programs that were offered to her, including BEST and Shamrock. After that, Shanette graduated from the City Seeds Urban Farm program. She is now a familiar face in the Shamrock Club, working part-time doing laundry, washing dishes and whatever else is needed. “I want to give back, so I go above and beyond to meet their needs.”

Shanette was so proud of what she accomplished in her life that she brought her parents to St. Patrick Center to show them around! She was living with them at the time, and knew that she wanted to move to her own place. With the help of her case managers, Shanette moved into Washington Avenue Apartments a few months ago. “I love my home! I’ve got a big space with bed, couch and TV, and I’m close to my job at St. Patrick Center.”

In making the change in her life (including losing 35 pounds!), Shanette says it helped to look back at her childhood and remember her accomplishments. “I learned that if I could do those things, then I could do anything. I learned that I was strong and could overcome my mental illness.”