After leaving prison, Michelle transferred from Phoenix House to Our House on March 10, the day before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. “It has to be a miracle that I got in right before everything shut down,” she states. Because of the low number of residents at the time, Michelle formed close bonds with the other women of her dorm quickly and made a home at Our House.
She quickly got connected with the Career Center! Through the Career Center and the Re-Entry Program, Michelle joined the job training program in the Resale Store, where her personable personality shined. She received resources from her case manager, Ben, about expunging her record and fighting any lawsuits that may come her way. While Michelle was in the program, she used the savings program to “help her get back on her feet.” She also worked with Housing Case Manager, Hazel, to find resources and steady housing. That work led her to Jericho Way and the brand-new duplex she shares with another former Our House client, James.
Right now, Michelle is utilizing her people-skills as an administrative assistant at a large logistics plant! She also hopes to start volunteering once it’s safe to do so because Our House was such a blessing for her.