Wilbert's Story

Wilbert carries a folded up index card in his wallet to help him remember the things he promised himself over a year ago. The card has goals that have been accomplished, with the exception of one, but he intends to keep the card just the same.

He talks about being homeless for about two years and how a friend told him about Park Center. “At first I felt embarrassed about my situation, but Park Center changed my way of thinking,” he says. “I keep going every day to meetings and listen to people. I tell them all that I’m here if they need me."

His change of thinking has definitely paid off for him. When he first came to Park Center, Wilbert lived in one of PC’s Safe Havens and is now living in Independent Housing. He worked in the Environmental Unit at Park Center East and learned the skills he needed to work toward getting a job in the community. “I like Dewayne (PC East Environmental Coordinator). He showed me how to do my job and didn’t bug me,” Wilbert says with a grin. “I enjoy working with Wilbert because he has a wonderful attitude and his smile seems to make people around him happy,” says Dewayne. “He is a delight to work with and I wish him the greatest success."

When Wilbert felt more confident, he talked to Park Center’s Employment team about applying for a job. Since January of 2009, he has been employed by Park Center North preparing lunch and keeping the coffee flowing for the members. “Wilbert always wants the members to have a hot, satisfying lunch every day. He took the time to find out what everyone’s likes and dislikes were and became involved in planning the meals,” says Jill, PC North Coordinator. “He is even willing to come in on his day off to help us when we go to the food bank or do other tasks when we need him."

The Employment team recently helped Wilbert secure an evening job at Goodwill Industries. “One of the things I especially like about Wilbert is that he encourages other members to stay focused,” says Dionne, PC Vocational Specialist. “He does not complain when things don't go his way and he really cares about his Park Center friends."

Wilbert says he is looking forward to having his days free to socialize with Park Center members and continue to go to recovery meetings before he goes to work in the evenings. “I want everybody to know if I can do it, they can too."

That folded up index card in Wilbert’s wallet represents where he was at the beginning of his journey. Judging from the way he has moved forward in a year, there’s every reason to believe Wilbert can continue to achieve his recovery goals, as he encourages others to do the same.