Pine Street Inn graduates embrace change

06/24/09Nearly 150 proud diplomates at Pine Street Inn's 2009 commencement ceremony took to stage to receive their diplomas Tuesday, partaking in the traditional pomp and circumstance, despite the rain, and the non-traditional road that many overcame to get there.

Now in its 10th year, the job training program graduation ceremony at Pine Street Inn, New England's largest provider of emergency shelter and job training for homeless people, spelled hope for the many adults who completed the programs. Friends and family of graduates, as well as supportive community members and former Pine Street residents attended the ceremony.

The degrees were awarded for three different job training programs: culinary arts, or food service, building maintenance, and a program called STRIVE (Support and Training Result in Valuable Employees), which prepares men and women for the workforce, teaching professionalism and customer service.

Surrounded by his own supporters, Benny Hicks, who only came to Pine Street Inn within the last few months, felt "proud" and "grateful" for the training, which he said affirmed his new direction in life: forward.





Keynote speaker and three-time Harvard graduate Dr. Rev. Ray Hammond, acknowledged the listeners, saying "You have stopped being a victim, and have stood up to become a victor."

"Everything for you has become a possibility," he said "and we honor you."

Pine Street Inn executive director Lyndia Downie called graduation day her "favorite of the year," despite bittersweet goodbyes she must say to most who leave the ceremony, and Pine Street, for other horizons.





Pine Street Inn provides long and short-term housing to more than 1,300 people daily. The men and women who walk through Pine Street's doors are provided with food, clothing, health care and friendship.

For many at Tuesday's ceremony, the graduation marked the beginning of the end to their long affiliation with Pine Street. Joseph, who did not want to give his last name, said it's a big hill to climb, but he is determined.