Guest Spotlight: Meet Graduate Mike

Mike has grown tremendously as a person over the past several years, and he credits the Lincoln Park Community Shelter as a positive influence in his life. The social support Mike received and continues to receive from LPCS has helped shaped the man he is today. Mike came to LPCS in 2002 (when his living situation became unhealthy and dangerous). After being hospitalized for depression several times, Mike looked to LPCS as the support he needed in his life. In addition to the moral and physical support he received, Mike took advantage of the resources and opportunities that LPCS offered him. Mike became a participant in the On Track Program, and with dedication and commitment, he found more stable and safe housing. LPCS staff helped Mike move into and organize the set up of his new apartment. When Mike graduated in 2004, he not only became a productive member of society, but he grew into a more complete individual and improved in numerous facets of his life. Once a very isolated person, Mike has shown a vast improvement in his social skills and has formed friendships with other LPCS guests and graduates, giving him the social support he once lacked.

Although Mike graduated from LPCS in 2004, he still takes full advantage of being a member of LPCS’ Graduate Community. Mike continues to utilize case management and other services, such as the food pantry, available for graduates. Mike is also regularly participates in cooking LPCS’ bi-monthly graduate dinner. With the help of LPCS and personal dedication, Mike has overcome a gambling addiction and has not been hospitalized since he graduated, utilizing new coping skills to successfully manage his depression. Grateful for the opportunities he’s had, LPCS has seen Mike give back to the graduate community. Not only is he a regular for graduate meals, Mike went above and beyond to lend a helping hand to a fellow graduate. When another graduate was dealing with a crisis, Mike offered to shelter and care for the graduate’s pet cat for an extended period of time. Mike is a glowing example of how graduates continue to give back to LPCS and the community. Nowadays Mike can enjoy the little things in life such as rooting for his favorite hometown team, the Chicago White Sox. Mike is also an avid movie buff and gets to enjoy going to weekly pre-screenings of movies. For Mike, LPCS continues to prove to be the social support he needs in order to grow into the caring person he is today.