June: From the Desk of Stephanie Boyer, CEO of reStart

A Season of Milestones and New Beginnings 

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Here at reStart, we celebrate victories that are often quieter but just as powerful: the first key to a new home, a steady paycheck, a day free from addiction, or the simple but profound act of believing in a brighter future. These moments may not come with a marching band, but they are hard-earned triumphs that signal real, lasting change. 

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This month, we’re especially proud to celebrate one of those victories, a former resident who has “graduated” from reStart into permanent housing. Though he’s chosen to remain anonymous, his story is one of remarkable courage and resilience. 

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He described himself as an ordinary man, once surrounded by the comforts of a stable life: a job, a home, vehicles, and even a treasured comic book collection. But a workplace accident changed everything. A severe fall led to chronic pain, surgery, and ultimately, a reliance on pain medication that spiraled into addiction. 

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Over time, he lost everything, his home, his livelihood, and eventually, hope. He spent five long years on the streets, isolated and grieving the loss of his closest family member. 

But then, he chose a different path. 

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He entered rehab. He fought through recovery. And eventually, he found his way to reStart. “I’m blessed to have a place like reStart that gave me the outlet to get my life back together,” he told us. “I had to work for it—I was here for almost a year—but I believed things would change.” 

And they did.  

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He embraced every opportunity. He showed up for group sessions, worked closely with his counselors, and leaned into the support of our staff, especially Marisa, who he credits as a lifeline. After nearly ten months on a housing voucher waitlist, he received the call he’d been waiting for. Today, he has a home of his own and hope in his heart. 

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He’s now exploring IT certification to re-enter the workforce part-time, aligned with his physical needs and filled with promise. Most importantly, he walks forward with a renewed sense of purpose and ownership over his life. 

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“I have accountability for my actions,” he shared. “It’s important to own up to things—but also to work to make things better.” 

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His story reminds us of a deep truth we hold at reStart: no one is beyond hope. “Just because someone falls and loses his way doesn’t mean he is lost forever,” he said. And we couldn’t agree more. 

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To all those graduating this month, from classrooms, shelters, or seasons of struggle—your progress matters. Your journey is worth celebrating. And your strength is an inspiration to us all. 

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To our community of donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters, thank you. Your belief in second chances makes transformation possible. You are the reason reStart continues to provide the shelter, care, and community that lead people home. 

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Let’s keep celebrating these milestones. Let’s keep paving the way for brighter futures. 

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With deep gratitude, 
Stephanie Boyer 
CEO, reStart, Inc.