He said his budget is a lot better now, and he has some extra money at the end of the month for things he needs and enjoys. She also sends him home from his visits with a large container of rice, beans and chicken. With Nennia’s encouragement, he quit spending money on fast food breakfast and lunch every day, bought himself a coffee maker and packs his lunch. Twice a month George takes a train out to Worcester to visit his daughter Nennia and six grandchildren ages of 9 months to 9 years old. Isabelle is “a very hard working woman” who is very outgoing and funny and likes to dress well. “If I can do it,” says George, “you can do it!” Wanting to give back, George makes a contribution from his paycheck to the United Way and designates his gift to youth programs, and is looking for a volunteer opportunity to mentor troubled youth. He moved to Boston to make a change, and is extremely grateful for Caritas for “opening the door” for him and being a big part of his success. George grew up in a poor housing development in Worcester, and ended up making some “very bad decisions” causing “mental and emotional stress” for himself and his loved-ones. He enjoys a nice community of co-workers and loyal customers who ask for him by name. He proudly shares that he earned “Team Member of the Month” award twice in the past three years. He takes a 40 minute bus ride, arrives early every day, and has never missed a day of work without a doctor’s note. He takes pride as a valued employee at Target, where he works in the stock room and helps out as a Spanish translator when needed. The most important things to him are his family, his job, and his small apartment where he has lived for 2 years. When talking to George, it quickly becomes clear that he likes to keep things simple and maintains a positive attitude.

George Guzman, Allston resident, in front of Target where he has been a valued employee for three years. The Bill Moore House 76 Norwood Street.

Brian osborne lcsw