Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Several dozen students graduated from the Pine Street Inn's Workforce Development Program Friday.
The program helps advance the organization's mission to end homelessness by training people for jobs in the food and hospitality services.
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"Sometimes they ask people like me to come to say some inspiring words," said Governor Maura Healey, Friday's keynote speaker. "That’s not what this is about. You guys are the inspiration. You inspire all of us. You give us hope."
1 of 4 Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
2 of 4 Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
3 of 4 Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
4 of 4 Photo: Suzanne Sausville/WBZ NewsRadio
Postal worker Taji W. also delivered a speech, telling his fellow graduates that the Pine Street Inn was the best thing to ever happen to him.
"We are all here today because we have decided to make a positive difference in our lives," Taji said. "Many of us, including myself, had to overcome obstacles like job loss, homelessness, and addiction."
Tai Irwin, an employment and stabilization specialist at Pine Street Inn, told WBZ NewsRadio that he would not let himself cry during the graduation ceremony.
"The time that that I cry is when I get the email that says, 'I just completed my first day on the job,'" Irwin said.
WBZ's Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.
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