At nearly 70 years old, Leon is learning how to imagine a future he once believed was out of reach.
For much of his life, survival came before stability. Growing up in Roxbury, Leon was exposed to alcohol and drugs at an early age, long before he had the tools or support to navigate them. Over time, cycles of incarceration and substance use shaped much of his adulthood. “I spent the majority of my time locked up in prison, from a juvenile all the way to adulthood,” Leon says.
After serving a 12-year federal sentence, Leon was released with a clear understanding of what he wanted — and what he could not afford to return to. “I need to stop this or I’m going to spend the rest of my life in prison,” he had told himself years earlier in 2016. That moment became the beginning of lasting change. When Leon returned to the community, he wasn’t just looking for a job. He was searching for purpose, education, and a path forward. “I was trying to find where I would best fit to find employment, get the right education,” he explains. “I want to become a drug counselor.” Not long after his release, Leon came to St. Francis House with a friend for a meal. What began as a simple visit quickly became something more.
While securing his St. Francis House ID, a staff member asked a question that would quietly shift everything: Had he ever heard of the Moving Ahead Program (MAP)? Leon followed the directions to the fourth floor, attended an information session, and interviewed. When he wasn’t initially accepted, he felt the disappointment but refused to give up. “I didn’t make it…but I was not going to stop there,” he says. Then came the call. That same week, Sophia, the Manager of MAP, reached out to let him know a spot had opened. Leon said yes without hesitation and began classes immediately. “Before that, I was praying, ‘God, please put me somewhere where You want me to be,’” Leon says. “And being here has been the best thing for me coming out of prison. Through MAP, Leon gained the tools he needed to move forward — workforce readiness, educational guidance, and the confidence to believe in himself again. “They gave me the tools I need to tackle the workforce,” he says, “helping me get into colleges and helping me navigate the funds I need to finish my education.”
Leon is also one of the first participants in our Studio Shine internship, St. Francis House’s new program offering real-world retail experience, leadership development, and professional growth. Studio Shine is our shelter’s professional clothing boutique, designed to helps guests prepare for interviews and new opportunities. Today, Leon plays a leadership role supporting others as they take steps toward employment. “When you can help people get dressed and see the smile on their face knowing they’re going to a job interview,” Leon says, “it just helps you.”
That instinct to give back began long before MAP. While incarcerated, Leon committed to recovery and supported fellow incarcerated men through fitness and mentorship. “For the nine years that I stayed clean, I was able to help people exercise,” he says. “Seeing them change their ways, I knew I was on my way to better things, too.” Today marks six months since Leon’s release. He now lives with his daughter, who will proudly attend his MAP graduation at the end of the month. Leon remains deeply connected to recovery, grounded in community, and focused on what comes next. “I know I’m going to get my drug counselor license,” Leon says. “I’m going to stay motivated, and I have St. Francis to help me do it.”
Reflecting on his journey, Leon pauses, then smiles. “It’s almost surreal,” he says. “I’m doing it. And I can do this.”
