Client Success Story: Denzell
One Day at a Time
Denzell smiling from his new apartment balcony.
Denzell is a man of many talents. He is one of those people who can light up a room with his smile. He has traveled the country providing his expertise and gained an online following along the way. But Denzell’s life was shrouded in strife because of his substance use.
“I got into drug dealing early. I got into gang banging early. I got into some trouble, drug-related, and I went to prison for four years,” Denzell said.
When Denzell was released from prison, he started sharing his story online. People started following along and asking for advice. Eventually, some began paying for his travel to come consult with them in person, which is what brought him to St. Louis.
“I got out of prison, and I got on a straight and narrow for a little bit,” Denzell said, “but I was becoming homeless. I could barely afford the Airbnbs I was in. I didn’t have a cell phone. I was using heavily. I was drinking heavily.”
The life Denzell was presenting online was slowly unraveling. When Denzell finally found himself without a place to stay, he realized he was homeless. “I had reached out to this person I had saw just walking up the street, and I’m like ‘hey, are there shelters?’ [and] they told me that I had to call this 211 number,” said Denzell.
That call brought Denzell to the Peter & Paul emergency shelter. Denzell was in the shelter for two months when the Jobs Program began. Now sober, he quickly earned the trust of staff and coworkers with his earnest and hardworking attitude.
“I went from working for [Peter & Paul] to like running the guys that worked here. I helped make this place what it is today. We’ve done a lot for this building, and I was a part of it, and I’m really, really grateful for that experience,” Denzell said.
Denzell now has an apartment in a sober living facility and works full-time. Reflecting on the past, Denzell said, “Now that I’m learning myself, I’m recognizing that all the dreams and aspirations I had growing up weren’t really my dreams and aspirations. They were the result of the environment I was in.”
“Peter & Paul Community Services helped me be to man that I am today,” Denzell said, “and if it wasn’t for Peter & Paul, then I probably wouldn’t be alive. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but I’m just taking it one day at a time, and that’s okay.”