The Story of a Graduate - Zyg

Graduate Trip to Washington, D.C. (Zyg is third from the left)

My name is Zyg Dabrowski. I have been a father, a brother, and a son for most of my life. I have raised one daughter and two sons very successfully; I am so proud of all three of them. I am sixty years old and a devout Catholic all week long. God is always in my life. Still, my life has not been an easy one.

HVAC – Refrigeration had been my trade for about 35 years, however because of the arthritis in my legs that is has caused over time, I cannot do it anymore. About 9 years ago, I took a job in Florida with a government contractor. After three destructive hurricanes, common sense told me to leave and be close to my family again. After many attempts to find work around Chicago, I discovered there were no jobs for people in their late 50s.

With no money and family help running out, homelessness became the only option. My brother told me about the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. With all my pride now gone, I asked LPCS for help and they were there for me. After several weeks of waiting for a bed to become available, they finally had a space for me.

They brought me back to being human. They gave me structure to follow, a roof over my head, and food to eat. There was medical help and the ability to go to church as well.

As a Guest, it was apparent to all of us that LPCS had the support of the Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church community and many other groups through the many volunteers we saw preparing dinner, packing sack lunches, and staying overnight.

I was able to stay four and a half months until I located a studio apartment. When I moved out, they helped me with a CTA pass and referrals for medical help. I couldn’t have done this myself. There is no other place like LPCS in the city.

Today, I’m on social security disability and trying to give back to the community. I wake up with the want and desire to help others.

Thanks for listening to my story.