On a recent trip through South Florida, Lindsey Bressi, the Nonprofit Relationship Manager at ReEmployAbility, had the opportunity to visit several of the organization’s nonprofit partners. These visits provided insights into the missions supported by injured workers participating in light-duty assignments through the Transtion2Work® program.
One of those organizations Lindsey visited was The Lord’s Place, which is celebrating 45 years of providing critical services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Her time on-site offered a closer look at the meaningful work happening behind the scenes and the important role Transition2Work participants play in supporting the organization’s mission.
In the past year alone, The Lord’s Place served 2,198 clients, provided housing to 451 families, and prepared 63,744 meals at its Joshua Café. With 15 service locations across Palm Beach County, the organization works to reach as many people as possible.
During her visit, Lindsey toured the Fortin Family Campus, one of the locations where Transition2Work participants contribute to daily operations. The campus—a relatively new space designed to be warm and welcoming, is open to the public Monday through Friday.
“This is a place for people to stay during the day when they don’t have anywhere else to go,” explained Jasper Araujo, a representative of the nonprofit. “It’s really the only place in the county where people can be who they are, without restrictions, and without having to pay anything. Many places have changed their access rules for the homeless. Here, people can get out of the elements and have access to basic human necessities—running water, restrooms—things many take for granted.”
As they walked through the campus, Jasper highlighted the wide range of programs offered including pro‑social activities like board games and weekly Bingo, tutoring and literacy support, Dress for Success, Legal Aid, outreach services, social work, job training, employment readiness, and life‑skills courses. The Lord’s Place also operates housing facilities throughout the county, creating a continuum of care for those working to rebuild their lives.
Jasper then brought Lindsey to Joshua Café, a program launched in 1995 to provide restaurant‑style meals and a welcoming dining experience. The café serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and its chefs are clients enrolled in the organization’s job‑training program.
One Transition2Work participant, Joseph, currently supports the Café staff while on light‑duty.
“Joseph is great,” Jasper shared. “He handles so many of the small but essential tasks that keep this place running smoothly. When other volunteers arrive, they can jump right into serving clients because Joseph has already prepared everything. Having him here has been amazing.”
Joseph added, “I enjoy being here and doing what I can. I’m able to work within my restrictions while also serving my community.”
During her visit, Lindsey joined Joseph for the lunch shift, putting on a matching apron as he walked her through his daily responsibilities. These included rolling silverware, setting tables, brewing fresh coffee, mixing lemonade, refilling carafes, and keeping the ice bin stocked. Throughout the shift, Joseph moved with purpose, always anticipating the next need and ensuring volunteers had what they required to serve guests efficiently. When tasks were complete, he scanned the café to ensure every client had been greeted or served, encouraging Lindsey to offer refills and connect with diners.
“I don’t know what we would do without Joseph,” the Café Manager, Kim, told Lindsey. “He has been really, really wonderful. I wish we had ten of him!”
Lindsey reflected on the experience, noting how meaningful it was to see firsthand the impact Transition2Work participants have on nonprofits they support. “It’s really inspiring to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities and how they are impacting the community and supporting their nonprofit’s programs,” Lindsey stated. “I enjoy being able to give back in my own way, and this was an incredible way to see the mission firsthand.”
That afternoon, Lindsey, Joseph, and the rest of the volunteer team served a three-course meal to 134 individuals. As Lindsey looked around the full dining room—filled with conversation, warmth, and connection— she felt a renewed appreciation for the organization’s work.
“I’m glad to know this organization is here for those in need,” Lindsey shared, “and I’m proud that our Transition2Work participants play a part in that.”