We Built This City2

PJ Bell is an exceptional Recovery Coach in the City of Malden, making a profound impact on the local recovery community. He provides unwavering support and guidance to individuals facing substance use, mental health challenges, and reentry after incarceration. PJ goes above and beyond his job, being a consistent and compassionate presence for those in need. He meets people where they are, offering hope, harm reduction tools, and genuine honesty. PJ supports all pathways to recovery, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique. Whether it’s providing assistance with detox, advocating in court, or simply offering a listening ear, PJ leads with his heart and exemplifies true community care. As a bridge between systems and individuals, PJ reaches out to those who often go unnoticed and helps them move forward in their recovery. His humility, resilience, and tireless advocacy have positively impacted countless lives, all without seeking recognition. PJ Bell is a true everyday hero, contributing to the growth and well-being of the city one person at a time.

My friend lauretta works on the front lines everyday helping people in recovery. She works at an outpatient program in South Boston and her role is to help her clients find work. Lauretta does her job very well. She makes resumes, does groups on job searching, but lauretta does so much more than that. For instance one of the men forgot their phone, she’s driving it to his house. Another client said in her group that he wanted a Spanish Bible so he could read it. She got him the Bible and dropped it off at his house also today. He didn’t even know she got it for him. Lauretta is the person everyone goes to in our apartment building. She always has a smile no matter what’s going on in her personal life which hasn’t been easy. She recently was shot in her foot this past December in an act of gun violence. This put her out of work. She couldn’t walk for 5 months. You would never know it. She’s back to work helping others stay sober and find employment . I don’t know how she does it. But I do know that lauretta definitely deserves recognition and a reward. Besides getting shot she recently had an operation on her neck she had a mass removed. Lauretta is a single mom. Her sons dad died about 10 years ago. She also has a twin brother who passed away 3 before her sons dad. She lost her other brother in 1999, her mom in 1985(she was 17 years old), and her dad back in 1986. Lauretta has had tremendous loss in her life but she doesn’t let it keep her down, she’s a great mom, friend, employee, advocate for her clients, teacher, and I can’t think of anyone else who deserves the reward as much as she does. Thank you for your consideration.

I nominate David for his dedication and love for his job in the skilled trades. He embodies the qualities of a hardworking blue-collar union worker. Thank you for considering him.

I am excited to nominate Local 7 iron worker Dave Donovan for his outstanding dedication and commitment to his craft. In addition to being a skilled and experienced iron worker, Dave will soon celebrate 25 years of sobriety this July. He has used his personal journey to help and support others in the union who may be struggling with similar challenges, going above and beyond to assist them in finding sobriety meetings, rehab facilities, and sober living arrangements. Dave’s selfless actions and positive impact on his colleagues have not gone unnoticed, as he is described by many as a kind and compassionate individual. He does all of this not for recognition or praise, but because he believes in living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Dave is also a proud father and husband, making him a true role model both on and off the job site.