At just 43 years of age, Juan Barnett has already led a full and at times, tough life. He’s had some major ups and downs, but he has always maintained a sense of humility, compassion and caring for others. And that’s why he feels so at home at Poverello.

Juan, a native of Brooklyn, overcame adversity in his early years and eventually earned his GED. From there he went to college, worked as a barber, helped a friend promote a clothing line, and assisted with promotional events for New York’s HOT97-FM. In 2010 he moved to south Florida to be closer to family. But it wasn’t long before Juan found himself caring for his step-brother, who was in the final stages of a severe form of cancer. His brother’s passing this past December affected him deeply, and reinforced his desire to do what he could to help others afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.

Again facing adversity in his life, Juan ended up at the House of Hope, a social service facility in Fort Lauderdale that helps men in need transition back into society. It was there that he and Poverello found each other. Poverello was providing clothing to the men at the House of Hope, and they in turn were providing volunteers to work at Poverello. Juan began by volunteering for two hours a week, which quickly turned into eight hour days. He was immediately taken by the caring and humility of the many volunteers he met and worked with, and by the support that they gave to him and to each other. As he put it: “I have always been a very caring and compassionate person, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this is where I wanted to be. I already feel like I’m a better person because of my experience at Poverello.”

Because of the hard work and dedication to the mission of Poverello that he displayed as a volunteer, the Poverello Center helped Juan find a position that put him on the path to a rewarding and productive life caring for those in need. It just so happened that when a position recently opened, Juan was the most qualified choice to fill the position in facilities maintenance at Poverello.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

                                                                                                                                                -Mahatma Gandhi