Ulele Restaurant, on the River Walk gives a lift up to one of our Veterans.
Brent Boerst served in the United States Marine Corps for over three years. During his active duty, he was honored with a Marksman Rifle Badge. After he was discharged, he worked odd jobs until circumstances changed and he found himself homeless earlier this year. Brent was homeless for three months when he came for help from our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program in Hillsborough County.
With the Society of St. Vincent de Paul South Pinellas, Inc. SSVF Program’s help, he was placed at the Salvation Army, where he lived for three months, until he secured permanent housing through our program.
Brent began his employment at Ulele in April of this year. He is a cook with the Tampa restaurant at 1810 North Highland Avenue. He has been embraced as family with the owners and staff of Ulele, the staff cares for each other like family. His Sous Chef, Kelly Fletcher spoke so passionately about helping Brent and how he has advanced. Chef Fletcher called him his “Go to guy.”
Brent enjoys his work and his co-workers, and is proud of his successes. He should be, he has earned his advances in the kitchen. He contributes his success to working for Ulele, “It’s like my home”.
Brent is currently housed in an apartment in Tampa and is gainfully employed.
This is just one of our many success stories made possible through the hard work our SSVF Program Case Managers.