News  Brockton Support Center Participant Provides Free Haircuts at Local Homeless Shelters

Joao DePina, a licensed barber and life-long Brockton resident, travels to local homeless shelters in Brockton to provide free haircuts.

Mr. DePina, a former Brockton Community Justice Support Center client who was recently recognized at a ceremony for successfully transitioning from the program, said he cuts hair at the homeless shelters because he understands "the power addiction holds on people," especially after experiencing it himself.

"They don't tell you that those painkillers are going to result in addiction. The people at the homeless shelters suffer with addiction just like I did. They are all human beings.  I lost my marriage and my family. I am also sick and have to go to dialysis a couple of times a week. It takes a lot out of me; but, I try not to miss giving haircuts," Mr. DePina said.

He recently shared his experience of having his clippers taken when he accidentally left them behind. Mr. DePina said he was not able to provide the haircuts as he could not afford a new pair. Support Center staff members bought him a new pair and now, he’s “back in business.”

"The center has changed my life. Thanks to the center I am here talking and I want to get the message to other people. There is help and there is hope. You can push it and get it done. This place has an amazing program and support. If I can do it, you can do it," said Mr. DePina.

The Brockton Support Center, one of 18 statewide, provides treatment for substance use disorder, education and job training, and clinical case management to more than 500 people in the criminal legal system every week. Clients, who lack insurance, may also be enrolled in MassHealth at the centers.

“Seeing the progress and determination of the clients at the Center is the reason we do the work we do. Although we understand that setbacks and hurdles are inevitable, the resiliency demonstrated by the participants is remarkable,” said Angela Orlandi, Program Manager, who also credited her staff for their “dedication and impactful work.”

Mr. DePina continues to attend the center and use its services which are still available to those who have completed the program. The Brockton Community Justice Support Center, one of 18 statewide, provides treatment for substance use disorders, educational programming and job training, as well as clinical and behavioral case management to more than 500  justice-involved people