| 'The last job I had was as a cook at Shoney's,' said Anthony Luster, a former heroine addict who has worked his way through the ranks at the Durham Rescue Mission and now holds a job in the mission's donor relations office. As Luster entered donor information into the computer, he recalled the seven years he spent in prison, mostly for stealing to support his drug habit. 'My whole life revolved around drugs, and getting money to do drugs. I was sleeping on the streets, eating out of the dumpsters. Prison was a step up for me.' Luster, 53, came to the shelter in January 2006. When he finishes his 2-year apprenticeship at the donor office, he could be considered for a full-time job with the mission. 'I've never done this before, but I'm so thankful for this opportunity,' said Luster. 'This place has been a blessing for me.' The Durham Rescue Mission is Durham's oldest and largest shelter, providing a safe home, counseling and vocational training to approximately 175 people each day. |
