More Than a Job: Joan Henderson’s 20 Years of Compassion and Commitment at Nazareth Family Shelter

Over the past twenty years, Catholic Charities Boston’s Nazareth Family Shelter in Roxbury has provided a temporary home to hundreds of families in transition – single mothers seeking stability for their children, immigrants who have travelled thousands of miles for a safe place to sleep, babies, teenagers, and senior citizens in need of a support system.  

From behind the scenes, Direct Care Worker Joan Henderson, has quietly witnessed it all: for the past two decades, she has worked overnight shifts at Nazareth, providing security surveillance, supporting resident needs, and ensuring the shelter runs smoothly, night in and night out. Joan says she has also served as a Stabilization Case Manager, supporting families in the critical 18-month period after they transition out of Nazareth. 

Despite her humble spirit, anyone who has ever lived or worked at the shelter knows who Joan is.  

“Joan is a kind, sweet, amazing person who I am glad to have as part of my team,” said Ruby Brown, Program Manager at Nazareth. “And let’s not forget her dedication making those festive sweet potato pies each year for the residents and staff that we anxiously await.”  

Whether it’s offering words of encouragement from behind her desk, or spreading cheer around the holidays, Joan says her goal is to ensure that each resident who steps through the front door of Nazareth knows that they are not alone. 

“Even though I work nights, I still get a chance to talk with the residents and get to know each of them individually,” she said. “I have residents tell me how I lift their spirits up. I tell them, ‘You all lift my spirits up as well.’” 

Joan not only finds joy in learning about residents and their unique cultural backgrounds but also in sharing her own story as a beacon of hope. 

“I was homeless myself,” she says. “People become homeless for all different reasons. It doesn’t mean you are a bad person. You just have bad circumstances right now. I tell residents, ‘I own my own home now.’ I tell them to keep their head up and believe.” 

While the shelter itself is only a stepping stone for families in need, Joan says she remains in touch with countless residents to this day, including those who moved out two decades ago. Over the years, she has attended residents’ graduation ceremonies, birthday parties, church services, and more.  

Joan says there is no greater gift than witnessing the joy and relief that washes over residents’ faces when they’ve succeeded in their goals and achieved what they once thought was impossible. One such story Joan says she’ll never forget is of a single mother and her 15-year-old son who moved into Nazareth shortly after she first started the job.   

“I remember this young man said to me, ‘One day, I’m going to buy my mom her own house,’” Joan recalled. “He was a hard worker and went on to invite me to his high school and college graduations. Years later, I received a letter in the mail from him sharing that he had bought his mother a home and is now working in the medical field.”  

Joan says it is these kinds of full-circle moments that have kept her at Catholic Charities for so many years.  

While some nights on the job are quiet, Joan says she has never for a moment doubted the importance of her role. Beyond her job description, she is a listening shoulder, a calm, steady presence for those who find themselves in uncertain times, and a testament that resilience and faith pay off. 

“I remember there was one resident who had a child who was autistic, and one evening she stopped by my desk and said, ‘I just want to thank you for being alert and awake every night to make sure my son is always safe,’” Joan said. “That meant a lot to me.” 

Joan recently celebrated her 20-year anniversary at Catholic Charities Employee Milestone event. As she approaches her 75th birthday, she says people often ask her: ‘When are you going to retire?’ 

“I tell them, ‘I’ll retire when God says it’s time to retire,’” Joan says with a smile. “I love my job, and it makes me happy to help other people.” 

To learn more about how you can support clients at Nazareth Family Shelter, and other families in need, visit our Ways to Give page.