One of the requirements for staying at the Congress Street house was meaningful activity, including regular volunteer work.

McLaughlin began helping out at Preble Street. Preble Street assists area residents who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. After a month at Preble Street, kitchen manager Sue Ellen Sevigny suggested that McLaughlin work there full time.

"Part of our recovery program is accepting that the next right thing will be revealed to you," says McLaughlin. "I had the feeling this was where I was supposed to be."