Meet Zac!

“Baking is not just a passion for me,” Zac said. “It’s therapy. It’s primarily why I do it, baking collects me.”

Zac is always in the kitchen cooking delicious food and sweet treats, including his famous cheesecake recipe with a variety of different flavors.

“When I turn the oven on and turn Miles Davis on, it's like a magnet that's pulling me from all the places I am into a centralized position.”

Before finding stability in the kitchen, Zac explained how he was navigating one of the most challenging chapters in his life. 

“I was homeless and sleeping in my car,” Zac said. “I didn’t trust anyone and was often bitter. From where I’m from, we didn’t talk about mental health. I didn’t want to acknowledge that I was having significant mental health challenges, but I knew what I was experiencing.”

Zac shared that his experience in the Navy was not only physically but psychologically challenging.

When Zac found Easterseals MORC nearly 16 years ago, he shared how he was guarded and carrying a great deal of anger. Once he experienced kindness from the staff, the walls slowly came down. Zac shared that he felt understood, respected, and comfortable to express himself.

“Easterseals MORC treated me like a human being and a person,” Zac said. “They showed me kindness. I’m very thankful for their patience and will be forever grateful they supported me where I was, at every point.”

One team member in particular, Dr. Duquette, an Adult Psychiatrist at Easterseals MORC, has made the greatest impact on the Navy veteran’s journey. 

“I’d like to thank Dr. Duquette,” Zac said. “Over the years, she has helped me in many ways. I owe her many thanks for helping me grow to where I am today.”

Reflecting on his journey, Zac credits both the people who believed in him and the resources that helped him build the skills and confidence to move forward. 

“Be open to growth and change,” Zac said. “Easterseals MORC has helped me manage my anxiety and anger challenges. They gave me a newfound hope to be able to pursue my passions. I discovered new opportunities to thrive, overcome obstacles, and work towards a brighter future.”