From addiction to achievement: 41-year-old man finds new purpose at STCC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A chance encounter at the YMCA turned out to be a life-changing moment for Corey L. Houston.

In a hallway at the Y one day, Houston ran into John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“I was at the gym, and my spirit said, ‘You need to talk to somebody here,’” Houston recalled. “And my spirit guided me straight to John.”

Houston introduced himself and shared the story of his nonprofit, Breaking the CORE (Connecting Our Real Energy), which supports people recovering from addiction and reentering society. Then, he revealed something personal: Despite being close to 40 years old and turning his life around, he never received his high school diploma.

Doleva was struck by Houston’s openness and resilience. “He stops me and says, ‘Excuse me, sir, can I tell you what I’m doing?’ And he starts to tell me about his nonprofit and how he wants to help people struggling with addiction,” Doleva said.

They would meet for lunch to talk. “After a couple of sit-down meetings, he shared his whole story,” Doleva said.

Doleva offered guidance on marketing and organizing a nonprofit – but perhaps more importantly, he encouraged Houston to go back to school. At first, Houston doubted himself.

“There’s no way,” Houston remembered saying. “I’m not good at math. I’m going to fail.”

But he didn’t.

With determination and support, Houston enrolled in the Springfield Adult Learning Center at Springfield Technical Community College to take classes to prepare for his high school equivalency diploma. He obtained his high school equivalency credential on Oct. 18, 2024.

Don’t be ashamed of your past. Don’t let it define you. Go within, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Corey Houston, Graduate of the adult education program at STCC

“I get emotional talking about it,” Doleva said while attending a graduation ceremony for Houston and other members of the Class of 2025. “Here he is today, a graduate. It’s a metaphor for his future – that there’s nothing that can stop this kid.”

Houston, now 41, brimmed with pride at the adult education graduation ceremony at STCC on June 26 as he picked up his certificate of completion. With 86 students earning certificates, the Class of 2025 was the largest in recent history. Seated in the auditorium, Doleva applauded for his friend and mentee as Houston crossed the stage.

“I feel beyond amazing to be here tonight,” Houston said before the ceremony. “Unfortunately, my parents can't be here physically, but they’re watching over me. It’s just an amazing feeling.”

Born in Roxbury, Houston faced hurdles. His father died when Houston was two. His mother died when he was 12. He spent much of his life entangled in trauma, mental health struggles, addiction, and the criminal justice system – including time behind bars for charges that were later dropped. He says today he has no record after multiple felonies were expunged.

A few years after his release from prison in 2018, Houston moved to Springfield to focus on recovery. He got sober and launched Breaking the CORE, drawing on his lived experience to help others find community, unity, and survival.

He serves as a member of the Hampden Sheriff’s Department’s All-Inclusive Support Services (AISS) program, where he received leadership awards. He also remains active in Springfield, serving on community boards.

According to the Hampden Sheriff’s Department, Houston is an all-star within its AISS program.

“Corey is a powerful example of someone who refused to be defined by adversity. He’s a testament to what can be achieved through determination, tenacity, and grace,” said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “The fact that he’s now paying it forward is truly inspiring to everyone who crosses his path.”

Gladys Franco, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development and administrator for the Springfield Adult Learning Center at STCC, praised Houston’s transformation.

“Corey’s story shows us what’s possible when someone is given support, guidance, and a second chance,” Franco said. “He represents the spirit of our adult education program at STCC. No matter your past, you can build a new future. We’re incredibly proud to be part of his journey.”

Now two years sober, Houston leads peer groups at his halfway house. He enrolled in STCC’s Social Media Strategy and Design certificate program in the spring 2025 semester. He joined STCC’s MILE program. The Male Initiative for Leadership and Education provides inclusive academic support, mentoring, and community engagement opportunities to male students at STCC.

"Corey brings energy, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose to the MILE program,” said Carmelo J. Solivan, Academic & Transfer Counselor at MILE, who advises Houston. “He’s not only here to learn, but he’s here to lead. His lived experience adds value to every conversation, and he’s already becoming a role model for other students navigating their own paths."

Added Houston: “It’s my first time being in college. I’m excited to meet new students, new faculty. It’s a great opportunity.”

Houston hopes his journey inspires others. “Don’t be ashamed of your past,” he said. “Don’t let it define you. Go within, stay focused, and believe in yourself.”

After the adult education ceremony at STCC, he wrote on a social media post: “Today wasn’t just a graduation and celebration. It was a major milestone and elevation.”

Interested in adult education? Visit stcc.edu/wdc/salc or call Admissions at (413) 755-4300.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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