Lavelle Schaffer, a formerly homeless man from Chicago, has transformed his life in a way he describes as “like a movie.” Now a proud father and a Chicago police officer, Schaffer is sharing his journey of resilience and determination.
“My life has come full circle,” the 33-year-old told ABC 7 Chicago. “It still feels like a movie almost.”
Schaffer’s struggles began a decade ago when he and his pregnant girlfriend became homeless. “Every day was like survival mode,” he recalled. “‘Where am I sleeping? Who’s going to stay up?’ That takes a toll on you.” After over a year living on the streets, a chance encounter at a shelter with a worker from Metropolitan Family Services turned his life around.
With the help of the nonprofit organization, Schaffer received mental health counseling, transportation vouchers, and classes in parenting and personal finance. The support gave him the confidence to pursue his dream of joining the Chicago Police Department, where he became an officer in 2019. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Schaffer said, “It’s 2024, and that one card kind of changed my whole life.”
Now a father of two young sons, Schaffer is a role model at home and in his community. His children admire him, with Schaffer proudly sharing, “I read their paperwork at school: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ And they say, ‘I want to be a police officer like my dad.’”
Schaffer has also been honored as “Father of the Year” by Metropolitan Family Services, where he now serves on the board and mentors young fathers. Carrie Pullie, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Calumet Center, praised his impact: “He not only motivates and inspires the clients; he motivates and inspires us.”
Schaffer’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of community support.
