Article March 18, 1991 Issue

POSITIVE PRESS

"He brings his shine to life"

The Boston Globe

"His name is Jim Flath, but to customers who go to his shoeshine shop ... to have their shoes and, just as often, their spirits rejuvenated, he is known as 'Jim Shoeshine.' ...

'Although Flath's 53-year-old face reflects the sadness and the harsh reality of his lifelong homelessness and his years of hard drinking, ... the kindness he shows to others gives his face and his spirit a radiance....

" 'When I was drinking, [Flath says,] I became sidetracked from life. Then, one day when I came out of detox, I was standing on [the] corner..., and I realized I was praying to God. So, I decided to believe in God and to cooperate with Him because He blesses and gives back.' ...

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