Newsroom

June 2026 — Brian Drdek poses outside of his apartment in Pittsburgh's West End. 

For much of his life, Brian Drdek defined himself by his work.

A lifelong Pittsburgher and Army veteran, Brian spent nearly 40 years in construction, building homes and leading crews with what he describes as an “old school” mindset: show up early, work hard, and mean what you say.

“I loved it,” Brian said. “I loved getting up at five or six in the morning, working hard, checking on my team. It keeps you busy. The days go by faster.”
 

“There was stuff I couldn’t remember. Darren [my case manager] would take notes for me, take me to get food, take care of my service dog. When you’re alone, you appreciate the few people that do reach out. A lot of life is just showing up. He shows up. He was there for me.” — Brian, Auberle Housing Program Participant

June 2026 — Brian and his case manager, Darren Tom, catch up outside of Brian's new apartment.

But everything changed in an instant. After suffering a stroke, Brian lost far more than his ability to work. His speech and memory were impacted. Simple tasks became exhausting. Without income or support, he soon lost his housing as well. “I was sick. I was messed up,” he recalled. “It takes twice as much work to do anything after a stroke. It’s so hard.”

While navigating recovery, housing instability, and unexpected isolation, Brian was referred to Auberle’s Housing Program. That’s when he met Case Manager Darren Tom, who Brian now calls “Tommy” or “Mr. Tom.” From day one, Darren showed up.

---

Rebuilding and Reconnecting

What began as case management quickly became a trusted bond. Darren worked alongside Brian for nearly two years, helping him rebuild stability step by step. When Brian was hospitalized, Darren went to his home to regularly care for his dogs. When Brian struggled with memory loss, Darren took notes, tracked appointments, and made sure nothing fell through the cracks.
 

“We put forth equal effort. That’s the only way it works. The changes Brian has made—not only physically, but in life in general—are outstanding."  — Brian, Auberle Housing Case Manager

“There was stuff I couldn’t remember,” Brian said. “He would take notes for me, take me to get food, take care of my dog. When you’re alone, you appreciate the few people that do reach out. And he did.”

Together, they tackled everything from immediate needs to long-term stability, visiting food pantries, securing benefits, completing Section 8 housing paperwork, and searching for safe, affordable housing. Auberle also provided temporary rental assistance while Brian regained his footing.
 

June 2026 — Brian outside of his West End home with Darren and his home health aide, Marcus.

Darren showed up in the moments that mattered most: driving Brian to the bank, helping him carry groceries as he regained strength, physically moving him between apartments, and advocating for his service dog, Samantha.

“Our priority is taking care of people,” Darren said.

---

A Partnership Built on Trust

Both Brian and Darren describe their friendship as a true partnership—one built on mutual effort, honesty, and trust.
“We put forth equal effort,” Darren said. “That’s the only way it works. The changes Brian has made—not only physically, but in life in general—are outstanding." Brian agrees. “A lot of life is just showing up,” he said. “He shows up. He was there for me.”

Through that consistency, Brian began to heal not just physically, but emotionally. After the stroke, he says he experienced deep depression and isolation, especially after losing family members and living alone.

“For a while, my mind was playing tricks on me. That's what happens when you have a stroke,” he said. “It was hard. But between Darren and my dog, they pushed me through. My head is better now.”

   

Darren visited Brian's home to care for beloved service dog, Samantha, during Brian's hospital stays.

When Brian experienced an attempted robbery in a previous neighborhood, Auberle acted quickly to relocate him to a safer environment, another turning point in his recovery.

---

A New Chapter in the West End

Today, Brian lives in a safe, stable apartment in Pittsburgh’s West End, a place he’s happy to call home. He’s continuing physical therapy, receiving support from a home health aide, and preparing to return to work part-time through a position with PennDOT, secured with help from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

“I’m ready to go,” Brian said. “Every day I get up, I’m ready.”

In the evenings, you’ll find him tending to a small vegetable garden he planted himself. “The yard isn’t that big, but I planted everything,” he said. “I spend the afternoon and night working on it when it cools down.” It’s a quiet but powerful symbol of growth, of rebuilding something from the ground up.

June 2026 — Brian gives a tour of his West End garden, which has helped him relax and recover in his new home.

---

More Than a Program

Although Brian officially graduated from Auberle’s Housing Program in 2025, the connection didn’t end there. Like many participants, Brian continues to stay in touch with Darren, who provides ongoing guidance and support as needed. The two check in regularly and even meet for dinner, not just as case manager and participant, but as friends.

“At least now I’m not alone,” Brian said.

For Darren, that continued connection reflects Auberle’s deeper mission. “Sometimes life’s tough,” he said. “At some point, you need a victory.” For Brian, that victory is clear: a safe home, renewed independence, meaningful work on the horizon, and a support system he can count on.

“This is all new to me," Brian says, "but I’m getting there.”

Support Auberle Programs

Thank you to Brian Drdek for generously sharing his story and his time with the Auberle team.

---

Connect with us!
www.auberle.org
www.instagram.org/auberleofficial
www.facebook.com/Auberle.McKeesport
www.linkedin.com/company/auberle