Mackenzie was just 5 years old when her mom passed away. The loss devastated her family. Even though Mackenzie grew up and played volleyball in high school, grief was never far away.

“I was traumatized, and I started acting out as a teenager. My self-esteem was very damaged, which led me to drugs,” she says. “Then as a young adult, I turned to harder substances that were more addictive.”

After finishing school, Mackenzie’s depression and addiction spiraled out of control, until she lost interest in her job and stopped going to work. With no money, she was evicted from her apartment and began living on the streets.

“When it was cold outside, I would just ride the city bus around town trying to stay warm. That’s how I found Wheeler Mission—the bus passed by and I saw it and came inside.”

“I wished my life was more secure.”

Mackenzie was given a bed through our Winter Contingency program before joining the Higher Ground Addiction Recovery Program. Through recovery support and biblical counseling, she began to heal from her past and make plans for her future.

“They showed me a lot of kindness. The staff encouraged me and shared their expectations of me, which helped a lot… having that support. I’ve seen a lot of positive changes in my personality.”

Today, she enjoys helping in our kitchen by washing dishes and serving meals to other guests. She has always had a relationship with God, but now her faith is stronger than ever. In the future, she hopes to go back to school to become a licensed nutritionist.

“Wheeler Mission reminded me that God keeps His promises. It equipped me with the tools and resources I need to focus on the direction I want to go with my life.”

This Easter, Mackenzie has a new direction for her life. Thank you for lighting the path forward for her to experience a future of hope and peace! “Since coming to Wheeler Mission, I feel much more ready to take on life. Now I believe that everything is going to be okay.”

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