Kadi felt safe and secure in her childhood home, surrounded by her extended family. They seemed to get along so well. Then the peace in her home was shattered. “I was 10 years old and one of my uncles came home and attacked my other uncle with a weapon. I’d never seen such violence before.”

From that day on, whenever her family disagreed, they turned to violence. Kadi was terrified of drawing their wrath and did everything she could to stay out of the way, never sharing her feelings or standing up for herself. “I was always walking on eggshells,” she says. “I felt like I wasn’t worth having an opinion or even existing.”

Though she went on to a successful career in health care, she never developed any self-esteem. “I felt depressed and hopeless.”

One day, Kadi found the courage to face her fear and exert her independence. “I was living with my aunt. When I refused to agree with something she said, she tried to hit me. I decided I wasn’t going to live that way anymore, and I left.”

Kadi made her way to Wheeler Mission, where she found food, shelter, and the opportunity to change her life. Through our Foundations Program’s spiritual training, biblical counseling, and life skills classes, she grew closer to the Lord, healed from her emotional wounds, and developed healthy boundaries. “Now, I feel respected, loved, and worthy. I can stand up for myself,” she says.

“I talk to God every day and rely on Him to guide me.”

Kadi completed the program, moved into her own place, and found her calling serving on our Compass Kids Childcare staff. “Wheeler Mission helped me get my Child Development Associate credential and set me up for long-term success,” Kadi says. “I love the kids, and I feel needed and valuable. I know God created me for a purpose.”

This Easter, Kadi is experiencing God’s gift of new life! Thank you for empowering her to follow Christ’s calling in her life. “Now, I’m independent and filled with joy.”

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