After 30 years of addiction and a near-fatal overdose, Don found hope, healing, and new life through Wheeler Mission. Today, he is sober, growing in his faith, and learning to see himself as God sees him. His story is a powerful testimony of grace and transformation.

When James looks back on his life before Wheeler Mission, he sees years filled with talent, opportunity, and outward success—but also deep spiritual drift. He grew up in Indiana in a close, loving family, surrounded by four siblings and parents who encouraged every interest he pursued. His adulthood took him across the country, performing in music, working in ministry, and building a life full of creativity and achievement.

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.

Before Matthew ever set foot at Wheeler Mission, his life was unraveling faster than he could keep up. He grew up surrounded by instability, watching both parents battle meth addiction. By fifteen, he was already using and manufacturing drugs himself—just a kid trying to survive the only world he knew.

Our staff found Edward on the sidewalk outside our doors. He was disoriented, and his body was starting to shut down. Without help, he likely had just days left to live. Edward’s life had been a downhill spiral of substance abuse and homelessness for nearly 60 years.