From Lost to Saved

At Wheeler Mission, we see every day how resilience and faith can lead to incredible transformations. Cedric’s story is one of pain, perseverance, and profound change—a story that reminds us that it’s never too late to rebuild and rediscover life’s purpose.
Cedric grew up in a loving home, raised by his grandparents, who worked hard to provide him with a good life. Born with rickets, he underwent years of challenging surgeries and hospitalizations to correct severe physical disabilities. While his body healed, the emotional scars of bullying and a desire to fit in left him vulnerable to the wrong crowd.
“I started meddling where I shouldn’t have,” Cedric admitted. “I wanted to fit in, to be accepted. But my choices led me down a path I didn’t want.” Cedric became both a dealer and user, falling into the grip of addiction.
"I got—a chance to get clean, to find hope, and to start over.”
Though he found love and stability in his wife of 32 years, addiction remained a persistent shadow in their lives. A devastating series of events, including incarceration and the loss of his wife, left Cedric homeless for the first time. “When I got out of prison, my wife had passed, and I had nowhere to go. That’s when I turned to Wheeler Mission.”
Arriving at Wheeler was a difficult step. “I didn’t like it at first. I’d never been homeless, and it was hard to see myself here. But I knew I needed help—and the staff made me feel welcome, like I belonged. They wanted to help me, and they still do every day.”
For Cedric, the mission is more than a shelter; it’s a place of transformation. He volunteers daily, helping others find the resources and support they need, and is considering joining Wheeler’s recovery program. “I’ve learned so much here—about work, responsibility, and my own self-worth. A young man wrote in my book, ‘What is my self-worth?’ At first, I didn’t understand it. Now I do.”
Through his time at Wheeler, Cedric has also reconnected with his faith. “I’ve always had God in my life, but being here has helped me see just how much He’s carried me through. He doesn’t make mistakes, and I know now that He’s not done with me yet.”
Cedric’s future is focused on family and redemption. After years of addiction, he’s determined to be the father and grandfather his children and grandchildren deserve. “They’ve never met me because of my addiction, and that’s not fair to them. I want to give them the chance to know me as a man who’s better, stronger, and clean.”
Cedric’s story is one of incredible courage and transformation. At Wheeler Mission, we are honored to walk alongside individuals like him, offering the tools and support they need to heal, grow, and thrive.