A turning point in life that led Chad to finding faith and purpose.
When Chad first walked through the doors of Wheeler Mission in Bloomington, Indiana, he was at rock bottom—cold, homeless, and desperate for change. Today, he stands as a living testament to the transformative power of grace, resilience, and the unwavering support of a faith-based community.
Chad’s struggles intensified following a car accident that caused brain damage, impairing his impulse control. Panic attacks became a regular occurrence, and his life spiraled as he moved back to Bloomington to care for his mother, only to fall into the grip of addiction. He began selling drugs, and when his father discovered his activities, Chad found himself homeless, sleeping in his car in a Walmart parking lot.
Chad entered the Mission disoriented but things quickly began to change. “I ended up saved,” he said, crediting the daily church services and the Foundations program for helping him find clarity. “Foundations isn’t just about recovery; it’s about rebuilding a life centered on faith,” Chad noted.
“I still kept that Christian faith going into everything.”
At Wheeler Mission, Chad found purpose in serving others. He helped clean, made beds, and worked in the kitchen. These simple acts of service grounded him and reinforced the values he was learning. His spiritual growth was profound. “When I came to Christ, things started making sense,” he shared, adding that reading the Bible felt like finally unlocking the answers he had been searching for.
Chad’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. He relapsed and ended up in jail, but even there, the lessons from Wheeler Mission stayed with him. “I looked at jail as God’s way of separating me from the drugs long enough to break free.” He practiced the quiet time he learned at Wheeler Mission, focusing on God and reflection.
Today, Chad is not only sober but also part of the Wheeler Mission staff. He continues to serve others, using his story to inspire those who are where he once was. When asked where he’d be without Wheeler Mission, Chad answered simply, “Dead. I was doing some stupid things.” But thanks to the Mission, he is alive, thriving, and filled with hope.
Chad’s story is one of redemption, proving that even at the lowest point, it’s never too late to turn your life around. At Wheeler Mission, he found more than shelter—he found a new beginning.
Watch Chad’s story here: Watch
