I am joyful!
When Kadi first arrived in Indianapolis, she never imagined she’d be seeking help at Wheeler Mission. Raised amidst family tension and violence, she learned early on to stay quiet and keep to herself. Standing up for her own dignity eventually cost her a roof over her head—leaving her homeless, frightened, and uncertain about tomorrow. It was in the middle of a harsh winter, unsure of her next meal or a safe place to sleep, that she found her way to Wheeler Mission.
At first, Kadi felt overwhelmed. She had lived through childhood trauma and recently fled another toxic environment, and now she was surrounded by people with different stories, backgrounds, and struggles. “How did I end up here?” she asked herself, grappling with feelings of loneliness and insecurity. But from her very first night, Wheeler Mission provided more than just shelter and warm meals. There was a sense of respect, compassion, and understanding—no judgment, no shame.
“I was a believer before but now I practice my faith every day.”
In time, Kadi moved through different stages of support: from the winter contingency shelter to the emergency shelter, then onto the work program, and eventually into transitional housing. Along the way, the staff gave her space to breathe and room to grow. She was never treated as a problem to be fixed, but a person worthy of hope and purpose. Their faith-based approach resonated deeply. While Kadi had believed in God before, she now learned how to lean on Him for guidance, assurance, and comfort.
This renewed spiritual foundation helped Kadi rebuild her self-esteem. She discovered that she could have relationships built on mutual respect, boundaries, and love—values that once seemed unattainable. Her involvement with the daycare, sponsored by Wheeler Mission, opened her eyes to new possibilities. Working with children, she learned that everyone’s past is just that—past. With patience, understanding, and faith, it’s possible to create a better future, not just for herself, but for those in her care.
Today, Kadi is thriving. She’s moved out of transitional housing into a place of her own and continues to grow in her role working with children. She sees clearly the purpose God has for her life and knows she is worthy of respect, love, and independence. “Before I came to The Mission, I was miserable,” she says. “Since coming to The Mission, I am joyful.”
Watch Kadi’s story here: Watch
