At 22 years old, TeAndre was homeless, and he felt hopeless. Today, just months later, he’s rebuilding his future—and your support is helping make that possible. TeAndre’s life trajectory has turned around since becoming a resident of the Changed Life Recovery Program (CLRP). Unlike most men in the program, he is not recovering from addiction. Instead, he came to the Mission looking for something just as important: a fresh start and a chance to get his life on track.
When TeAndre learned about the Mission’s Learning Center, he immediately began studying for his GED. Recently, he earned his GED math certificate—an important milestone on his journey.
“The Learning Center is such a blessing,” TeAndre says. “I didn’t come to the Mission for education—I came to get my mind on the right path. But coming here opened me up to so many opportunities!”
TeAndre’s path had not been easy. When he was in 11th grade, the COVID pandemic forced students in Frederick to move to online classes. The sudden change was difficult for him to navigate, and he eventually dropped out of school. Without a high school diploma, finding steady work became a challenge. Determined to move forward, he began studying for his GED on his own and successfully earned his social studies certificate.
Home life also brought challenges. TeAndre grew up in a troubled household, and after stealing from his mother, she told him to leave. “I have a baby brother, and I don’t want him to do anything I did,” TeAndre says. “The streets are not good.”
For a time, he was homeless until his grandmother welcomed him into her home. “My grandma is awesome. She’s the love of my life,” he says. “I used to love going to church with her when I was a kid, but I stopped going with her when I got older. She’s always sharing Bible verses with me and trying to introduce me to Christ. I always feel the Spirit in her house.”
His grandmother knew he needed more than a place to stay—he needed a new start. Lovingly, she encouraged him to consider the Changed Life Recovery Program. “I was really nervous about coming to the Mission,” TeAndre remembers. “But when I walked in the door, I saw how welcoming everyone was. I really felt the love.”
About a month and a half after arriving, something even more important changed in his life. “I stopped resisting God and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ,” he says. “I’m so glad I opened the Bible again. I’m understanding it more all the time. I’ve realized that worldly things are no good. Now I pray for confidence, wisdom, and knowledge. I also pray for my mom to know Christ.”
CLRP Director Jake Sexton says TeAndre stood out from the beginning. “I didn’t know what to expect when TeAndre came in,” Jake explains. “With younger residents, you sometimes wonder what level of maturity you’ll see. But TeAndre came into the program and just dove in. He’s willing to learn discipline. In our classes, he has shown openness, vulnerability, and wisdom. Even though he’s younger than most of the residents, he’s someone others can learn from. He’s a natural leader.”
After three months in the program, TeAndre continues to focus on growing in his faith and building a stable future. He is currently working to complete the remaining portions of his GED in reading and science. Looking ahead, he hopes to find a job and eventually attend college.
Because of your generosity, TeAndre—and others like him—are discovering the hope, purpose, and future God created them for.
