For Adael, becoming 4:13 Strong has meant learning to do things differently, especially when everything inside him wanted to do things his own way.
Originally from Philadelphia, Adael knew what it meant to face difficult circumstances. Life had not been easy, and moving to Tennessee didn’t immediately change that. He continued to struggle with addiction, homelessness, and periods of despair that made it difficult to see a way forward.
But somewhere along the way, Adael made a decision to try something different.
That decision brought him to 4:13 Strong.
Learning to Trust The Process
Two of 4:13 Strong’s Core Values are Break The Mold and Trust The Process. For Adael, those have been particularly challenging.
Breaking old patterns requires a willingness to change. Trusting a process requires patience, humility, and the ability to accept guidance, even when you would rather do things your own way.
Neither has come naturally to Adael.
Throughout his time at 4:13 Strong, he’s had to confront habits, attitudes, and ways of thinking that once held him back. There have been challenges and moments of frustration, but he’s continued showing up, learning, and making progress.
Perhaps one of the most important lessons Adael has learned is that becoming a stronger man isn’t about always being in control. Sometimes it’s about being willing to listen, accept accountability, and follow through on commitments, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And with each challenge he’s overcome, he’s gained something he didn’t always have before: confidence in his ability to persevere.
Building a Life of Stability
Today, Adael works at Mid South Wire (MSW), one of 4:13 Strong’s employment partners. He’s continuing to develop the habits and responsibilities that come with maintaining full-time employment and building a stable future.
Recently, he also moved into 4:13 Strong’s graduate housing, another important step toward greater independence.
For someone who has experienced homelessness, having a stable place to live carries special significance. It provides a foundation from which Adael can continue working, growing, and planning for what comes next.
These accomplishments didn’t happen overnight. They are the result of choosing, day after day, to keep moving forward.
Proving Something to Himself
Adael’s story is still being written.
He has overcome addiction, homelessness, and difficult circumstances. He’s learning what it means to take responsibility for his life, honor his commitments, and become the man he wants to be.
And perhaps most importantly, he’s beginning to see himself differently.
The challenges that once seemed impossible are becoming reminders of how far he’s come. Every day he shows up for work, every commitment he keeps, and every difficult decision he makes reinforces a lesson that will serve him well beyond 4:13 Strong.
He can do hard things.
For Adael, Break The Mold and Trust The Process are more than words printed on a wall or a jacket. They’re principles he’s learning to live by, even when they challenge him the most.
And that’s what makes his progress worth celebrating.
Stronger Men. Stronger Families. Stronger Nashville.