“The Voice of Inspiration” — How Andre Found His Future

The path from pain to possibility sometimes begins with a single caring conversation – and the courage to show up for yourself.

​In this edition of Stories From The Circle, meet Andre. His journey from homelessness and depression to stable housing and hope began with a simple commitment: showing up. 

​Week after week at Wider Circle, he transformed isolation into purpose, rebuilt his mental health, and became an ambassador who now inspires others.

​His story is proof that with connection and community, anything is possible.

Andre Y.

From Survival to Inspiration: How Community Sparked a Comeback

Newly unhoused and depressed, Andre was searching for connection, stability, and a reason to believe – community helped him find all three.

​When Andre joined Wider Circle, he was starting from zero. Newly divorced, living on the streets, and weighed down by isolation and depression. 

Then Sarah Dougherty, a Wider Circle Community Engagement Specialist, invited him to a virtual meeting. He was hesitant to share, but the group welcomed him. Little by little he unmuted and shared his story while learning practical tips on about mental health, fitness, and healthcare. 

As he kept showing up every Tuesday, consistency brought confidence. “I like the feeling of being supported,” Andre says. Simple reminders to drink water, take a walk, and ask for help became anchors. “Our community reminds me how important my physical and mental health are, and that I’m not alone in my journey”.

One day, Andre offered a few words of encouragement to others on the call, andhis whole energy shifted. “It was like a fire lit in him,” Sarah recalls. She invited him to become an Ambassador. He said yes – and his momentum took off.

Andre started riding the bus to in-person events, texting routes, and meeting members to ride together. He organized walks and gently nudged others to join. “I really want to motivate others because that helps me too,” he says. “Before, I’d barely get out of bed” and now he’s one of his community’s most active leaders. 

“Wider Circle has opened my eyes to the power of community” Andre shares.

But Andre’s transformation went deeper than finding his voice. When he was living on the streets, something shifted. “I kept thinking about community and the importance of a support system,” he explained. 

As his community grew, Andre’s mental health began to heal. When intrusive thoughts show up, he recenters with tools he learned on the calls, breathing, reframing, and reaching out. “I’m definitely in a better place.”

With Sarah’s help, Andre connected to housing resources and moved off the streets, back in with his parents to regroup. That stability gave him room to dream again. “I feel like I can achieve something,” he says. “Now I think of myself and how important I am, and I see that I can achieve a good future.” He’s enrolling in school for his passion – digital TV production.

Today, Andre wears his Ambassador shirt with pride. At events, he’s known as “the voice of inspiration,” peppering the room with quotes and quick check-ins that help others feel seen. “Thank you so much for this program,” he tells Sarah, beaming.

Andre’s journey is a reminder: when we surround someone with support, dignity, and connection, healing begins – and futures start to bloom.

​Thank you, Andre, for lighting the way with courage and community. And thank you to our sponsors for powering stories like Andre’s across our neighborhoods.