Finding Joy – Trae’s Story

“I find joy in cooking,” says Trae Lee with a broad grin on his face. The men at Project Hope appreciated his delight because while he was in culinary school, they got to enjoy the delicious meals Trae prepared for them every day. Trae’s career in construction in Detroit ended during the Covid pandemic, and he found himself homeless and living in shelters. He tried to ease the boredom by drinking, and his abuse of alcohol controlled his life. He also experimented with drugs, but the overdose deaths of several friends dissuaded him from regular use. A temporary job was a pivotal point in Trae’s life when he realized that he enjoyed cooking. He was restless and without direction in his life, and he used the last of his money to buy a one-way Greyhound bus ticket. He arrived in Orlando in June 2022 with only the shorts and tank top he was wearing, because all his clothes had been stolen. As he got off the bus, he spotted the big red cross and asked some nearby people what it was; that’s how he ended up at the Mission. When he entered the discipleship program in September that year, Trae began working in the kitchen, and he flourished. Being surrounded by positive role models and peers who were making good choices, he was able to quit drinking and instead focus on learning cooking skills. He attended classes and graduated from a local culinary school, became certified as a chef, and now is working in the food industry. Trae is saving money to purchase a car and continue his education at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, the number one culinary school in America, where he has been accepted as a student. When he came to the Mission, Trae didn’t have a relationship with Jesus, but during daily chapel services and morning Bible studies, he grew closer to God and began praying regularly. His counselor, Pastor Richard, who was a “very, very big help,” gave Trae a tremendous amount of biblical advice, and is the one who suggested that he attend culinary school. Julio Cayo, Director of Food Services at the Mission, mentored him in the kitchen, and Trae especially enjoyed working with volunteers who came to help in the kitchen during his time cooking at the Family Home. Making such a radical change in one’s life is never easy, and Trae’s advice is, “It may seem easy to quit, but it’s harder to have grit. So, remember the big picture and stay focused. Don’t give up. Keep your head up and focus on God’s word. You will turn your life around if you stay determined.” Trae is thankful for the donors who made it all possible and emphasizes that their donations are being used productively. “This is the best program I’ve been through in my entire life,” he said. “Thank you for giving me the support to excel in my life.” So, what’s his favorite meal to cook? Trae replies with a big smile, “Rib eye steak, pan seared on both sides, cooked in a cast iron skillet with salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme or rosemary.” YUM!