A teenager who lived at the mission with his family has become a successful and prominent young man, full of promise and hope.
Zachariah Wade has a very impressive resume, but he considers his most important role to be the father of his four-year-old son. “That’s the biggest part of who I am,” he said.
Zachariah knew hardship growing up, as his single mother worked two jobs to provide for her five children. When he was thirteen, Zachariah moved into the Mission with his mom and four younger siblings. After a year, they moved into an apartment, and Zachariah’s after-school duties included cleaning, cooking, and caring for his siblings while his mom worked and took classes. He studied hard and excelled.
Zachariah graduated from Edgewater High School’s Engineering, Science and Technology magnet program and earned an academic scholarship to FAMU, where he played the bass drum in the school’s prestigious Marching 100 band. He received an academic scholarship to Stetson University School of Law, where he was a member of and eventually coached the number one trial advocacy team in the nation. After graduating, he served for five years as a prosecutor with the Pinellas County State Attorney office, then opened his own successful law practice. He is currently running for Pinellas County judge.
While at the Mission, Zachariah encountered kind and caring people – volunteers as well as Mission employees – whose guidance and wisdom still inspire him. He remembers vividly a volunteer named Russell who conducted Bible studies and played games with the teens. “Zachariah,” he said, “God is going to do something crazy in your life. The Spirit of God is on you,” a comment Zachariah thinks about often. He appreciates the Mission’s efforts to give the children special opportunities like attending a Magic game and to teach them life lessons. He is especially grateful for the instruction in financial stewardship, saying, “We need to learn how to use money, not just spend it.”
Today, Zachariah is deeply grateful for the donors and volunteers who made his story possible. Their generosity provided more than shelter and meals – it gave his family stability, guidance, and hope. It changed the trajectory of his life.
He also appreciates the staff at the Mission. “The people who work there are really changing people’s lives. You may not remember their names, but you always remember how they made you feel.”
Because of that support, a young boy facing homelessness became a father, an attorney, and a leader in his community. For those who are associated in any way with the Mission, Zachariah says, “Thank you. Your kindness perseveres. I will always remember the people who were kind. They changed my life.”
