Frizzell Powell’s story is one to remember. It is truly amazing what he has overcome in his life. During a recent interview, he told us faith got him through a lot of hard times, but it was also the people who showed him tough love.He originally grew up in Kinston, NC and had a pretty amazing life. His mother was a preacher, he had 6 brothers and sisters, and was very talented in sports. He said he had the best life in the world.Frizzell competed in the 1986 Junior Olympics when he was 16. He placed in the high jump, shot put, and relay earning two gold medals and a silver medal. After that year things started going downhill. He had a very bright future ahead of him but was introduced to drugs.From then on until the age of 20, he slept in the street. He would do anything for drugs, and did not yet realize the harm in what he was doing. He thought he was just having fun. Then his family stopped seeing him. Frizzell wasn’t allowed home, even on holidays. They were afraid he would steal from them.That’s when he realized he had a problem. He went to several places, including jail before he finally kicked his habit. He was sober until his mother passed away, and then he relapsed. His mother’s death was a great “reason” for him to go back to his old habits and grieve. He said he used it as an excuse. Luckily he did not let it consume his life for long this time.Today he has been three years clean and sober. He has a beautiful family and a loving wife who has not left his side. It is evident how much of an impact she has had on him. Frizzell says she was the first person to stick by his side when he had nothing.He lives his life for his family now. As long as they are happy and safe, he is fine. All that matters is that they are taken care of. He believes once you get a taste of what love is like, it will be the most important thing in your life.After his time at Crossroads Community Center, Frizzell admits that he started dreaming about having his own homeless shelter. “It would be for individuals or families’ mainly dealing with addiction. There would be housing in the back for the families who need to be separated from their loved one who may be overcoming addiction habits.” He still goes and talks to residents to share his story and spread hope.He made a great point about switching his mindset in order to change. People who say “I am an addict,” have a hard time recovering because they are constantly reminding themselves of their problems. Instead, he learned from the Celebrate Recovery program at Temple Baptist Church to phrase it as, “I am a believer in Christ who suffers from addiction.” However you feel, admitting that you are suffering rather than saying that is who you are really does make a significant difference according to Frizzell.When asked what he would tell others dealing with addiction and how to fight it, he replied, “Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”It seems clear with Frizzell’s tenacity that he is someone who does not quit. We asked him if it was hard finding a job with his criminal record and he explained, “No, you can always find work, you just aren’t looking hard enough.” If he was denied a position, he would go to the manager and ask for a job directly. He was persistent and would not ask anything from someone unless he really wanted it. He admits that he never stood outside and held signs on the street; instead he was out looking for work.Crossroads Community Center helped give him the resources and motivation to get out and find a job. Frizzell said Bob and all the staff at Community Crossroads Center were always there for him when he needed it. He has his own home now, and can support his family.It was inspirational to hear about Frizzell’s struggle with addiction and how much he has changed. His outlook on life is truly remarkable. He loves helping others who have gone through similar paths because he can relate to them."I’m not upset for how my life went," Frizzell said, summing up his experiences. "I’m grateful because if I never went through something like this, I couldn’t tell anyone else about it.”Frizzell said it himself: Crossroads Community Center “is a chance for people.”If you'd like to help people like Frizzell, please call (252) 752-0829 to learn more or make a tax-deductible donation today.