The Mermaid and the Domino Effect

Deanna’s Story: From Homelessness to Hope

What happens when addiction, homelessness, and hardship collide? In this episode of Restored, Deanna shares her powerful story of recovery, resilience, and finding hope when everything seemed lost. After years of struggling with addiction, she entered treatment determined to change her life. But when she left a stabilization program, she found herself homeless, without income, and uncertain about her future. Through the Rescue Mission of Utica’s Drop-In Center, Deanna found more than a safe place to stay. She found compassion, encouragement, and people who believed in her when she couldn’t believe in herself. Today, Deanna is sober, living in her own apartment, and building a future she once thought was impossible. Her story is a reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone, recovery is possible, and one act of kindness can change a life. Restored is a podcast from the Rescue Mission of Utica, sharing real stories of lives transformed through hope, faith, and community. Learn more about the Rescue Mission of Utica: https://www.uticamission.org

Ryan’s Story: Finding Peace in a Life Once Driven by Chaos

Ryan’s life was once a constant cycle—couch surfing, chasing addiction, and doing whatever it took just to get through the day. What began as a struggle for control turned into a life ruled by chaos, where every waking moment revolved around survival and substance use.   In this episode of Restored, Ryan shares his honest journey from addiction to transformation. After entering recovery, he found his way to the Rescue Mission of Utica through the Parker House program—a decision that would change everything. What he discovered there wasn’t just support, but something deeper: faith, grace, and a new way of living. Ryan opens up about how difficult it was to accept help, the challenge of adjusting to a life that finally felt peaceful, and the people who never gave up on him—especially his mother, who stood by him through it all.   Today, Ryan is building a future he once thought was out of reach. He’s pursuing a career in nursing, driven by a desire to help others the way he was helped. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way back. Because of the support he received, Ryan says it plainly: his life could have ended in prison or worse—but instead, it was restored.

The Mermaid and the Domino Effect

The Woman Behind the Name Cyrena carries a name that translates to "mermaid" in Spanish and "siren" in Greek. However, her recent history was defined by a series of overwhelming "hits"—a "domino effect" triggered by the isolation, death, and depression of the quarantine years. Despite having a daughter with four degrees and a background as an "independent woman," Cyrena watched her 401Ks and savings vanish, eventually finding herself "on paper" as homeless. A central theme of Cyrena’s story is the frustration of not fitting into a specific "box" or demographic. She describes a "crack" she fell into: being "not that type of homeless" that people expect to see, which often led to doors being shut in her face.

Meet Stevie

Episode 1: Stevie’s Story — From Addiction to Restoration For years, addiction controlled Stevie’s life. What started as an escape slowly became a prison—costing him relationships, stability, and hope. He found himself caught in a cycle that felt impossible to break, unsure if change was even possible. In this powerful first episode of Restored, Stevie shares his honest story of struggle, relapse, and the turning point that brought him to the Rescue Mission of Utica. He opens up about the realities of addiction, the weight of shame, and what it felt like to walk through the doors of the Mission for the first time. Through the support of the Rescue Mission’s programs, Stevie began rebuilding more than just sobriety. He rebuilt trust. Purpose. Faith. Confidence. Step by step, he discovered that restoration is not a single moment—it’s a process. This conversation is raw, hopeful, and deeply human. Stevie’s story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption and that real change happens when people are met with dignity, accountability, and compassion. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, this episode offers both honesty and hope. Learn more about the Rescue Mission of Utica and how you can support stories like Stevie’s at UticaMission.org.