My name is Frederick and this is my story.

For me, it’s not enough to just be sober; I want to make a difference in the world. Growing up, I was a happy, motivated child with big dreams for my future until substance abuse and mental illness began to grab hold of my life. I struggled a long time with these issues, but when I got clean and took control of my life, I realized I didn’t want to stop there. I wanted to find a way to ensure that those still struggling could also find the help and encouragement they needed to rise above. That’s why in 2018, I founded The Message LLC, to bring hope to those in need.

Growing up with a single mom, I found myself spending a lot of time with my grandfather- the man who most influenced my identity. From a young age, my grandfather taught me hard work and Christian values. As I have grown, life has taken me down many roads, some good and some hard. In all these different life changes, I have often found myself referring back to my grandfather and the identity he helped instill in me. I have found that the three values that I have come to treasure most in my life are loyalty, honesty, and free-thinking. It’s on these three values that I have set the foundation for my company, The Message LLC.

I lost myself to substance abuse and mental illness for years of my life. I saw the joy of my life stripped away and replaced with panhandling, dumpster-diving, and homelessness. I knew I had hit my rock bottom, but I knew even more that I didn’t want to stay there. I started my journey to recovery step by step, going from the streets to a treatment center, to a half-way house to where I am today with a college degree and a successful business. I knew that just getting clean was not where I wanted to stop. I wanted to share my journey and spread hope and help to others still struggling. I want my re-found joy to continue spreading and encouraging everyone it can. I want to help others find hope and to know that they are not alone.

I believe that once a person finds their passion, the sky is the limit.  I have found that my passion is to uplift others to realize they have gifts! I have put my passion to work through my company, The Message LLC, to help our future generation rise above. I want to use my lessons and talents to work with schools and communities to teach people that health is wealth. I genuinely believe that the students of today can change the world of tomorrow and that students in recovery are untapped resources who also have great gifts to lead us to a better world.

I realize that schools have their hands full doing their best to help their students, and I want to let them know that I am an ally for them. I am grateful for all their hard work, but I know that reaching students can be hard. I founded my company so that I can help schools to motivate students to find their passion and reach their true potential, and also so I can become a liaison between the schools and the parents/communities. I know that reaching students during school hours is only part of the solution; these students need to know they have help outside of school and a place where even their parents can turn to for help if needed. I founded The Message LLC so I could be part of that solution. I want students to know that they have a place to turn. I want them to know that there are people, like myself, who have been where they are and have still overcome their situation. I want them to know there is hope.

I want to reach students before they leave high school, but I also want to be there for those in college and beyond. Having been a student in recovery during college, I know the value of Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs). While most colleges have CRPs, most are underfunded and lack resources. I know that going to college for these students struggling with substance abuse/mental illness is possible. When I found myself at my lowest, on the streets struggling with addiction, I never gave college a thought. Thankfully, through my recovery, I realized I had the power to achieve my goals. In 2020 I graduated from Delaware County Community College with high honors obtaining my degree in communication. I know that I owe part of my success to the various programs offered to me during this time. There was a village that allowed me to graduate and breed success. The Message LLC is the new village for any student to achieve at the highest levels.

I have dealt with much turmoil in my own life due to substance abuse and mental illness. I am thankful to have found help, which has led me down a better life full of happiness and success, but I don’t want to stop there. I want to work with you and your community to help bring this new-found joy and life to all parts of the world! I have spoken at multiple schools, colleges, treatment centers, and even virtual meetings. I want people to know that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is hope! Through The Message LLC, I will inspire, educate, and help create healthy lifestyles for all.