"My wife and I, we just received news today that we just closed on our home, so we are officially homeowners," Lonnie Atkinson shared with the biggest grin on his face. "The top has no ceiling for me right now."
At 32 years old, Lonnie never could have imagined that this moment—becoming a homeowner—would be part of his reality. Just two years ago, his life was a very different story. On April 2, 2025, Mr. Atkinson will celebrate two years of sobriety—a journey that began during a difficult time in his life. From the age of fourteen, he struggled with alcohol and drugs, eventually dropping out of high school and turning to even harder substances. By 2021, after accumulating his fourth DWI, he faced a two-year sentence at the Carey Winders Detention Center in Wayne County, NC.
While incarcerated, Lonnie experienced a pivotal turning point in his life. He found freedom through education and sobriety, earning his GED and starting his path toward recovery. Lonnie credits God for leading him to jail, a place where he began to submit to Jesus Christ, allowing faith to guide him in his journey of transformation. "God took me to that place to teach me lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. His grace has been my strength every step of the way," he reflects.
Lonnie’s transformative journey didn’t stop there. It took another significant turn when he met Mr. Javier Murillo, the WAGES Head Start Male Involvement Coordinator and CSBG Case Manager. Their first meeting was completely unplanned—Lonnie happened to have a day off and decided to drop his daughter off at her Head Start center, where a "Reading Day with Dads" event was happening. During the event, he had the chance to meet Javier, who extended an invitation to connect with the Male Exclusive Network (MEN) and shared how the CSBG program could support him.
Through CSBG, Lonnie and his wife received critical support, including funding for his tuition and textbooks for a drug and alcohol counseling course at Randolph Community College. Additionally, the program provided gas vouchers, helping him attend classes while working toward his studies in human services. "It’s been a game changer," Lonnie reflects. "I couldn’t have made it without the financial and relational support I received through CSBG." He is on track to graduate with an associates degree in human services from Wayne Community College in early 2026, and plans to attend UNCW online to earn a bachelor's degree.
Mr. Atkinson wants to remind the community that the CSBG program is not charity. There are guidelines to be followed and the agency will monitor your compliance with their program standards. "I'm thankful for the rules and regulations that help me stay on track. You will have to do your part and follow through with the action steps."
Now a certified peer support specialist, Lonnie has big plans for the future. He intends to launch his nonprofit, "Believe in Change," which will provide support to those who have been imprisoned by addiction and other life barriers. Ultimately, he hopes to own treatment centers where people can receive the care they need to break free from addiction. "No one should have to remain in addiction," he says with conviction. "I want to give others the hope and support they need to believe that change is possible." He is hoping the CSBG program will assist him with educational assistance funds to complete the Non-profit Management Certificate available through Wayne Community College.
As he celebrates his sobriety, his life with his wife and daughter, and their new home, Lonnie’s message is clear: no matter where you are, there’s always an opportunity for change. His story is a testament to the power of community, education, faith, and support systems, and serves as an invitation for others who may be facing similar struggles to reach out, embrace hope, and take action toward their own transformation. Lonnie's advice to all is through God’s grace, and the right community, it’s never too late to change your life.