The Tasks Unlimited community mourns the passing of Cee-Jay, whose story of perseverance, recovery, and service touched many people. We are grateful that he chose to share his journey so openly and from the heart. 

Cee-Jay wanted others facing mental health challenges and barriers to know that recovery is possible, support matters, and every person deserves someone who believes in them. 

A Chance to Begin Again 

Before coming to Tasks Unlimited, Cee-Jay described his life as “a tornado.” He felt lost as mental illness affected him and the people closest to him. Even then, he held onto the belief that he was capable of more and that his life could take a different direction. 

While serving a sentence in a correctional facility, Cee-Jay committed himself to personal growth. He worked to understand his mental health, build healthier habits, and prepare for a new future. “I needed someone to believe in me,” he said. “I needed another chance.” 

That chance came after he met a Tasks Unlimited admissions counselor at a transition fair at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility in 2019. With encouragement and support, Cee-Jay navigated his transition back into the community and began rebuilding his life. 

He later entered Tasks Unlimited’s Intensive Residential Treatment Services program and received support through mental health treatment, housing, and employment. He went on to work for Tasks Unlimited Building Services, where employment became an important part of the stability, purpose, and community he was building. 

A Positive Blueprint 

Cee-Jay took pride in the progress he made. He remained committed to sobriety, became proactive in his mental health recovery, and strengthened the life and social skills that helped him move forward. 

“I have a direction in life, a positive blueprint,” he shared. “My plan for the future is sobriety, sanity, safety, and security. But most of all I want to be of service, to be an advocate for people with these challenges and barriers.” 

Cee-Jay’s sincerity was unmistakable. When he shared his story, he wanted people to understand that his words came from lived experience: “This is from the heart, it’s not fabricated.” 

A Voice That Will Continue to Matter 

Cee-Jay encouraged others to take an active role in their recovery, trust their own voice, and welcome the support of people who want to help. He understood the power of a strong team because someone’s belief in him helped change the direction of his life. 

Although Cee-Jay is deeply missed, his message remains with us. His courage in telling his story will continue to offer hope to others and remind our community that recovery is built through opportunity, connection, meaningful work, and people who believe in one another.