We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kayden Bradley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kayden, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story behind how you got your first job in field that you currently practice in.

When I reached junior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It was one of those pivotal moments when you realize that decisions need to be made, but the path ahead feels unclear. I thought maybe I’d follow in my mom’s footsteps and go into real estate, but deep down, I never had peace about it. It just didn’t feel like the right fit, and I wasn’t sure what my next move should be.

Then, in 2020, tragedy struck. My cousin, Cameron Whitson, passed away from an accidental fentanyl overdose. His death hit me hard. It tore through my family, and it felt like a punch to the gut. But in the midst of that overwhelming pain, I also felt something else—a sense that there was a greater purpose in all of this. I couldn’t shake the feeling that God had a plan for Cameron’s life and even for his death. I just didn’t know what that plan was at the time.

In the wake of his passing, I found myself volunteering with a counseling organization that helped kids facing immense trauma. The stories we heard were heartbreaking—kids dealing with unimaginable challenges—but I was also seeing the power of counseling and care, and it stirred something in me. It felt like this was where I was meant to be. Not long after, my grandpa shared a vision he had: “Cameron’s House of Hope,” a nonprofit for kids struggling with parental substance use, offering them a safe space to heal through counseling, tutoring, and love.

That vision turned into reality in 2022 when we opened the doors to Cameron’s House of Hope. I was one of the first people hired, and it was like stepping into a calling I hadn’t fully recognized until that moment. I’ve now been working here for two and a half years, and it has truly been the most God-sent, life-changing opportunity.

Looking back, it’s hard to even describe how it felt. I was still so uncertain about what I wanted to do with my life when everything shifted. But in that moment of tragedy, a whole new direction was revealed to me. It felt like God’s plan was unfolding, piece by piece, in a way I never could have predicted. Now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. I’m doing meaningful work, connecting with kids, and helping them heal. It’s the kind of job I never saw coming, but it’s the one that has felt most fulfilling and true to who I am. And looking back, I’m so grateful that things turned out this way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Kayden Bradley, and I’m 21 years old. I graduated from Liberty University in May of 2024 with a Business degree and a minor in Psychology. After completing my studies, I found my passion in the nonprofit sector, specifically at Cameron’s House of Hope, where we support children and families impacted by parental substance use.

At Cameron’s House of Hope, we are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing environment where children and caregivers can heal from trauma. We believe that true healing involves more than just services; it’s about fostering a supportive community where everyone feels cared for and empowered to overcome their challenges.

In my role as a social media marketer, I’m able to share the meaningful work we do with a larger audience. As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on community support, which is why events like our golf tournament are so important. These events not only raise funds for our mission, but they also offer a space for families to come together, share their grief, and honor loved ones lost to addiction. Additionally, we collaborate with other organizations to ensure our families receive the best possible care, creating a network of support that addresses the complex issues they face.

What I’m most proud of is the transformative impact we have on the children and families we serve. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and healing firsthand. Capturing these moments and sharing them on social media helps raise awareness, build a sense of community, and invite more people to support our cause.

Working at Cameron’s House of Hope has been more than just a job; it’s been a personal healing journey for me as well. The relationships we build, the hope we inspire, and the lasting change we create in the community are things I deeply value. If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that we’re more than just a nonprofit—we’re a family, here to provide hope, healing, and a brighter future for those who need it most.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I’ve always felt the weight of the pressure to be successful, especially in today’s culture, where the emphasis is so often placed on wealth and achievement in the business world. It’s as though there’s a societal expectation that success equals financial excellence and high-status careers. At times, I questioned whether that was really the path I was meant to take. I wondered if my calling was more about fitting into this mold of success, or if there was something deeper, something more meaningful I should be pursuing.

However, looking back now, I know for certain that if I could do it all over again, I would choose the same profession. The work I do at Cameron’s House of Hope is so much more than a job—it’s my heart’s calling. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about making a difference. Serving this community requires not just skills, but also a story and a deep, genuine desire to help others.

The reason this profession feels like the right fit is deeply personal. The loss of my cousin, Cameron, was a heartbreaking tragedy, and for a long time, I struggled to make sense of it. But stepping into this field—working with children and families affected by trauma—has given me the opportunity to channel that grief into something positive and life-changing. Cameron’s death became the turning point that led me to this calling. It’s the triumph that emerged from the tragedy, and it has been a journey of growth, healing, and strength ever since.

This work has healed me in ways I never expected. It has renewed my strength and given me a purpose I didn’t fully understand before. I’ve found fulfillment in seeing the positive impact we’re making on the families we serve—the hope we inspire, the relationships we build, and the transformation we witness.

Ultimately, I believe that God has used my grief and my personal journey to create something bigger than myself. My pain has been transformed into a force for good, and that is a gift I wouldn’t change for the world. If I could go back, I would choose this path without hesitation. It has given me far more than I ever could have imagined: a sense of purpose, a chance to serve, and a future that feels both bright and meaningful.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most important qualities for succeeding in my field are faith, commitment, and unity. The work we do at Cameron’s House of Hope is deeply meaningful, but it’s also emotionally intense. It’s not just about accomplishing tasks or meeting objectives—it’s about investing your heart into the mission, and that takes deep dedication and resilience.

Faith is the cornerstone of everything I do. Without my relationship with Jesus, I simply wouldn’t be able to carry out this work. The challenges we face, especially in helping families through trauma, demand strength that surpasses my own abilities. My faith in Christ provides the foundation I stand on, offering guidance and peace, especially during the toughest times. It’s through Him that I find the courage to continue and the strength to keep serving others, knowing that this work has purpose beyond what I can see.

Commitment is equally essential. This is not a field where you can just go through the motions. It requires a long-term investment of time, energy, and heart. Whether I’m planning events, working with families, or advocating for the cause, commitment is what keeps me moving forward, even when the days feel long or the challenges seem insurmountable. The passion I have for our mission fuels my drive to give my best, no matter the obstacles.

Lastly, unity is vital for our success. The work we do is truly a team effort, and nothing would be possible without the collaboration of each individual involved—from counselors and tutors to volunteers and community partners. When we come together with a shared vision, we create a stronger, more impactful network of support for the families we serve. Our collective strength is what allows us to achieve lasting change.

I’m still growing in my role, and I have a lot to learn, but I give all the glory to God for the strength and purpose He has provided. God is continually shaping me, helping me become the person I need to be for this mission. Without Him, none of this would be possible, and I am deeply grateful.

In the end, success in this field isn’t just about knowledge or skills—it’s about how you serve, how you love, and where your strength comes from, For me, it’s all rooted in faith, commitment, and the incredible unity of the team that surrounds me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cameronshouseofhope.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameronshouseofhope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Camerons-House-of-Hope-100088804025868/?locale=cy_GB
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-s-house-of-hope-473907314/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CameronsHouseOfHope

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