ABOUT CROSSROADS

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Our Founders

In 2009, Joe Tarasuk founded CrossRoads Freedom Center, a non-profit ministry, with the goal of bringing recovery to men and women caught in the vicious cycle of addiction, hurt, and pain. His vision was born out of his own struggle with drug addiction and incarceration. Joe gave his life to Christ after being arrested for interstate drug trafficking in 1986. Despite receiving a 35 year sentence, by God’s grace, he was released in 18 months. 

Joe’s journey didn’t end there however. It wasn’t until he learned to surrender all his guilt and shame to the Lord that he was finally free. From that point on, Joe began to passionately share his testimony of freedom in order to give hope to others. In 2013 he published his book "Against All Odds: A Miracle Journey of Recovery and Success" to share the full story of how God saved him from a life of drugs and chaos into a new life of restoration and peace. 

After several years leading Celebrate Recovery groups at churches and in jails, Joe and his wife Maria were finally able to purchase 16 acres in Ijamsville, Maryland to start CrossRoads Freedom Center. The property, formerly a restaurant and inn, has been restored for a new purpose of providing men a safe place to build their recovery, gain work skills, and learn to live in community again. CrossRoads continues its restoration hoping to expand its capacity in order to serve more people in need. 

Meet the Team

Joe Tarasuk

Founder & Executive Director

  • After years of addiction and drug dealing, Joe encountered Jesus Christ in the back of a police car and surrendered his life completely to Him. Since then, he has been committed to living for the Lord and helping others experience the same freedom he found. 

    Out of his own redemption story, God gave Joe a vision for CrossRoads Freedom Center—a place where men could encounter Christ, break free from addiction, and be discipled into strong, godly leaders. What began as a vision has become a reality. 

    Today, Joe leads the ministry alongside his wife, Maria, with a deep passion to see men set free from everything that holds them captive. He believes true freedom begins with surrender to Jesus, and he is committed to walking with men step by step as they pursue lasting transformation in Christ. 

Maria Tarasuk

Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer

  • Maria serves alongside her husband, Joe, as a foundational leader at CrossRoads Freedom Center. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, the impact is felt throughout the entire ministry. Maria oversees all office operations, finances, budgeting, and staff coordination. She manages board communications and ensures the ministry operates smoothly. 

    Beyond administration, Maria plays a hands-on role in daily life at CrossRoads. She oversees the commercial kitchen, coordinates meals, assists with food preparation, and maintains the two gardens that help provide fresh food year round for the residents. 

Casey Welty

Program Coordinator

  • Casey is a graduate of the CrossRoads 12-month program, completing it in December 2019. Having walked the journey himself, he understands firsthand the challenges, growth, and transformation that take place in recovery. Since graduating, he has remained on staff, committed to helping other men experience the same freedom and restoration he found. 

    Casey supports the individual, spiritual, and emotional growth of each resident through daily mentoring, one-on-one meetings, and leading devotions. He guides men through practical and spiritual disciplines that build strong foundations for lasting change. In addition, Casey coordinates grounds maintenance, oversees work responsibilities, and helps residents develop the life skills they need to succeed beyond the program. 

Nick Pattelli

Program Coordinator

  • Nick is a graduate of the CrossRoads program, completing it in January 2025. About three weeks into his time as a resident, he had a powerful encounter with God that completely changed the direction of his life. That experience of surrender and transformation became the foundation for his passion and commitment to helping other men find freedom in Christ. 

    Since graduating, Nick has remained on staff as a program coordinator, walking alongside residents through mentorship, work coordination, and encouragement. He helps build both practical skills and spiritual growth by leading weekly Celebrate Recovery classes, guiding daily devotions, and participates in daily meetings, pointing men toward God and helping them develop lasting transformation through Christ. 

Hayden Yates

House Manager

  • Hayden is a graduate of the CrossRoads program, completing it in December 2025. Since then, he has stepped into the role of House Manager, leading the men daily with guidance, encouragement, and accountability. He provides direction, resolves conflicts, and models godly leadership, creating a safe and structured environment where men can grow and thrive. 

    Hayden also assists in leading weekly recovery classes, mentors residents, and encourages both spiritual and practical growth. In addition to his leadership role, he is a skilled tradesman who actively contributes to the maintenance of the facility and grounds.

Natalie Pattelli

Administrative Assistant

  • Natalie works closely with Maria, supporting office operations, finances, budgeting , and coordinating daily tasks. She helps to organize volunteers, coordinate events, plan and run fundraisers, and oversees donor relations throughout the year. 

    In the kitchen, Natalie helps with meal preparation, coordinating weekly lunches and dinners for the residents, assists in managing donations, and keeping supplies organized. Natalie also sings, and helps lead worship at one of the weekly meetings that our men attend.