Monarch butterflies are known to most for their beautiful reemergence. Meandering from a once prickly caterpillar, and growing into an illustrious marvel. One that takes determination, strength and instinct before embarking on their journey ahead.
Tyler Smith has personified that journey. One that started with self-imprisonment and addiction, and leading to actual incarceration and rock bottom. But, what happened next was a phenomenon of itself. A forced cocoon and reflection stage, that not only ended up turning her own life around, but the lives of so many women around her as well.
When Tyler had all of the odds in the world stacked against her, she chose a different path. She chose to turn inward, strive higher and dream bigger.
A journey that first sparked from her relationship with God. A light in her storm. A beacon in her turmoil. A flicker of hope in the face of uncertainty. From redefining her own self-worth and purpose, to facing her addiction head on, her spiritual being started to heal.
Healing her mind and spirit grew into a desire to heal physically as well. Knowing that carrying out her dreams, aspirations and purpose would ultimately need nourishment from the inside out.
When asked how fitness fits into her rehabilitation equation, she replied, “you can’t address all the areas of your being without addressing physical being as well.”
From once living on the streets to strutting across the body building stage, Tyler’s spiritual & health journey taught her discipline, resilience and pride. And once she was able to stand tall and reflect back on her journey, she knew it didn’t end with her own triumphs.
She had met countless women who walked in similar shoes. Women who felt they didn’t fit in. Women who felt they didn’t have a place in the world. Women who felt unwanted and unworthy. A misfit.
In 2022, Tyler created Misfits Mission. She first started as a mobile gym, traveling to mentor ladies in both fitness and discipleship, setting goals and igniting inspiration in her wake after every session. By 2023, she was ready to set her sights on something bigger.
Inspired by Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom’s memoir The Hiding Place, Tyler realized her desire to provide a safe landing place, a sanctuary and an ally for weary travelers. Thus, The Hiding Place was born, a haven for women willing to rest, reset and reemerge into something stronger than before. To break patterns, to break bread, and to pledge commitments to her year long process.
Based around five pillars of well-rounded growth and healing, residents are immersed in a new way of life, a new way of thinking, and a new way of serving.
From healthy routines and nutritional education, to financial literacy and professional development, to Christ-centered recovery support and trauma-informed care, this program helps residents restore their dignity, build their confidence, and prepare themselves for sustainable independence. Her program also shines a light on igniting their creative talents, bringing forth passions in art, music and tapping into simple joys within.
Her goal isn’t just to help women get on their feet, but to realize their full potential in all areas of life. When women are given the tools to realize their purpose, their worth, their God-given gifts to this world, they can truly be free.
But, Tyler’s not done yet. She’s set her eyes on a new goal. One that could usher in more women, and help wade through the stack of applicants on her waiting list. A second home called Our Father’s House is in the works, and comes with a hefty fundraising goal to purchase, repair, and remodel this safe haven where more women can heal and rebuild.
Misfits Mission is committed to raising up disciples who make disciples, women who are not only healed and singing their new song but empowered to go back and uplift others to sing alongside them.
To reflect. To grow. To reemerge.
You can learn more about Misfits Mission, make a donation or register for their fundraising events at MisfitsMission.org. In 2026, they’ll be hosting their Spring RuckRaiser, May 9, at No Label Brewing Co. and their annual Fall Gala, September 21, at Anthonie’s Market Grill in Simonton.
Nicole was like many women coming out of years of survival mode, but chose to prioritize her future by pursuing her Recovery Coach Certification and is now the Residential Recovery & Transportation Coordinator at The Hiding Place.
Kim spent 15 years in prison, but at The Hiding Place, she was able to focus and invest in her future, recently earning her Wellness Coach Certification and working at CincoFit Gym. With a bright future in sight, she’s continuing her education and now studying for her Nutrition Coach Certification.
Charity was the first graduate of the Misfits Mission program, committing to herself and her sons, and is now the House Manager of The Hiding Place. She calls Tyler her “spiritual mom” because without her, she would have certainly gone back to her old life. But Tyler says, “it’s not me, it’s my obedience through the Lord that gives her and others these opportunities.”