stories

Sam’s Story

Dec 01

Sam’s Story

“Meet Sam*.

Sam first checked into Gateway House, Youturn’s crisis accommodation in Toowoomba, just before his 17th birthday. He had left his home where there was a lot of conflict that regularly escalated, making home a less than safe place to be.

After couch surfing with a mate, during which time he secured casual employment, Sam was referred to Gateway House by his friend, a former resident.

Sam spent the next 6 months at Gateway House setting himself some goals. The first, to secure further employment and show a commitment and work ethic to whatever role he was in, knowing this would lead to further opportunities down the road. He secured a second casual position, working in a butchery.

From Gateway House, Sam transitioned into community housing based share house programs, designed to help young people build their independent living skills, while developing their ability to live in a share house environment – a necessity for many young people in the current rental market.

During this time, Sam’s only mode of transportation was his pushbike, often riding up to 10km to do a shift at both jobs. During one of these rides, Sam was clipped by a car, suffering a considerable head injury that saw him spend a week in hospital. Despite his injuries, Sam spent that week focused on getting out and back to work to continue working towards achieving his goals.

Once Sam was back on his feet he continued to work, saving up enough to purchase himself a car. With the help of Col at Complete Driving Toowoomba & the PCYC Braking the Cycle program Sam managed to successfully obtain his provisional licence.

Sam is now kicking goals, working for a new employer and soon commencing an apprenticeship as a butcher. Sam plans to complete this apprenticeship and then look to commencing another as a chef. Sam is confident that his hard work will lead to a permanent housing solution in the not-too-distant future.”

*names have been changed

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Youturn supports young and vulnerable people of all ages across Australia, committed to ensuring that they have access to secure and affordable housing, and enjoy optimal mental wellbeing.

Youturn would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and Traditional Custodians. We value their cultures, identities, and continuing connection to country, waters, kin and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and are committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, by providing services that are welcoming, safe, culturally appropriate and inclusive

Youturn is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. Youturn welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.

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