Dear Kain,
I want to thank you for helping me in a difficult time and helping me to make friends when I thought that was impossible.
Last year, my father passed away, I was just 14 years old and was struggling to deal with my emotions. I let this tragedy affect my social life, refusing to go out with friends and people my age. I became withdrawn as the emotion of my father’s passing consumed me.
That was until I discovered ‘Youth’ [what young people call the outreach programs]. I saw it from a distance at the park and started to build up the courage to give it a go.
That first Youth visit was now years ago and I haven’t looked back since. If Youth Off The Streets weren’t here, I wouldn’t have anything to do and there would be no way to get my mind off things.
Kain, you and the staff helped me deal with my father’s death and helped me make friends at the time I needed them most.
I kept coming to Youth because it was really fun, a great way to get my mind off things, it offers lots of activities and everyone there is really friendly.
You helped me turn things around by inviting me to do activities, especially during the school holidays when I had the most time on my hands. I was able to participate in OzTag, touch football and many other sports. You made me feel really glad to have people around me, I felt supported, and it felt great to be active and have a lot of fun.
I’m still coming to the program because of you and the other staff. I’m making great friendships and having a lot of fun. I can now deal with the emotions that I feel, and this has improved steadily, as I’ve participated more and more.
Without Kain and the other staff at Youth Off The Streets I don’t know if I would have dealt with my emotions in the right way. Without them, I don’t know where I would be today, but I definitely wouldn’t be the happy, outgoing and fun person that I am.
Thanks Kain! Thanks for helping me when I needed it most – Lisa*
*Name/s and images have been changed to protect the privacy of the young person.
