In his late 30s, Mike first met our Belonging to Family team when he enrolled in the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre program.
Our team’s first impressions were that he had a positive attitude and was courteous and respectful of others.
He’s also a talented artist who has pursued the arts while in custody to help him process the trauma he’s experienced in his life, heal, and create something beautiful in the world.
During the program sessions, Mike quickly became a role model to the other dads in the group, opening up about his desire to break his cycle of incarceration and become a reliable and present dad for his daughter.
He spoke about challenges he’d faced, including homelessness, family separation, drugs and alcohol.
Participating in the program has greatly helped Mike’s confidence and belief in himself. Being seen by others as a leader has encouraged him to take on the large task of rebuilding his life when he is released.
Belonging to Family is a throughcare program and our team will support Mike with the next stage of his life as he returns to the community.
Our team and Mike are working closely together to connect him with community services and his family on the outside and support his goal of steady employment.
“He has spoken about getting his driver’s licence and a job when released and is looking positively to the future,” said our team.
While he was preparing for release, our team noticed how respected Mike was by others in custody and approached him to see if he’d like to be a mentor during the next group of Belonging To Family.
He happily agreed and has been a tremendous asset to the program, guiding others through the content.
Our team says, “Having watched Mike as both participant and mentor, I have seen a remarkable change in his behaviour.
“It’s been a privilege to hear his story of hardship … and how he is tired of a life of crime, drugs, and alcohol and is ready for change.
“He told me that he loved being part of the program and helping the boys and would like to continue helping others while still in custody, either by listening or assisting them create their own story through art.
“It was a pleasure to watch him work unassisted to support others to comprehend questions in the program and help them draw on their own life story to answer.”
With his release coming soon, our team knows he will do well and feels confident that Mike is wrapped in support from them and the community.
Mike has leaned on and learnt much from the Elders who volunteer and mentor Belonging to Family participants, and they are happy to guide him as he moves into this next happy chapter in his story.
*Names and images changed to protect participant privacy.
Thank you to the National Indigenous Australians Agency for supporting this program.
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