The 57th Triple Care Farm Graduation took place on Thursday 15th December. The day recognises the tremendous achievements each student has made in transforming their lives, and is a celebration of the remarkable transformations they have experienced in their time at the Farm.
This year Triple Care Farm supported 86 young people from across Australia in the residential program, and another 70 in aftercare in the community. Of these, 31 young people were able to make the journey to graduation. Close to 300 friends, families, staff and members of the community turned up to show their support for the graduates in an event filled with music, inspiring words and hope.
A number of the students volunteered to speak about their time on the farm and the changes they had made in their lives. First to speak was Jack* a 17 year old from Newcastle. Jack spoke about his daily struggle to stay motivated through an all encompassing drug addiction. He thanked everyone who had helped and supported him, in seeing a life beyond drugs. He concluded by sharing a heartfelt thank you to his mother – the one person who never gave up hope on him.
His sentiments were echoed by Steve, who managed to overcome drug and alcohol addictions, as well as two suicide attempts.
Last to take the podium was Christine, a 19 year old, from Canberra. Christine spent her youth in and out of education, and by age 18 she had few options and nowhere to go. She ended up supporting herself by a dancing job, with long hours and low pay, admitting that the majority of what she earned was spent on her addictions. Christine’s story is totally different today – bright faced, and cheerful she plans to study arts full time next year and was lucky enough to earn a CWA scholarship, in honour of her achievements.
Following the students was Carl, a parent of one of the students. Carl’s story brought home the impact that Triple Care Farm can have, not only on young people, but on their entire family. Carl recounted the story of his son Mark, who was struggling with alcohol dependence, depression and problem gambling. Carl spoke of the anguish of having a son that he felt he could not reach, of the worry and fear that, his wife and two daughters experienced when Mark would disappear and they would have no word of where he was, or even if he was safe and well.
Carl thanked the farm and its supporters for their unwavering support of his son, and his entire family, in helping them get through their darkest times. His beautiful poem “I Care” was an expression of how a parent’s love endures. Despite the trials and hardships the family suffered due to Mark’s addictions, Carl never gave up hope, and his love for his son is stronger than ever.
The program concluded with some words from the Chaplain Kerrie Graaf, who spoke of the choice everyone had to change their lives and how brave these students were to make this change. “There is nothing we can do to change our yesterdays, but there is so much we can do today to make a difference in our tomorrows.” She also reminded them of their immeasurable value and how no one could ever take that from them: “Take all that you have become to be all that you can be. Soar above the clouds and let your dreams set you free. Live this moment as if today is all you have. Don’t waste a single second. Make every minute count - because you are so worth it.”
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* All names have been changed to protect privacy
