Cheryl (now in her late teens) could have easily become another ‘statistic’. But, thankfully, she found Triple Care Farm just in time. Cheryl arrived in a desperate state – drug dependent, a failed suicide attempt behind her, jobless and in debt. This is her story.
“The year before going to Triple Care Farm, I guess you can say, was the worst of my life. My life was ruled by drugs and, in late 2006, I hit rock bottom. I had thrown in my job and what money I did have went on drugs.
I spent no time with my family, believing it was better to be closer to my drug dealer than my family. My life was spiralling out of control and I was a mess.
Instead of reaching out to the people who love me, I decided I would take my own life, thinking my friends and family would be better off without me.”
Mercifully, Cheryl was not successful in her attempts, but found herself in a psychiatric ward. After three months, she seemed alright, but was still not happy.
“I barely spoke to my parents and, if they spoke to me, the most they would get out of me was a grunt. I had already put them through hell and continued to do so.
I had no goals and no hope. My parents were frustrated, and with good reason. They couldn’t understand why I was feeling the way I was and I wasn’t open enough to tell them.
Drugs had been in my life since I was 16 and I didn’t know how to face life without them. Then on 24 July 2007, I packed my bags and off I went to the Farm. In the first few weeks, I struggled to understand my fellow students and tended to isolate myself from them. I soon learnt that every one of us has our own story and own reasons for being there.”
As time went on, Cheryl became more accepting of people and their reasons for being at Triple Care Farm. She started to open up a little more and, increasingly, she learned to trust not only her fellow students, but also the dedicated staff at the Farm.
“The staff at the farm are truly amazing. They go out of their way to assist students in any way they can. They really believe in every student who walks into the farm. Without them and their constant support, the program wouldn’t be the success it is.
Beyond the woodwork, metalwork, farm work and all of the accredited courses, some of us learnt to listen, to accept others and that there are people who will listen. Some us of even learnt to trust again. But, most of all, I hope we all learnt that drugs and alcohol don’t fix problems. They only make them worse.
Everyone has their own story and some just take longer to start the new chapter in their lives. But, most just don’t have enough belief in themselves. I hope they will – one day.”
Through the commitment and ongoing support of Triple Care Farm staff, Cheryl’s journey has a happy outcome.
“I am doing really well. I have a full time job in customer service and I am studying at TAFE to be an interpreter for the deaf, two nights a week.
I can finally say I am truly happy. I could not have made it this far without Triple Care Farm and the staff. Thank you so much. I’d also like to thank my close friends. Through thick and thin, you have been there for me and I couldn’t have done it without you.
And last, but definitely not least, I’d like to thank my family. I have put you through hell and can’t express how sorry I am. But, I hope you all can see how far I have come and how determined I am to live a happy, normal life. I love you all very much and I can safely say, with confidence, that the hell is over.
I am sure my family will agree that since leaving the farm, I am like a new person. I have goals and direction in my life. I am determined to succeed and no longer see myself as a burden for those who love me. For a long time now, I have felt I was climbing a mountain I would never get to the top of, and Triple Care Farm was the hand that reached down to help pull me up. I can’t thank Triple Care Farm enough. You have changed my life and I will be forever grateful.”
Every day, Triple Care Farm is helping young people like Cheryl to break free from the addictions and unstable lifestyles that set them on the path to destruction. With the ongoing support and assistance they receive at Triple Care Farm, they are able to re-enter society as functioning young adults with skills, experience and new found self confidence.