Mark's Story

I first came to Kwila in July 2022. I had just been released from prison on bail, and I was living at Newcastle affordable housing in Adamstown.

While I was in prison, I made a decision to turn my life around and build a relationship with Jesus.

After my release, I started attending Life Church Newcastle, which is associated with Soul Hub. At Life Church, I reconnected with David and Loraine Outridge who I had previously met through SMART Recovery support groups at Samaritans Recovery Point in Broadmeadow. Loraine invited me to come to Kwila Rehab.

I started coming to Kwila 4 days a week.

Before going to prison, I had worked as a boiler maker and construction supervisor, and I was able to easily adapt my trade skills to timber work in the Kwila workshed.

Kwila supported me through my court case, and I was fortunate enough to be released on a Community Corrections Order. After my court case was over, I decided to keep coming to Kwila.

Then, Kwila offered me a traineeship and supported me while I studied for a Certificate IV in Community Services, which I completed in June 2024. 

I've also become a SMART Recovery facilitator and I run two meetings a week for Kwila, one at Hexham and another one at Singleton.

Thanks to Kwila, I know have the opportunity to help other people succeed on their own recovery journey.