Steve stands tall as he chases his dream to live drug free

By his own admission, Adele House client Steve* was struggling to beat his addiction to drugs after coming before the NSW Drug Court.

The Salvation Army and Adele House team alongside Senior Judge for the Drug Court of NSW, Her Honour Judge Jane Mottley.

The options were clear, make changes or remain in a life of crime and drug taking.

He started that journey in Sydney, but it was not until he arrived at residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre, Adele House near Coffs Harbour that he made real progress.

The $10 million facility, built with funding from the PAYCE Foundation and the NSW Government, and run by the Salvation Army, is delivering exceptional results.

Steve, who is just weeks away, from completing the program stood before 200 people at the recent Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) “Creating Safe Spaces” conference in Sydney and told his story.

As he pointed out he was not accustomed to public speaking he received a rousing reception, recognition of his achievements.

“When I first arrived at Adele, I was blown away by the state-of-the-art facilities, the support from staff was genuine and everyone was very welcoming when I arrived.

“The staff have a great wealth of knowledge, with a lot of them having their own passed lived experiences.
“They carry out their duties in a professional manner and they genuinely care about the client’s recovery journey.”

Steve has made every post a winner since he arrived at Adele, not only completing the program, but also working at Adele Training Farm – a PAYCE Foundation social enterprise where blueberries and blackberries are commercially grown.

The farm profits help fund the operations at Adele House.

He also found time to study at TAFE – has almost finished a Certificate IV in Community Services, with a mission to help other men overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol.

His life today is a far cry from one beholden to addiction and crime.

But for Steve, the best is yet to come.

*Not his real name.