5 2012 Autumn Edition Warm Your Heart

Yumbaba House Say a Proud Farewell

Three years ago, Joel entered Lifestyle Solutions as a shy teenager who was unhappily attending high school. Throughout his time in our Yumbaba residential service, Joel has progressed into a successful, confident and happy young man ready to take on any challenge that comes his way. Joel has steadily made positive choices and has been guided and supported with learning life skills which has now resulted in this young man successfully transitioning into independent living and adulthood.

Since entering our residential service Joel has grown in confidence, has made long-standing friendships and has transitioned from school into the workforce. With each milestone, Joel has grown as a person and his level of happiness has skyrocketed!

The last twelve months has seen Joel, with the support of his staff, accomplish many things he set his mind to in transitioning into independent living. Something Joel credits as one of his biggest achievements has been his journey to obtaining his P Plates and purchasing his vehicle. Shortly after his sixteenth birthday, he began studying online for his learners permit and successfully obtained his licence on his first attempt!

With this new found confidence, Joel proved to staff that he was already a natural and talented driver. He was approved ten accredited driving lessons through his CSO and Lifestyle Solutions funded a further ten. Joel continued to log his hours through the Lets Drive Transition from Care Camp where he improved his driving abilities. From this camp, staff were able to make contact with Silky Oaks Driving School who mentored Joel for countless hours of driving. With the support of staff driving with him after their shifts coupled with the time spent at driving school, this young man reached his 100 hours.

Whilst Joel was eagerly awaiting his log book to be returned he purchased a vehicle, a 90s model Holden Commodore which Joel calls his pride and joy. He successfully obtained his P plates on his first attempt and was thrilled when he was able to drive his vehicle himself. Joel has shared many times how proud he is of himself and how thankful he is for all the assistance Lifestyle Solutions has given him.

Joel continues to work full-time and is now living in his own rental property where he is happily exploring what it means to be an adult. He has a fully furnished house and with some coaxing from staff, will admit that he is proud of the hard work he has put in and the success he now has. With a massive grin on his face will coyly joke, I may have had some help along the way.

On his last night within the Yumbaba house Joel celebrated his eighteenth birthday with staff and some of the young people he has impacted throughout his time with Lifestyle Solutions. He was given a birthday party with cake and presents which he loved, including a book of photographs and memories from the past three years.

Joel has grown into a remarkable young man who has proven that with a little support, determination and self-belief, achievements and a successful transition are more than achievable. Joel will be greatly missed within the Yumbaba house and by the staff at Lifestyle Solutions.

We wish him every success and happiness on the exciting journey he is about to undertake.