Luke Chester has turned his life around.
Just two years ago, he’d been unemployed for 10 years, had spent time in prison and was caught up in drugs.
Certificates in retail at Twin Rivers, Eagleby, helped turn his life around.
He’s about to go to university and hasn’t touched drugs for three years. He has a new sense of drive.
Initially a painter, Mr Chester will soon be starting his Diploma of Counselling and Communicating at university.
“I feel the course will help me to heal,” he said.
He said Twin Rivers gave him a second chance, and showed him the value of helping others.
Managers of the Twin Rivers Food Outlet became second parents to him, and gave him the direction he needed.
“It would be a shame for me to come out the other side and not help others,” he said.
“I feel as though I was meant to live this life, this is my purpose. I wouldn’t change anything.”
Mr Chester knows he can return to the centre any time for advice.
But now, most of his time will be spent advising others.
“There’s always a lesson to learn from things,” he said.
“I used to wonder why all these bad things are happening to me, but now I don’t think bad things happen, just lessons.”
