Myron's Story

Myron joined us after graduating the Yeldall Manor rehabilitation programme. After benefitting from Hope and Vision Communities' services for 20 months, Myron now feels ready to live independently. He shared his story: 

Hope is a peculiar thing. I suppose I never really paid much attention to what form it presents itself in. Coming to the end of my tenure with Yeldall Manor (thank you to all the staff and the Good Samaritan bursary fund) and due to move on, I was extremely unprepared. As the days drew closer my fear and anxiety about moving on started to grow as well. Unprepared financially, mentally, and somewhat emotionally the challenge of moving on was daunting.  Being homeless prior to Yeldall, I knew the difficulties of a single male finding accommodation. 

Then hope presented itself. 

In the form of Tony Attwood. Which was a little bit ironic because in my using days I spent most my time trying to avoid people like Tony. God does have sense of humour. The beacon of light I needed to move towards was one of the things I spent most of my life running away from. Tony then explained the vision: “long term housing for people moving out of treatment, to help them build a future”.   

If I'm honest, at the time all I heard was ‘long term housing’ and thought “result!”.  

I did not hear the second part “build a future”. I am certain I did not hear this because I did not really understand it. The concept of building a future was alien to me, having no idea who I was, what I liked, or why I liked it. Most of my decisions prior to recovery were based in some sort of motive around drugs or alcohol. Being free of that thought process could be overwhelming at times. 

As I write this now, about to move on, I understand what Tony was saying about “building a future”. 

Firstly: It takes time. One of the great assets that Hope and Vision provide. An undervalued commodity in the world and certainly, for my part, an undervalued commodity in recovery.  In early recovery I was almost childlike. I wanted everything to be fixed right away. I wanted the stuff I had missed out on in life right away. The truth is I was not ready for any of it. It took time to become ready. It took time for people around me to see the actions I was taking, not the words I used to speak. And it took time to understand what really mattered to me.  

Without the grace of time I was gifted by Hope and Vison, it would have been very difficult to make any of that stuff happen. 

Secondly: It takes mistakes. Many were made during my time with Hope and Vision. Rebellious in nature and stubborn at times, I had to learn from my experiences; it is a rarity in life that you have the space and support to let yourself navigate them. I also had to learn money management.  

Getting this wrong on a few occasions and not being able to pay rent as a result could have had disastrous consequences outside of the support in the Hope and Vision community. 

Thirdly: It takes community and support. Connection with others is a recurring theme I keep hearing in recovery.  

I have been blessed through the network that Hope and Vision created to live with some amazing people and to create what I believe to be some lifelong friendships. 

To have meaningful connection, sharing the highs and lows of the recovery journey. I will always be thankful for my time spent with them. 

The story of Hope and Vision is a lot like people's story's in recovery. Starting from a seed of an idea from Tony and the judge that something is possible and then through hard work, support, connection and a little bit of hope it has grown into something beautiful. A lot like my journey and many others. A seed of an idea that life can change then through hard work, support, connection and a little bit of Hope and Vision it has grown into something beautiful. 

Unaware of all the hard work that goes into the running of Hope and Vision, I would like to thank all the staff, board members and the kind people that have donated. I am greatful and thankful for all that you have done. 

Myron's Keyworker says:

I have had the pleasure of working with Myron over the last few years and watching his progress. He has embraced recovery and the journey of self-discovery; looking at the various aspects of his life from beginning to present. A journey that is scary for a many of us to get truly honest with ourselves.  

Myron has also put a lot of effort into work, family restoration and relationship skills, and the benefits are very evident in his life today. I wish him blessings with his ongoing journey and I appreciate the privilege of sharing some of his journey with him.

Kevin 

We wish Myron continued progress and joy!