The Glen stories
Read the stories of our clients to find out how The Glen has supported them in their journey.
I am a proud Wiradjuri man from Cowra. My family moved from Cowra when I was young and I grew up in Western Sydney and lived in a home with a lot of violence.
When I started high school, I stopped caring about life. I found myself in juvenile detention when I was 14. At 19 years of age, my life continued to spiral out of control with drug use and more crime.
Since arriving at The Glen I’ve learnt what’s important in life and how to care for myself and those around me.
I entered the transition program and completed a TAFE course, learnt how to use computers and got my driving licence back. I got a part-time job at The Glen running the sports programs and helping to welcome new clients.
I also volunteer and give educational talks to young people, sharing my story. I’m so grateful for what The Glen has done for me and my family.
I am a proud Wiradjuri woman. I feel honoured to be the first client at The Glen for Women.
Before coming to The Glen my life was tough and unmanageable. I struggled for a long time but always put my children’s needs above my own.
I was always afraid to reach out for help because of the fear of our kids being taken.
The Glen has made me look deep within myself, face my fears and work through my traumas.
The ground the property stands on is healing, the staff are loving and supportive and the clients are inspiriting. We use our strengths to build each other up.
The program has taught me so many things about life. I truly believe that if you follow the program it really does work. My journey has allowed me to reconnect with my identity, my culture, dance, singing, finding a sponsor and participating positively in community activities. I’m proud of the direction my life is heading and committed to giving back.
I am a 42-year-old from Wollongong. I have struggled with drug addiction since the age of 13. At 18 I found myself using ice to escape the pain of losing my brother. I’ve always justified my drug use, not believing I had a problem because I held down a job. I kept moving to different towns to start fresh. But I always found myself in the same cycle of using drugs and losing my job.
I first came to The Glen in 2018. Following that I had a job and started a family but I spiralled again. I returned to the safety of The Glen and have taken full advantage of all of the counselling onsite, including the grief and trauma therapy, parenting programs and relationships counselling. I have learnt that vulnerability is the key to serenity.
I am 22 years old and I have been 90 days clean.
Life was unmanageable for me from the age of 14 and I was stuck in a bad cycle.
Since coming to The Glen for Women I have finally realised that what I want in life is to stay clean. The Glen has helped me to do this. I am very grateful for the support they offer and the knowledge I have gained in a short time in the program.
I am finally looking forward to my future and what the rest of my life brings.
I’m 27 years old and have been struggling with addiction for the past 13 years. Before coming to The Glen I was homeless. My life was truly unmanageable. When I found myself in jail I knew I had to change my life and break the cycle of addiction.
I completed the 12-week program at The Glen and am now in transition. I have learnt how to manage money, bought myself a motorbike and still have some savings to help me move into an apartment when I leave The Glen. I’ve found a job and I’m 10 months clean and sober.
My life just keeps getting better and better every day. Thank you to the people at The Glen for teaching me how to love myself again.
I am 30 years old and have been using drugs and alcohol since the age of 16.
Before coming to The Glen I drank daily to try and escape reality and daily struggles. I was overwhelmed with anxiety, sleep deprivation and felt spiritually and mentally dead. I lost passion for life and felt like death wasn’t too far away.
Today I have good people in my life who tell me what I need to hear rather than what I want to hear.
I have a daily program that keeps me connected to my inner spirit and to the people around me.
Before coming to The Glen I felt dead inside but today I feel I want to live and enjoy my life.