Frank's* Story.

“I was born and raised in West Auckland to a single mother of four. She was a singer, and used to tour around Australia and New Zealand with quite a few bands and things. So whenever we’d have family gatherings, every weekend or so, there were parties, alcohol and lots of marijuana smoked at the house. But, we were quite sheltered from violence and my mum made sure we didn’t get ourselves into too much trouble.

It was a pretty standard upbringing, but if needed you’d get put in your place. At the first primary school I went to, for about four years, one of the teachers slapped me in the face because I was being a little too naughty. Mum pulled me out and put me in another school and it was fine. I’d play with my friends, out on the street playing rugby and touch. When I was going into college, that’s when my life turned and I started being naughty – wagging school, smoking stuff, not listening to my mum and getting into all sorts of trouble.

At the age of 15 or 16 I started to get into crime. Breaking into cars, doing burglaries, things like that. I ended up in and out of prison from about 17 to 29. That’s when I thought to myself there has to be something better in life than going in and out of jail and being the black sheep of the family. I learnt a lot more about myself and it paved a new way for me to think.

During all that, my mum had been diagnosed with cancer. She had a transplant and her kidneys had failed. Five days after I turned 22, my mum passed away. I spent most, if not all, of my inheritance on drugs, which sent me haywire. I lost my direction and joined the Mongrel Mob. I was with them for about two years, living on and off the streets of Auckland city and doing more crime.

I wanted to be back with my family. I thought to myself I’m missing my family and I’m missing home. A couple of years ago my nephew took me in, but I started hanging around with the wrong people again, doing drugs and things like that. My family said you can keep doing what you’re doing and we’ll kick you to the curb, or you can make a change, do something and take control of your life.

About a year later I was living with my cousin and I met with my first love, who was from school and we kicked things off again and ever since we’ve been together. Her kids accepted me. Our youngest has a rare genetic condition. She’s unable to walk or talk, so she gets stimulation from the iPad, listening to The Wiggles, things like that. But, it’s quite hard. Jamie (Oak Tree) and Murray (Pathway) really support me and make sure I’m alright and that if anything’s wrong I can make sure she’s ok.

If it wasn’t for Oak Tree or Pathway itself giving me the opportunity to be where I am now I don’t know exactly what I’d be doing. Ever since then, life’s been getting better and better. It’s been one of the best journeys I’ve had. I’m not always in the same place, doing the same thing. I just can’t thank Jamie and Oak Tree enough. If it wasn’t for Oak Tree I’d be pushing trolleys or stacking boxes and not progressing anywhere. There’s a sense of belonging at Oak Tree as well.

When I look back at my journey it’s one I’ve worn with shame, humility as well. But, I really believe anyone can change. It takes the right mindset.”

*Name has been changed.

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