When Alyssa was 17, she could never have dreamt of the happy life she lives now.
With an unsafe family situation and nowhere else to go, Alyssa found refuge at Carinity Orana, a north Brisbane service that provides crisis accommodation to young people.
Alyssa's life was changed forever during the five months at Orana, where she was supported by a team of passionate youth workers.
"My life before was scary and chaotic and I honestly didn't know if I'd make it to my next birthday," Alyssa said.
"I'm so grateful I found Orana. It was my first true home and the place I learned most of my life skills. The youth workers inspired me to believe in myself and instilled so much self-confidence and independence."
There was one person in particular who Alyssa credits with guiding her in the right direction - youth worker Nate who has been supporting young people at Carinity Orana for the past 17 years.
"All the youth workers were amazing, but Nate was the one who really kept my hope going when I needed it most," Alyssa said.
"He takes young people who are going through a really rough time and makes them feel like normal kids who deserve a normal life. Despite the challenges I was facing, he never made me feel different.
"Nate was so welcoming and like a father figure in the best possible way. He would always put in the effort to genuinely listen and make you feel good.
"My favourite memory of my time at Orana was Nate picking me up from work and taking me and the other kids to play at the local basketball court. It's so simple, but it made me forget all the awful things going on at the time and feel like just an ordinary kid."
With the support of Carinity Orana, Alyssa kept up with school and external studies, maintained a job, got her driver's licence and moved into longer-term housing.
"It was exciting to become independent but sad at the same time. Of course, Nate was there to help make the transition as smooth as possible."
It's now been over two years since Alyssa moved on from Carinity Orana and she is happy and thriving.
"I love my life right now. I'm living with my partner and working full-time managing a gym. I've learned to manage money, have made peace with my journey and could not be more grateful for what I have," Alyssa said.
"Looking ahead, I'd really love to move into a career where I can help others. Knowing the impact that youth workers had on my life, I'm inspired to do the same."
Nate said the best thing about being a youth worker is helping young people reach their goals and realise that they matter.
"It can be challenging, but so very rewarding. I had told Alyssa to come back to Orana in 10 years to show me how successful she had become, and here she is just two years later," he said.
"I am not at all surprised by what Alyssa has achieved so far and can't wait to see where her future takes her."
Find out how you can sponsor a bed at Carinity Orana
