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Jackson’s Story
When Jackson reflects on his early life, he remembers a home filled with fear rather than safety. His father’s behaviour shaped his everyday life, leaving scars that would follow him into adulthood.
“My father was emotionally and financially abusive to me and my siblings, but as the eldest, I carried the heaviest burden. By the time I turned 18, life felt like a pressure cooker—each day he turned up the heat until, eventually, I was the one thrown out with the steam.”
At 19, Jackson found himself homeless. The shift from a controlling home environment to life without shelter was jarring. He had to navigate survival while also living with the challenges of being on the autism spectrum.
“Working as a young person on the spectrum was hard as I was jumping from job to job and study to study to try and fit in. My father didn’t make it easy.”
The instability left him with few places to turn to. He felt overlooked and underestimated, struggling to maintain consistent employment or pursue his studies while searching for a safe place to live. Survival became his focus, and dreams of a future seemed out of reach.
When Jackson was accepted into Our Place, he felt the shift immediately.
“When I was given the option for Our Place, my first thought was FINALLY SOMEONE WHO WILL GIVE ME A SHOT. And I refused to let them down.”
At Our Place, he experienced stability and support that allowed him to focus on practical steps toward independence. Staff assisted him with education, training, and essential licences.
“When I was offered assistance with getting my security licence and car licence from the staff, it felt liberating.”
These achievements gave Jackson more than qualifications, they gave him belief in himself.
Having a safe and stable home transformed his outlook.
“A place where I can be myself and know I can sleep knowing I’m safe and that I can come back.”
For the first time, he felt secure enough to concentrate on his wellbeing and future goals rather than just surviving day to day.
Looking back, Jackson sees his time at Our Place as a turning point.
“I feel like my time with them helped me grow up and see more than what’s in front of me.”
He is most proud of building a pathway into his industry and earning a fair wage.
“Getting into an industry and earning a fair wage.”
Through the support he received and the strength he discovered within himself, Jackson found the resilience he had not known he possessed.
“I’m stronger than I thought I was and I have more to offer.”
Today, Jackson’s life looks entirely different from the one he once feared would define him. He has a partner, a home, and a future filled with possibilities.
“I’m now getting married and planning on having children, and now my partner and I own our own home.”
The man who once doubted his worth is now building a family based on safety, respect, and love.
To others facing the same struggles, his advice is direct and honest.
“Don’t see just the negative; as that’s the easy path, yes, the positive is harder to spot and stick with, but it’s worth it in the long run.”
Jackson sums up his journey in a single sentence:
“I’m a better man, and the sins of my father are his to carry now.”
He has broken the cycle of abuse and instability, choosing instead to build a life on resilience, love, and hope. His reminder to himself and to others carries the spirit of his transformation.
“Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.”
This story has been compiled and written by Black Sally Lane Media. The content is based on the lived experiences generously shared by participants. While the content has been edited for readability and flow, every effort has been made to preserve the authenticity of their voices. The views expressed belong to the individuals who shared their stories.