My name is David

I first walked through the doors of Newtown Mission in 2003, not long after I’d been released from prison.

At the time I was living in a house with a couple of other former inmates. One day they suggested going for a walk up to Newtown, and we ended up here at what was then called the Drop-In Centre, what people now know as the Jordan Café.

I remember walking in, looking around, and getting this feeling that I could fit in here.

So, I started asking questions about how I could get involved. Back then there was an employment initiative running upstairs in the office, and I became part of that program. From there I started volunteering.

One thing I’m really proud of in my life is overcoming drug addiction. That was a big turning point for me.

Newtown Mission became more than just a place to volunteer; it became a community.

It’s also where I met my wife.

At the time I was living with her brother, who has sadly passed away now. Through him we met each other here at the mission. A few years later we started dating, and then on Valentine’s Day in 2009 we got married right here.

That felt like fate.

One experience that really stayed with me happened in 2005 when I had the opportunity to go to the Philippines on a mission trip with a small group from Newtown Mission.

We visited an orphanage called Jesus Loves the Little Children. The pastor who ran it had previously worked with Newtown Mission.

Before that trip I thought life in Australia was pretty tough. But seeing how people lived there changed my perspective completely.

Over there, some kids had to sell things on the street just so their families could eat. Some washed cars or sold cigarettes to make money. It made me realise that here in Australia we actually have a lot of support systems, things like welfare and services that people can rely on.

That trip really opened my eyes.

These days what I appreciate most about Newtown Mission is the community.

There’s always someone here who will check in with you and ask how you’re going. Everyone’s welcome here. Everyone has a story.

And for me, something special has happened over the years. When I first came here, I was the one being served.

Now I’m the one serving others. That means a lot to me, being able to give back.

I’m also known for having a few bad dad jokes.

Like this one:

Why is the seaweed always jealous at the beach?
Because the sea weed.

Or another one:

Why did all the baked beans move to Queensland?
Because they like living in cairns.

But if there’s one thing I’d want people to take away from my story, it’s this:

It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’ve been through. There’s always a place for you here. At Newtown Mission there’s no judgment and no condemnation.

People can change.

And people can give back.