In a suburban street in Brisbane’s northside lies a very ordinary looking house, filled with extraordinary stories.
For over four decades, has been a haven for young people in crisis, providing a safe home environment and a helping hand.
A former resident of Orana recently returned to the house to reflect on how his life was transformed within its walls.
This was the first time that Corey had visited since he was a young teen in the 1980s, but he’s never forgotten the impact that Orana had on him.
Corey said growing up, his family life was dysfunctional, and he would seek attention by getting into trouble.
“I once wagged school for two weeks straight until my dad found out,” Corey said.
“I got home and dad had packed up the Commodore with all my gear and he took me to the local police station and said, ‘You’re either going to take him off my hands now, or I’m going to drive until my tank of fuel is half empty and that’s where I’m leaving him.’
“Thankfully, Orana was well known in the area for helping young people, so that’s where the police brought me.
“I would say that the biggest change for me right off the bat was feeling the love. There’s no doubt there was something unique about that. Love – I had no idea what that was.
“I was an unloving, angry teenager and I know I would have ended up on the streets and eventually in prison if it hadn’t been for .
“This mundane, normal looking house was run by people who had a heart for giving to other people. They introduced me to Jesus, and I’ve been actively involved in church and with young people ever since.
“These days I’m deputy principal at a high school and my life experience helps me relate to the young people I work with who are disengaged like I was.”
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