Life in our community… lived experiences, shared activity, companionship

The following stories from our men's home - de Porres - offer a glimpse into everyday life within our community.

“Here, I feel like I matter”

This was Doug’s response when he was asked how he was feeling.

Doug has been with us at de Porres House for around six months now, and he’s doing well. He’s clean, has a job, has reconnected with his family, and will soon be ‘graduating’ from his Drug Court program. More than that, he’s proving to be a valuable support to other de Porres men and a genuine leader within this community.

I feel seen, heard and valued by you guys.” Speaking with the authority that comes from many years of difficult lived experience, Doug added, “It changes everything, particularly how I feel about myself. When you don’t believe that you matter, it’s hard for anything to matter.

It’s deeply reaffirming to receive this kind of feedback. Our mission challenges us to be relational, to create inclusive communities, and to nurture dignity, hope and belonging. We’ve learned that this is best achieved through regular, authentic connections that ensure those we meet feel seen, understood and cared for by our community. We also know that the quality of these connections matters far more than the quantity. To use Doug-speak, it’s about creating regular moments of mattering.

Keep an eye out for Doug’s graduation photos — coming soon.

Happily working together on New Year’s Day

A number of our de Porres House men, who usually work, were finding the long stretch of Christmas leave a little challenging. With boredom setting in, it was decided that a day at the farm was in order.

Early on New Year’s Day, Doug and Michael caught the train from Central to Richmond. Judd was picked up from his mum’s place. The three met at Richmond Station before heading out to the farm, where they were joined by Julie and Jill, along with Kevin and Brett, who live there.

Once there, everyone got stuck into some serious tidying up. Doug was on the tractor slashing the bottom paddock. Judd tackled fallen timber with the chainsaw. Jill and Michael made piles of sticks to be burnt once the weather cools. Brett was on the ride-on mower, Kevin on the hand mower, and Julie did what she does best — keeping the banter flowing and the mood light.

Judd was particularly excited, with his parole period ending the following Monday. After 18 months living at de Porres, he will finally be free of the ankle monitor and the movement restrictions that have made life so challenging. It was agreed that Julie would attend his Monday parole meeting, as well as his GP appointment, as Judd will need additional support over the coming months.

Four hours later, the bottom paddock was cleared of timber and freshly mown — now much safer for the horses and significantly reducing fire risk.

Lunch was a treat: chicken and chips from the takeaway in North Richmond — Brett’s favourite.

The de Porres men were then driven home, with one needing to meet a strict urine test deadline that couldn’t be missed. The car ride was filled with healthy, happy conversation. Julie then headed off to Mount Druitt Police Station to collect the teeth of another de Porres man. Yes — you read that correctly.

Another day at Cana.

Meet Phil – one of our companions

I have been attending de Porres House for over a year now, mainly on a Thursday evening, just spending time listening and talking to the men I meet there.

I’ve spent my work life in the human services field — in disability support, child protection / out-of-home care, social housing, and finally corrective services. What drove me to take on those jobs was a belief in people and second chances. As a young person, I was written off — a slow learner at school, a manual worker in factories, council parks, and on a coal ship! I was then offered a second chance and accepted at an art college on a design course. That led to a role in youth work, then disability, and on I went — being given chances and wanting to give others a chance.

The de Porres men are all trauma-affected. They struggle with family dislocation, have high levels of anxiety, and are rejected by the mainstream. They stand on the fringes of society, unsure and scared to be themselves.

That the guys accept me, talk to me about their lives, and share their fears is very humbling and rewarding. I know that just being present and treating them with dignity and respect can make a big difference. I so appreciate being part of something that is providing these guys the opportunity to heal, to grow, and, importantly, to find a collective family. Yes, some struggle, but they aren’t judged. Rather, we stand alongside those who need extra support and provide that second chance.

“Phil is such a gift to our community,” says Julie Sneddon, our Head of Mission (and also a volunteer). “He arrives at de Porres at the same time each week with no idea who will be there, or who he will connect with. He is content to ‘just be’. This is a great example of our model of companionship. He listens without judgement, doesn’t offer advice, but is compassionate and connected. He shares stories about his own life and normalises the struggles we all experience. These roles are life-changing for both the volunteer and the men and women in our community. Connection and community are the key, and with compassion and consistency, we all benefit.”

Together, these stories reflect the values, beliefs and behaviours at the heart of our community.