Chris Ugle, who has turned his life around with the help of Ngalla Maya. Photo: Marie Nirme
IF the stories of Chris Ugle and Mervyn Eades have taught me anything, it is that anyone can change.
Listening to them recount stories of growing up in a vicious cycle of crime, unsure whether they would ever have families, own a home or hold down a job is a far cry from the lives they lead today.
Unfortunately, for many families, the former is a reality they see every day and without organisations like Ngalla Maya many families including those of Chris and Mervyn’s would still be stuck in “the system”.
For Ngalla Maya the proof is in their success stories – including in the 20 who graduated through their program last week who will go on to full-time employment and away from the lives they once lived.
It’s imperative organisations like this continue to receive the funding and support they need because without it and them – cases like this would be few and far between.
