With seven prior drink-drive convictions, John was told by the judge that if he didn’t sort out his alcohol issues then he was going to be serving time in prison.
John had been battling with his alcohol addiction,
He managed to complete an eight-week residential bridge programme run by the Salvation Army and then went on to attend programmes run by Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CAD), with additional help from Care NZ.
Through advocacy provided by the CSS social worker, John was finally able to give up sleeping in his van and storage shed, and move into a secure and affordable home through Kainga Ora (HNZ). John finally had a proper home.
John is now alcohol free and has successfully completed four months home detention. Despite all his challenges, John is helping others who have battled addiction issues, acting as a mentor and peer support to them.
Catholic Social Service’s mission of “Christ’s compassion in our community” is lived in their daily commitment to serve Auckland’s most vulnerable families through the provision of social work and counselling services.
They’ve continued this mission during lock-down in levels 3 and 4 as a designated essential service. They run their services through two offices in Ponsonby and Otara and remotely. They also work closely with other essential service agencies, such as St Vincent de Paul who were instrumental in ensuring that many families were able to get food. They are also grateful to parishes, businesses, and individuals for their contributions.