Hope rekindled – Kyle’s story

July 23, 2025

From 28 July to 3 August 2025, the Catholic Church celebrates the Jubilee of Youth – a celebration of joy, renewal, and hope, centred on the faith and potential of young people.

Kyle’s story – a journey from hardship to healing, from surviving to thriving – is a powerful reflection of what this Jubilee stands for – hope rekindled and the promise of a new beginning.

When Kyle first entered CatholicCare’s ITC (Intensive Therapeutic Care) Program in April 2023, he carried more than just his bag. He brought with him the weight of past struggles, emotional exhaustion, and a sense that life had closed in on him. But since transitioning to CatholicCare’s TSIL (Therapeutic Supported Independent Living) Program in May 2024, that same young man has undergone an inspiring transformation – one that speaks volumes about the power of support and resilience.

“When Kyle first arrived at TSIL, he was frustrated and overwhelmed. Regulating emotions was a daily battle and frustration often boiled over, leading to property damage and strained relationships,” says Manager Casework, Jodie.

At first, Kyle’s days were marked by emotional challenges, tension, and a deep sense of uncertainty about the future. But being in his TSIL environment, where independence is nurtured and responsibility encouraged, sparked something in him.

For the first time, Kyle began to believe he had control over his own life. He started to make decisions, take ownership of small wins, and soon those small wins became big steps.

In just 12 months, Kyle has grown from a young person needing intensive support to someone confidently steering his own course. With support from a team Kadi his Case Manager, Jenny his Living Skills Worker, and the team at Support Central Co., Kyle has been learning to manage life’s practicalities with increasing confidence. One major achievement – reducing his support hours. “This is a huge milestone, considering there was a time when he needed much more intensive support to get through the day,” says Jodie.

Kyle’s achievements speak for themselves. He has earned his learner driver’s licence and is working toward his P plates, thanks to driving lessons with his Living Skills Worker, Jenny – part of a CatholicCare initiative to train support staff as certified driving instructors. “This has not only given the young people like Kyle a chance to develop essential life skills but has also built trust and rapport between young people and their living skill workers,” says Jodie. “These shared experiences on the road have deepened relationships and created moment of genuine connection and support.”

“Kyle has opened a savings account, started budgeting meticulously, and is now putting money aside to buy his first car. Earlier this year, he completed a Certificate II in Career Preparation and is set to begin a Certificate III in Community Services this July. “To see him now talking about university is incredible,” says Jodie. “It’s a testament to how much can change with the right support and determination.”

Kyle’s newfound confidence shines in other areas too. He has joined a gym and works out three to four times a week. He’s managing his own budget, impressing everyone with his financial planning skills and meal preparation during shopping trips. His home is spotless and reflects the pride he feels in his space.

Perhaps most heartening is Kyle’s blossoming social life. Once isolated and wary of peer interaction, Kyle now juggles social engagements more confidently, even adjusting his support schedule to make time for friendships and outings.

Kyle recently took the initiative to prepare his resume and approach businesses on his own in search of work. With the help of an employment agency, he’s now on track to securing a part-time job while continuing his studies.

As Jodie beautifully puts it “Kyle’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a young person is given the space to grow, the support to thrive, and the belief that they can achieve great things.”

From a cycle of frustration and isolation to a life filled with purpose, pride, and hope, Kyle’s transformation is more than a success story – it’s a call to believe in every young person’s potential.

Just as the Jubilee Year invites us to look to the future with faith and hope, Kyle’s story shows what can happen when a young person is given the choice to grow and succeed.

* Name and photo of young person has been changed to protect his privacy