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A new dawn this Christmas

For more than 30 years, Mark struggled with a cycle of drug use and jail, while trying to cope with a history of abuse as a child.

In the last three years, he’s turned his life around: he’s in recovery, has a partner and has his own cleaning business.

Thanks in part to the support of the Haymarket Foundation, the 55 year-old has gone from sleeping rough – in a tent on Maroubra Beach – to living in his own place in the neighbourhood.

A pivotal part of that journey was significant victim compensation from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse – and the support of a case worker from the Haymarket Foundation.

He managed to get a licence, a car and establish a business specialising in end of lease cleaning.

Now Mark has new habits – he has work, helps support his partner get to health appointments and goes for a daily walk at the beach.

He has reconnected with his sister and niece, and through his partner has a new tribe, including two grandchildren.

“I wouldn’t be living in my own place, with a job and a family, without the work of the Haymarket Foundation.”

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