From Couch Surfing to Classroom Leadership: Stories of Courage from JTYouGotThis Participants
Statistics show outcomes. Stories show transformation. The Johnathan Thurston Academy’s JTYouGotThis
This blog isn’t about numbers. It’s about the young people whose lives changed when
someone finally said, “We believe in you.” From sleeping on couches to mentoring peers in
classrooms, their stories echo a simple but powerful truth: change is possible, and courage
is contagious.
Meet the Young Leader Who Was Once Lost
Two years ago, one young participant was removed from their mother’s care. They’d lived in
eight different residences, part of a family with ten siblings. Expelled from school for
violence, they were disconnected, angry, and unable to regulate their emotions.
Then came the JTYouGotThis Program.
By Week 2, this young person was learning how to collaborate, express themselves, and
build trust. Through sessions on Thought Traps, Red Flags, and Goal Setting, they not only
engaged—they began to believe in their ability to grow.
By the end of the program, this young person had transformed from isolated and reactive to
engaged and courageous. That’s not a turnaround—it’s a comeback.
The Courage Award and a Fridge-Sized Dream
Some moments in the program are unforgettable. A participant who had shown resilience and continuous growth was awarded a Courage
Certificate. With his family watching, he accepted it proudly—and then made a request:
“Can I have two more? One for Mum’s fridge, and one for Dad’s.”
For a young person who had never been publicly acknowledged for doing the right thing, that
certificate was everything. A symbol of value. Of redemption. Of belonging.
He stood beside his dad for a photo, smiling—because for the first time, he had something
worth framing.
From Disengaged to Determined: Silver Linings and Second Chances
Another story begins with a young man ashamed and detached from his hometown.
Disconnected from school and himself, he entered the JTYGT Program with low confidence
and zero direction.
But something shifted.
Through the safe, culturally responsive structure of the program, he rebuilt his self-worth and
reconnected with his values. One of his goals was to be accepted back into Silver Lining’s,
an educational institution he had previously left behind.
He achieved that goal—and then some.
He was invited back to the next JTYGT cohort—not as a student, but as a mentor. That’s
leadership born from lived experience.
Breaking the Cycle: From Crime to Contribution
Before starting the program, one participant was involved in criminal activity and stuck in a
toxic relationship. The community knew them as a troublemaker. But they weren’t given
tools—they were given labels.
The JTYGT Program changed that.
In a culturally safe space, this young woman developed pro-social skills and was placed in
the Cowboys House hospitality program. With 100% attendance, she showed not just
commitment but transformation.
Today, she’s actively working toward employment, building rapport with mentors, and
redefining her story.
Substance Use, Peer Pressure, and Finding the Right Circle
One Indigenous boy was lost in grief after losing a key family figure. Struggling with anger,
substance use, and detachment from his family, he saw no future in school or work.
Through JTYGT’s yarning circles and cultural activities, he reconnected with his
heritage—and with himself. He now talks through his feelings, identifies emotional triggers,
and is exploring employment options through ATW in Cairns.
His transformation was so significant that after low engagement in Program 1, he returned for
Program 2 with 85% attendance. He’s now lined up to be a mentor in future sessions.
That’s the definition of a role model.
Making Better Choices, One Day at a Time
Another young person, once involved with the youth justice system and showing signs of
early offending behaviour, started to understand the impact of substances, the power of
routine, and the importance of having the right people around.
Before, it would take them weeks to return to school after the holidays. But after the
program? They returned on day one of Term 3 with a high attendance rate—and haven’t
reoffended since.
These aren’t just one-off wins. These are signs of lasting transformation driven by self-
awareness, support, and community.
The Pathway to Employment and Apprenticeship
JTYGT is also opening doors to tangible outcomes. One participant, once out of the
education system with poor pro-social skills and frequent anger outbursts, is now:
- Enrolled in an 18-week paid apprenticeship
- Earning a Certificate I in Building & Construction
- Holding a White Card
- Maintaining 100% program attendance
Through cultural mentorship, program support, and consistent guidance, this young person
found a positive pathway to build not just walls—but a future.
From Frustration to Focus: Emotional Wins That Matter
These stories may differ, but one thread runs through them all: emotional healing.
Each young person in the program learned to:
- Recognize their feelings
- Talk instead of react
- Build trust with mentors and peers
- Feel safe enough to be vulnerable
- Discover purpose and pride in themselves
These are lessons that don’t just impact today—they build resilience for life.
The Power of One Story to Inspire Many
When a young person goes from expelled to employed, from angry to articulate, or from
couch surfing to classroom mentor—it ripples.
You don’t just change one life. You impact families. You uplift communities. You inspire the
next generation.
The JTYouGotThis Program isn’t just about engagement. It’s about empowerment.
Because when courage is cultivated in a safe space, when young people are seen for who they
are—not just where they’ve been—they rise.
And when they rise, they show others the way.
At JTA, we don’t just believe in second chances—we believe in new beginnings.
Because you’ve got this.
