Stories of Lakeside
Charlie
Charlie (not his real name) was exposed to drugs at the young age of 14. With both his parents imprisoned and gangs preying on his vulnerability, the odds were stacked against him. Lost in a cycle of addiction, he eventually started serving prison time himself for drug consumption.
During his last sentence, he started valuing his freedom. He got to know Derance, his counsellor from Lakeside. Derance described him as a young chap full of hope for the future, who wanted restart his life but did not know where to begin. Derance gave him the unwavering support he needed for his journey of healing and self-discovery. Like a brother, he guided him through challenges, helping him sort out his priorities and steer clear of temptations.
As Charlie took ownership of his life, he discovered the strength to break free from addiction. With each session, Derance saw him grow and chart his path with increasing clarity, with Charlie working towards joining the construction industry. Once trapped in the shadows of addiction, Charlie’s journey was not only filled with challenges and hardship, but also strength and resilience. Today, he is thriving and embracing his newfound freedom. Step by step, Charlie reclaimed his life, proving that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine through.
Join us in celebrating Charlie’s victory and helping individuals like him rise above difficult life circumstances. In the journey of A Million Steps, every step you take with us helps unlock new beginnings for others. Donate or start your own fundraiser today and be part of a movement that changes lives: https://lakeside.org.sg/support-us/a-million-steps/