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Jaime
“My name is Jaime Ellison, and I am 32 years old. For over 20 years, I struggled with severe addiction, using cannabis, methamphetamine, GHB, heroin, prescription medication, and anything that could help me escape reality. To support my lifestyle, I spent a large portion of my life involved in criminal activity, including drug dealing, gun violence, theft, and armed robbery, fraud, counterfeit currency, obtaining by deception, and using forged documents. In 2019, I was deported from Australia to NZ under the Section 501 Act. Unfortunately, after returning, my offending continued, including involvement in gun violence and commercial cannabis supply. I realised I needed real change and needed more than just abstinence from drugs. I had years of unresolved trauma, shame, destructive thinking patterns, and behavioural issues that needed to be addressed. Coming to Arapohue Centre completely changed my life. I have worked through trauma, addiction, and behaviours that trapped me in a cycle of crime and substance abuse. For the first time since childhood, I am happy. I no longer see myself as a criminal, and now have purpose, direction, and hope for the future. My relationships with my children have improved greatly, and I am now having a positive impact on their lives. I am actively involved in two churches and regularly participate in community projects and help others. I genuinely enjoy giving back, helping others, and being of service.
I am currently studying toward the Mental Health and Addiction Level Four Certificate, so I can help others break the same cycle I was trapped in. Through Arapohue, I have learnt valuable life skills, gained my driver’s licence and developed a positive future I genuinely look forward to. Arapohue Centre and coming to faith in Jesus Christ saved my life. Without the support, structure, guidance, and genuine care I received there, I wouldn’t be where I am today — a better father, better man, and productive member of the community.” Kayla
“In ten weeks, my life has completely turned around... from a lifetime of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, a lifestyle of gangs, guns and prostitution, and the most severe domestic violence a person can live through, to a miracle healing with God. (Kayla was with us when Arapohue Centre was still taking women) Three of my children have already been returned to my care (while still at Arapohue). I’m well on the way to emotional wholeness, working through trauma healing, and discovering my real identity, destiny and purpose.” |
Daniil
“I had an excellent outcome in court… I gave the courts the support letters from Arapohue, which were noted in court. 15-years of addiction. 8 years in prison and 73 convictions. I am getting married next month. I am applying for a job in a rehab centre and am also studying for my Level 4 Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions. I entered Arapohue taking from the world, I left with the heart to feed the community.” Karl
“Hi my name is Karl Thompson, I am 44 years of age and live in Hikurangi, Whangarei. I attended Arapohue Centre in September 2023 for 3 months. Up until that moment, I was lost in a life of addiction, crime and hopelessness that was leading me back to prison or death. I had lost everything and was still going downhill, spending my time with gang members, other addicts, and a frequent visitor to the court system. I'm now almost 3 years clean of addiction and crime. In that time I have remarried and have a beautiful, growing family. I will be forever grateful to Ray and Jan Curle and the work they do at Arapohue Centre. Having that place where you can remove yourself from a toxic and damaging life was priceless for me. It helped me to find myself and find Jesus, who helped me to find my true worth and purpose in life. Without Arapohue Centre and the support people to guide me, I don't believe I would be here today to write this.
I know their ongoing work with people is making a difference, and helping to bring men home to their whanau instead of prison or worse.” "L"
“Before I read Janet’s book, 'The Wild Side—from meth-addiction to redemption' (five times), I was on heroin, methadone, and opiates, trying to kill my emotional pain. I wanted the kind of healing and freedom that she had. On the fourth day at Arapohue Centre, where I received much love and prayer, I was out of bed and grooming one of the horses, and the terrible withdrawal symptoms were gone! What hadn’t been accomplished by |