Christian has overcome barriers – one step at a time

Christian likes to say yes to new opportunities.

He also understands the importance of taking one step at a time.

As the eldest of 11, Christian grew up with his multi-generational family in community housing in Melbourne’s north. He’s proud to say his family lived in the first house on the block, back in 1955, even before the roads were built. It was one of the first community housing developments in the area.

Christian’s Nan was a hard worker who instilled a strong work ethic in the family. 'My Nan raised me,' Christian says, fondly. 'She was an inspiration to me – so were my mother and father, my aunty and uncles, my siblings and my great friends.'

Life wasn’t easy, but he valued having a job and being part of a community.

At the age of 22, Christian’s life changed dramatically. He was in a serious car accident and spent 3 years in hospital. Due to an acquired brain injury, Christian had to learn how to walk and talk again.

The years that followed were full of ups and downs. Christian gained a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations and managed a bar for several years. He then studied for a Diploma of Community Services and volunteered in Melbourne’s CBD helping to provide food for people experiencing homelessness. He also experienced personal challenges, long periods of unemployment, and felt the isolation of living alone in community housing.

But he didn’t give up.

'I wanted to upskill myself for work,' says Christian. So when he heard about the Reconnect program, he grabbed the opportunity to speak to the team at Prace.

Prace is one of 33 organisations across Victoria that deliver the Reconnect program.

Reconnect offers tailored, one-on-one support to help people overcome barriers so they can get back into work or training.

Christian began by talking to Debra, a Reconnect team member at Prace. 'Working with Debra helped me to understand my strengths, and my boundaries, to identify what I can and can’t do.'

The Reconnect team helped Christian with some vital, practical support – collaborating with allied services to get through a 'backlog of administration'.

Feeling more focused, Christian was keen to refresh his digital skills and keep up with new technology, so he completed a free computer course through Prace and updated his resume. Reconnect then provided Christian with a free laptop to help with his job search.

Christian’s goal is to find a job that not only matches his skills, and his interest in helping people, but one that suits someone who is re-entering the workforce. However, not one to sit around, he’s already enrolled in another computer course for 2026 so he can continue upskilling.

When it comes to overcoming challenges and isolation, Christian has a positive attitude. He says, 'all you have to do is show up and be where you need to be, or go to your courses. Do your research and you’re on your way. Being patient also comes in handy!'

He also recognises it’s important to have the right support. 'You’ve got to be in the right place to thrive,' says Christian. 'It’s great to have people like Debra and places like Prace to help people like me. Reconnect has given me the proper tools to navigate the barriers I’ve got. I’m now ready for employment again.'

Christian has put in years of hard work to overcome adversity. He’s pleased with what he has accomplished. Now he’s focusing on what he needs to do and what he can achieve.

'It’s just up and up now. Keep on walking.'

Learn more about Reconnect program on their website.