Jacob’s journey to becoming a community champion

Ask around about Jacob and you’ll hear of his volunteering, the business he’s growing, his study or the community award he earned this year.

Then you learn where he was just a few years ago, and it shines an even brighter light on his recent achievements.

“I was released from prison wanting to make changes,” he says.

“I just wanted to try and do something for myself and try to inspire my family that there are ways to achieve, to change your position in life.” 

Jacob lived in transitional housing before moving into a Kāinga Ora home in Auckland. It gave him a base that would eventually lead to starting his lawn mowing service, Fresh Cuts, and studying for a Certificate in Small Business at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

But it was a simpler goal, along with a chance meeting, that set all of this in motion.

“At the start I just really wanted to be a part of the community, you know, because I’ve always been on the other side,” Jacob says.

“As I was walking around the Wesley Community Centre, I met Karla and started from there.”

Connecting with Kāinga Ora

Jacob was already volunteering with community groups, getting support and connecting with his neighbours when he met Karla at a local event.

Karla works as a Community Development and Engagement Coordinator at Kāinga Ora, and regularly supports events and gatherings for Roskill Development(external link) – a large-scale project set to enable up to 12,000 new homes in the area.

“Jacob was always keen and eager to help,” Karla says. “I’m very, very grateful for Jacob and his help and support.”

At the same time, Karla offered Jacob her support. She started meeting with him every week to talk about his goals, to help him carve a way forward.

Jacob had already asked his support worker about finding a job, and they gave him the idea to start his own small business.

He and Karla discussed getting into mowing lawns and gardening, and she connected him with local community services who helped him begin his study.

Getting to work

Jacob got started with Fresh Cuts by mowing lawns for Neilston Homes, and he’s looking for more work and support to grow the business.

While Jacob and Karla worked together, Kāinga Ora build partner Neilston Homes(external link) was looking for someone to mow the lawns at its show home in Freeland Avenue(external link).

General Manager Gerard wanted to give the role to someone who deserved a second chance. He got in touch with Kāinga Ora and was connected with Jacob and Karla.

“It started off with Jacob mowing the lawns at our show home, and then we increased that scope to include the gardening,” Gerard says.

“He did a really good job – demonstrated his commitment and the quality of his workmanship. We started small and he proved himself, and we’ve really just expanded from there.”

A network of supporters

Gerard and Karla are just two of many people and organisations who have supported Jacob along his journey.

He credits the NZ Police, Three Kings Congregational Church, Communities Feeding Communities and Te Pā with helping him work towards his goals.

Earlier this year, Karla nominated Jacob for a Puketāpapa Volunteer Recognition Award – unaware that others had done the same for her. The pair would receive Social and Community Development awards together at a ceremony in August(external link).

“My hopes for Jacob and his future are to succeed, and to always remember community are here if he needs anything,” Karla says.

“And I know that he’s going to do well because he’s so determined, and he has the support of a lot of people.”

Fresh Cuts grow

Jacob is working to grow Fresh Cuts, teaming up with Karla and several community supporters to create and deliver flyers throughout his neighbourhood. Gerard has become a mentor, helping him prepare bids and contracts for other potential work opportunities.

“We’d like to see Jacob have a successful business that he’s really proud of and that can support him and his aspirations,” Gerard says.

Jacob continues to look for new work and support to grow Fresh Cuts.

“I’m hoping to find more people who can back me and support my business and growth, so one day I make it to a place where I can give that same support to others,” he says.

“My motivation behind this, behind the changes I’m making, is to give something back to the next generation.

“I want to try and hopefully help different people in the struggle.”