Gaith's Story

I'm now five and a half months out of detention and working at the Confit gym, living what I consider the dream.

My name’s Gaith, I'm 19 years old and proud of my Iraqi Muslim roots.

My early years were in Roselands & Lakemba, and for a time, I went back to Iraq. Coming back, I started making bad choices, falling in with the wrong crowd, which eventually got me locked up.

That time in detention? It turned out to be a hidden blessing. It forced me to take a hard look at my life and the decisions I was making. Inside, I learned the importance of appreciating the small things - like waking up, having a meal, or just being thankful for the people in my life. It was tough, missing out on life outside, feeling like the world was moving on without me. But it was also a wake-up call, showing me there's help and hope beyond the walls of detention.

I first connected with the Confit program while inside, and it was different from anything else. The mentors, they got it. They'd been where I was and didn't just talk the talk; they walked it with us. That authenticity made all the difference. They showed me through their own stories and dedication that change was possible.

When I got out, all the plans I had made and the promises I'd been given by others fell through. I felt stuck. Remembering the Confit folks, I called Andy, and just like that, I had a new direction. They were just starting to build the gym, and I got to be a part of that from the ground up.

Now, my life is completely different. Before, I was always out causing trouble, stressing out my family. These days, I have a routine that includes training, praying, and eating right. I've found structure, and with that, peace. It's amazing how much can change when you find the right support.

To anyone who's struggling like I was, know that it's never too late to turn things around. Reach out, take that chance on change, and maybe, like me, you'll end up living a dream you never thought possible.