At Shore Junction, every young person’s path looks a little different. For Reuben, a 20-year-old with autism and ADHD, the journey over the past 18 months has been nothing short of transformative, turning a place to connect into a place to lead. When Reuben first came through our doors, he was looking for a space where he could just be himself. What he found was a community that embraced his strengths. Today, if you drop by Shore Junction on a Tuesday afternoon, you’ll find Reuben right in his element, running our bike maintenance workshops and sharing his expertise by training other young people to tune up and repair their rides.

His growth hasn’t just been noticed by our staff; it’s resonated deeply at home. Reuben’s mum recently reached out to share what Shore Junction has meant to their family. 

“Reuben is an autistic young adult with ADHD. By sharing his journey, I hope it will promote greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people in our community. Reuben enjoys biking, fishing, 3D design, and 3D printing. These interests reflect his creativity, practical skills, and willingness to learn. I hope people will see him as a young man with strengths, interests, and potential, rather than being defined by his diagnosis.

"I would also like to acknowledge everyone at Shore Junction who has been part of Reuben's journey over the years. Your patience, encouragement, and belief in him have helped him grow in confidence, develop new skills, and become more independent. Your support has made a real difference to both Reuben and our family.

"As Reuben continues to grow, I hope this story can also highlight the importance of creating pathways into the wider community. My hope is that, with the right support and opportunities, he will continue building his independence and one day gain meaningful employment that matches his interests and abilities. Thank you for everything you and the Shore Junction team have done for Reuben. We are truly grateful for the positive impact you have had on his life.”

Reuben’s story highlights what happens when young adults are given a safe, supportive environment to discover their potential and build confidence. But to keep incredible initiatives like our bike maintenance program rolling, we need your help!

How you can help support Reuben

To keep our Tuesday afternoon workshop equipped and accessible, Shore Junction is currently seeking community donations:

• Bikes: old, unused, or surplus bikes (in working condition or needing repairs),

• Bike tools and supplies: hex keys, tyre levers, pumps, puncture repair kits, and general workshop tools.

If you have spare gear sitting in your garage, or a bike that needs a new life, your donation will go directly into the hands of young people learning valuable practical skills. Reuben will be working alongside young people to do up bikes as gifts to youth in need, and also teaching others how to fix them.  

Want to drop off a donation? Visit us at Shore Junction or get in touch with our team today to help power the next generation of builders and fixers!