Finding his purpose:
Abram’s journey from
youth work to leadership 

He knew he wanted a career grounded in purpose, connection and genuine care – but the path toward that wasn’t obvious. 

Years earlier he’d worked in sign writing, retail and as a postie, witnessing first-hand the impact of unhealthy workplace culture. He knew he wanted something different. Something meaningful and aligned with the values he held in his everyday life. 

More than a decade later, Abram now leads three vital services – Lifeline Adelaide, DV-Alert and Homeless Connect – guiding teams who support thousands of South Australians experiencing crisis each year. His career reflects what’s possible when people are supported to grow, try new things and follow a path that aligns with their values. 

Finding purpose through youth work 

Abram’s first step toward community services came through study and volunteering. 

“I wanted a career that aligned with my values,” he says. “Youth work felt right because I knew how important mentoring could be for a young person. Good relationships with trusted adults can shape your whole life.” 

Working in schools, drop-in centres and youth programs showed him how small moments – a game of table tennis, a good chat, a shared laugh – can have a meaningful impact. 

“It opened my mind about the direction I wanted to go. Ruby’s was all about the young person, but also the family system. I learned so much about how parents interact, how systems work, and how we can support young people to return home safely.” 

At Ruby’s, Abram started his career as casual youth worker, then secured a permanent youth worker role, while taking on key worker responsibilities, and later stepping into acting leadership roles. Encouraged by his managers, he completed further study – first a Diploma in Youth Work, and eventually began a social work degree. 

From there, opportunities kept unfolding. Abram moved into roles supporting young people in out-of-home care, gaining experience in high-intensity environments and learning the depth of support families often need. When a casual Youth Worker position came up at Ruby’s Reunification Program, everything clicked into place. 

“The organisation supported my study, not just by encouraging it, but by being flexible with my work hours. That made it possible.” 

Seeking opportunities to grow 

Over 12 years at Uniting Communities, Abram has built a career defined by adaptability, curiosity and a willingness to give things a go. 

“I’ve learned that I’m adaptable through the variety of roles I’ve had. Each time I changed roles, it was because I wanted to grow.” 

After years at Ruby’s, Abram took on project work helping establish residential rehabilitation sites with New ROADS. He then stepped into a Coordinator role with Homeless Connect, a decision that took courage after spending so long in youth work – a space he still feels deeply connected to. 

“Leaving Ruby’s was a huge decision. It shaped me as a youth worker, a leader and even as a dad. But I had a strong foundation in the homelessness sector and knew I had more to learn.” 

A year later, he applied for – and was appointed to – his current role as Service Manager for Lifeline Adelaide, DV-Alert and Homeless Connect. He has also supported a number of other programs throughout his time as service manager, including Housing for Health, Bfriend and more recently Taingi Yaitya-Itya, overseeing of Aboriginal services during a key period of transition – experiences Abram describes as formative. 

To grow his career, he has put his hand up a number of times to act in a Senior Manager position, further stretching his development and leadership.  

“One of the key reasons I’ve stayed at UC is the diversity of opportunities. When you show up and give your best, there’s real room to grow here. I’ve had managers who believed in me and backed me – and that kind of support truly makes a difference.” 

Across every role, Abram has embraced UC’s values of being bold, kind and genuine – especially when trying new ideas. 

“Something UC does really well is showing that it’s okay to try and fail, as long as you try. Being bold and genuine, being evidence-based, being willing to innovate – in my experience, it pays off.” 

Leading with kindness 

Managing two phone-based crisis support services allows Abram to build strong, flexible teams who support each other and share skills. 

“Collaborating across Lifeline Adelaide and Homeless Connect means more opportunities for staff. You get exposure to different programs and learning experiences you might not have known existed.” 

For Abram, leadership is about relationships, honesty and creating a culture where staff feel safe to express where they want to go. 

“Having vulnerable conversations is important. Staff should feel okay to tell their coordinator they want more opportunities. As leaders, we need to create that trust.” 

He encourages his team to explore new roles within UC – not just beyond it. 

“It’s easy to look externally and not realise there was a similar opportunity right here. We need to help our staff see what’s possible.” 

Looking ahead with confidence 

Outside of work, Abram is a dad, a husband and an obsessive collector of musical instruments. 

"I’m not good at everything, but I’ll give everything a go,” he laughs. “That’s kind of been my approach to my career too.” 

With just a few subjects left in his social work degree, Abram says he’s always open to learning and developing his skills to better support the people around him and the important work they’re doing. His focus now is on strengthening his teams and continuing to find innovative ways to support South Australians. 

“I’m really happy where I am in my career. I’ve built strong foundations here – the relationships, the skills, the trust. That will continue to support me in whatever comes next.”

For anyone considering joining Uniting Communities, Abram’s message is simple: 

“There are so many great opportunities here. If you want to grow, there will be people who encourage you, support you, and help you take that next step. That’s what UC does really well.”