Kylie says being a part of Visionwest’s Youth Services programme changed her life. As first-time parents, the practical support and advice she and her partner received made all the difference to coping and creating a positive home life for their...
Kane was struggling at school - he experienced bullying and his health and grades suffered. As he explains: “I didn’t enjoy school at all. The only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to learn a trade. I was open to anything, but I was really...
When Josh talks of Visionwest and the Pae Aronui rangatahi training course, the first thing he mentions is manaakitanga and how that love and acceptance transformed his life. Josh had been with Visionwest’s youth training courses on and off for a...
Ask Alanda what life was like a couple of years ago and she will speak of family stress and the incredible difficulty she and her husband had trying to make ends meet. Like many families throughout Aotearoa New Zealand today, they had a steady...
“My friends suggested I come along to Visionwest Youth Solutions because it was a safe place to learn and to prepare for life. If I hadn’t taken their advice, I’m not sure where I’d be. I certainly wouldn’t be achieving the goals that I am right...
“It’s so rewarding when I come to the end of a journey with a young person. It could be that they are going into employment or could be that they are moving onto further training; just seeing them move to a place where they are in a better position...
Gina* was quiet and reclusive when she moved to Auckland, preferring to keep to herself and avoiding too much contact with others. Then she joined the Pae Aronui programme at Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga. Awhina, one of the Pae Aronui Kaiarahi...
Jody* is too unwell and vulnerable to work but in order to access the government support she needs, she had to complete an online application form. For Jody this was a major barrier. She doesn’t own a computer and has no idea what an online form...
VisionWest CEO, Lisa Woolley, was recently interviewed as part of a series on Shine TV in which six Christian Leaders from around New Zealand gave in-depth interviews talking about issues facing New Zealand today. When asked about social challenges...
If not for your support, Matt* reckons he would be in a gang or living on the streets. Matt’s childhood was spent shuffling between separated parents and being in care. A failure to connect at school and becoming a father while still in his late...