Published on 15th of November, 2018
Some families at Aratupu Preschool & Nursery receive support for five or more years. A typical supported tenancy in our community housing lasts for 2 years. The Christchurch Methodist Mission is committed to providing long-term help for those in our community needing support.
For almost 80 years the Christchurch Methodist Mission has been there. Since being established in 1939, our programmes and services have met the changing needs of the people and communities we serve. In the early days aged care services, the Māori Trade Training Scheme and Lifeline were all established in response to unmet needs. Today, CMM provides a wide range of support across the age spectrum - from children and their whānau at Aratupu through to older people at WesleyCare.
There has always been need in our community. But, these needs have evolved over the past 80 years. The people we help today often need long term support in response to multiple issues that are severely impacting their life and the lives of their loved ones. It can take years and a range of services and programmes to help these families see change. For instance, supporting parents to get children back in their care and helping them make their home a safe and loving environment requires both significant time and a staff team with a wide range of skills. People who for years have only had their car or the streets to lay their head at night require intensive support as they start their journey of a new home and rebuilding their lives.
Being there for the long haul requires both commitment and resources. Commitment to stay with people as they go through the highs and lows of their courageous journey of making the changes they need to. Resources to give them the support they need for as long they need. It also requires support from donors and funders, without whom none of this would be possible.
No one knows what the future holds and I have no idea what needs CMM will be responding to in another 80 years. However, I do know that the commitment of our generous community will be required to provide the long-term support for our most vulnerable. Your ongoing support will help us continue to make a difference.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jill Hawkey
Executive Director
