Hugo Trust donates $60,000 to connect young whānau in community
Hugo Trust has confirmed a $60,000 donation to St John of God Hauora Trust in support of their young parents service in Christchurch.
The donation will be utilised to purchase a new van that will connect young parents and their children with community services, facilities and experiences. The donation follows a $350,000 investment in the seven unit Ozanam Apartments Transitional Housing Service supporting young parents.
Danielle Marra, Manager Young Parents Development Service said the new vehicle will be utilised to connect young whānau with support services at at St John of God Waipuna.
“Young parents face significant barriers in their lives from access to education and support services, through to the enriching developmental experiences we want all whānau to have during the vital early years.”
“The support of Hugo Trust will ensure whānau can participate in our diverse services from 1:1 support, pregnancy and parenting education and support services, as well as community focused groups to support young whānau to grow and connect.”
Sieni Afamiliona, Programme Practitioner and facilitator of the Little Explorers Group said that transport coordination is an essential element in our support for young parents.
“Many of the young whānau we support do not have the resources or ability to access our services and the community. Many also face discrimination and judgement from community, and removing barriers to experience and development is such a vital part of supporting whānau to thrive.”
“Our Little Explorers group alone has supported young parents to provide experiences for their tamariki that were previously out of reach. Trips to Orana Park, Turanga, QEII Taiora is facilitating bonding and connection as well as building memories for life.”
Sarah Hillier, Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Hauora Trust acknowledged the support of Hugo Trust in its extended support for whānau at the Ozanam Apartments Transitional Housing service.
“We have worked in partnership with the Society of St Vincent de Paul since 2016 to realise the vision of a transitional housing service that delivers safe, secure and stable housing for young parents and their tamariki. Our team are thrilled with the support from Hugo Trust that continues to benefit whānau at the Ozanam Apartments Transitional Housing Service."