Frequently asked questions
We take care of children in our society who at a very tender age, have been bashed and bruised by life and by people they trusted. We protect them, care for them and support them on their journey to recovery.
We are neither a residential institution nor a nuclear family, we model the traditional extended family, with a holistic, community approach to our service – at all levels. Our community pods of homes are called collectively Te Whanau.
We keep sibling groups together when they come in to care and positively engage with the children’s family and Whanau. We are able to provide home visits and stays, building their capacities to parent again.
We believe that small is good – starting with one precious child at a time ensuring that quality, stable care and nurture is the hallmark of our service. Ours is a therapeutic approach, and we’ve developed a unique system to support the development of the children in our care. These are evaluated and goals are set in response to the needs and strengths of each child on a continuing basis.
We have already cared for over 180 children who have ranged in age from 1 month to 14 years. We are able to care for up to 18 children in Tauranga Moana at any one time and we are building our capacity to help more vulnerable children. Our intake criteria is 8 years and under as we are committed to early intervention and prevention and we won’t separate siblings.
Children who are not with their family will always carry with them a deep sense of grief and loss, and they will continually long to be with their family. We support them in their deep sadness, our role is to acknowledge this, to awhi (embrace) them, to stand in the gap for their families and be their unconditional support, doing whatever we can to nurture their healing. We endeavour to bring a perspective to their lives which honours their connection with their families and whakapapa; encouraging them to believe in themselves, to champion their abilities and dreams; and to celebrate their milestones. These children know full well that life is not easy or fair. We believe our role is to help them navigate their way, giving them strong foundations to take with them on their journey through life.
Our children are cared for by loving live in full time House Parents, support caregivers and a fantastic team of volunteers and unseen helping hands. Alongside, working in support of them is our small dedicated administration team and our social work hub. We host social work teaching and counselling students and interns from both national and international colleges, universities and institutes. It is an honour and privilege to work in this team. There are fabulous and fascinating stories of courage, faith, overcoming, and purpose in each team member’s life! Everything that the koru represents (unfurling fern – symbolizing regeneration and new life) is symbolic of Homes of Hope’s goals, hopes, dreams, expectations and journey. This symbolism is beautifully in synergy with our organisation and its objectives.
Our committed Trust Board, requires a minimum of 3 and maximum 7, meeting monthly.
We are all passionately and absolutely committed to the vision and mission of our Organisation. Diverse, talented, and committed to on-going professional development in our various roles. Standing in that gap for the most vulnerable children.
No. We are founded on Judeo-Christian principles, but we are a community of people with different faiths and beliefs.
Our founder believes she was called to care for our precious children and she felt compelled to do something to make a positive difference in their time of need. Through her faith the Trust was born.
There are many ways people can help at Homes of Hope, please click here for more information.
Every child deserves to be happy. Help us to help them, please make a donation today. No matter how big or small, every little helps.
