“One of the things that makes me smile as a Social Worker in Schools is being able to make a child’s day. There’s nothing quite like seeing their faces light up when they receive a new pair of shoes and warm rain jacket.” Kathy Hori, Social Worker in Schools. It’s a typical work day… Read more
For most children, school is an exciting place full of endless opportunity. However the reality is that for some students, the potential to achieve is severely limited because their home life is unstable or unsafe. With classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social expectations, many young children struggle through these years. Marama Hetaraka has been a… Read more
An important part of the role of SWiS is to equip students with the necessary tools to cope with a range of behavioural issues, both inside and outside the classroom. In the 13 schools in which Iosis operates, each SWiS worker facilitates programmes to help students have more positive experiences at school, including: Seasons of… Read more
Iosis partners with Presbyterian Support Northern and the Anglican Trust for Women and Children to provide financial mentoring to families*. Karen is the Financial Mentor at Iosis and works together with families to help them stabilise and improve their financial situation. “Anyone is welcome to engage in financial mentoring,” explains Karen. “Some families are in crisis… Read more
Iosis, in collaboration with Presbyterian Support Northern and the Anglican Trust for Women and Children, recently secured a government contract to provide financial mentoring. This free service will sit alongside the agencies’ school-based social work. The contract is part of the Ministry of Social Development’s new Building Financial Capability service, which has re-framed the role… Read more
Iosis will cease to provide the Strengthening Families service in Manurewa at the beginning of September 2016. Strengthening Families is designed for situations where more than one community support organisation or government service is required to help a family meet its needs. A Strengthening Families coordinator brings together all the relevant parties to discuss with… Read more
Iosis marked its 10th anniversary on 18 March 2016, at a morning tea with invited community representatives, supporters and a few former staff. When Iosis was formed, it merged the work of Baptist Family Services, Baptist City Mission, and the Merivale Women’s Refuge. Today Iosis has approximately 50 staff, most of whom are based at… Read more
Iosis CEO, Tunumafono Tracey-Leigh Peters, has been appointed to the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS). NZCCSS represents six church networks in New Zealand: Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and the Salvation Army. It speaks for its member organisations in discussions with government ministries around social issues and policies. It also plays a key role… Read more
Iosis will commence a new programme for parents following the current school holidays. The ‘Triple P’ discussion groups is a positive parenting programme run over four two-hour sessions. Parents will learn how to develop positive relationships with their children, encourage desirable behaviour, and teach new skills and behaviours. Topics covered are: Dealing with disobedience. Developing… Read more
Iosis officially commissioned Tunumafono Tracey-Leigh Peters as its new CEO at a powhiri on 14 September. Ms Peters is a lifelong South Aucklander, with Pakeha and Samoan heritage. The hereditary matai title of Tunumafono is from her mother’s family line. She believes her mixed cultural background is a strength in leading a community-based organisation like… Read more