Rising to challenges. Transforming lives

Like many charities, Iosis has had to navigate contractual changes over the past six months due to Government funding cuts. The most significant of these has been the closure of the Iosis Whānau Centre – a huge loss for our community.

For over 40 years, this incredible residential programme has been transforming the lives of vulnerable young mothers – originally under the names Childhaven and Merivale. Over a six-month period, these young mothers begin to overcome abuse or addiction, learn invaluable parenting skills, and leave as better mums with tamariki in their care.

Unfortunately, these funding cuts have reduced our three Social Workers to two, and we have also had to suspend our popular Parenting Programmes and MenD (Men’s Development) programmes. These free programmes often had long waiting lists and were critical in helping South Auckland parents create positive change for their families.

Last year alone, 165 families attended our Parenting Programme, and 48 men participated in our MenD programme – that’s over 200 people who have become safer, stronger people, partners and parents – and 200 families that now have better lives.

On a brighter note, thanks to the generosity of our community, we have been able to secure some additional funding to offer a short series of parenting programmes to help alleviate the high demand for these life-changing programmes.

With the amazing support of our community behind us, we aim to continue to find new and innovative solutions to support vulnerable families in South Auckland in every way we can.

“I orea te tuatara ka puta ki waho.”
A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions.