Diane’s story

Diane Crowe has served whānau in the local community for many years, both through her work with Iosis and as a member of Manurewa Baptist Church. As is the case with many Iosis staff, Diane’s work is an extension of her faith.

Diane’s involvement with Iosis began in 1994 when she worked in family homes as a relief caregiver. Then in 1996 she was appointed by Ken Allen, director of Baptist Family Services, (now Iosis), to set up the Iosis Parent Support Service. The service was very different back then compared to the wide range of experiential group programmes offered now. “We were more like an extra pair of hands for families in need,” Diane explains. “We’d go into people’s homes and help parents get back on their feet during a time of difficulty, with practical, hands-on help.”

Today, Diane is a facilitator of our Toolbox Parenting Programme. “Iosis’s origins go back to the Baptist Children’s Home, which had a very close relationship with my church. The children would attend Sunday School every week and many of the parishioners volunteered at the home,” says Diane. “I feel like an important part of the work God has called me to is to uplift, encourage and support parents to build a stronger family life.”

By combining knowledge, new skills and practical parenting tools, the transformation can be significant. “It’s so rewarding witnessing the changes that many parents go through over the six weeks,” Diane enthuses. “A big part of the programme is building their confidence and mana as parents.”

The flow on effect to their children is also remarkable. “For the parents, the changes they make personally are reinforced by more positive relationships with their children. When families begin to communicate differently and spend time together in an affectionate, warm and loving way, lives change.”

However, parents who are referred to the programme often feel hostile about being there, says Diane. “One woman who had been referred told me that she had seven children and there was nothing I could teach her.” Before long, she changed her view and, in fact, thanked Diane in the last session for all that she had learnt.

A better way of parenting is possible

“When they come here, some parents think there’s something wrong with their children,” says Diane. “Usually when they leave, they’ve realised that it was the way they were parenting. In most cases, this isn’t surprising as many of our parents haven’t known anything different. I say to them, you only know what you know, and when it comes to parenting, you default to what you grew up with.”

One of the most important aspects of her work is supporting parents to keep going even if they experience a setback. “80% of our behaviour is habitual and it takes time to make changes. After we have run through the four steps of change in the sessions, they can see the process and the time it takes for new behaviours to become habits.” Diane often shares her own story of overcoming an abusive upbringing and marriage, which encourages participants to realise that change is possible.

For Diane, her faith and work go hand in hand. “Serving those in need is a part of my Christian faith and I’m so thankful to have found this mahi with families,” she says. “It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”

“Diane is a very special person to Iosis,” says Tracey-Leigh Peters, Iosis CEO. “We’re blessed to have her on our team and serving our community through her amazing work with parents and whānau. Together, we’re transforming lives.”