New Year, New Resolution to share our story and reveal the best kept secret in West Auckland. Check out our updated website at www.visionwest.org.nz
Earlier in November, the Kindergarten children studied different animal groups, their eating habits, appearance, and habitat. It was exciting to see them explore in a range of ways and to have the parents so engaged in the learning experience. This then culminated in a visit to Auckland Zoo where more than 100 children, staff, volunteers, family and whanau were able to see, first hand, some of the things that they had learned.
Buddy Day 2013 was celebrated on 15 November. This year, VisionWest Counselling Centre Manager, Leanne Frost, worked with her buddy, Bridgette. Leanne says, gI was very excited to get involved with Buddy Day as soon as I saw it! The eBuddiesf are an instant conversation starter for children and adults alike and I knew immediately this was something our Centre could have fun with as well as use to have intentional conversations about keeping our little people safe. It was fabulous to know we were joining in a National Campaign for the protection of our countries children!h
On Tuesday, 10 December, the Home Healthcare team hosted a party for their clients here onsite in the Glen Eden Baptist Church auditorium. This annual event creates a fun atmosphere for people who might not otherwise get out and about to socialise at this time of year. To read more, visit http://www.visionwest.org.nz/news/visionwest-home-healthcare-clients-have-themselves-a-very-merry-christmas
Information, news, history, and stories about VisionWest Community Trust and the people we work with
VisionWest Community Trust in partnership with Glen Eden Baptist Church, celebrate 25 years serving the community in West Auckland VisionWest Community Trust has been offering community-based services to people in West Auckland since the 1980fs. The Trust was formally incorporated as the Friendship Centre Trust in 1988 in response to a growing desire of the Glen Eden Baptist Church to help those in need in the local community. The Trust started out small with a drop-in centre at the Glen Eden Railway Station as a place where friendships were formed. The Trust responded to the needs present in the community and grew to be one of the largest community based Trusts in West Auckland. This year, the Trust celebrated 25 years serving the local community. On Friday 18 October, in place of a regular AGM, the Trust invited key stakeholders, staff, and local MPs to a High Tea Celebration. It was a wonderful opportunity to thank those that have been involved with the Trust since its inception. Waitakere MP, Paula Bennett, spoke at the High Tea and praised their sense of partnership and community. CEO, Lisa Woolley, says, gIt was wonderful to be able to celebrate our 25th anniversary together with key partners and people from our community. We are so grateful to everyone that supports the work that we are doing and it was good to be able to thank everyone at the High Tea and at the Village Party. VisionWest has such an amazing team of staff and volunteers that journey alongside people to see hope and transformation happen in the lives of so many people and it was great to celebrate this milestone and acknowledge our wonderful team at this time.h Following the High Tea event, Glen Eden Baptist and VisionWest invited the community to join the celebrations at their Village Party. The Party was an opportunity for people to learn more about the services that the Trust offers while enjoying free music, games, entertainment, and food. Local businesses and organisations helped to sponsor the event to make it free to all those attended. Highlights included a bouncy castle, sumo suit competitions, and live performances from musicians including Strahan, Holly Arrowsmith, Seth Sevilli from LNH, and other local artists. The Church organised a delicious Lamb on a Spit and there was also plenty of other food to go around. Neil Baker, Senior Pastor of Glen Eden Baptist says, gVisionWest actually comes out of the heart of mission of Glen Eden Baptist Church. It remains a vital part of who we are and what we do hugely impacts peoplesf lives.h Lisa Woolley also commented on the Village Party, saying gwhat a great time we had at the Village Party, with well over 600 people attending, it was just fantastic to see all the children enjoying themselves, while parents were relaxing with a nice espresso coffee and some of the most delicious lamb on the spit I have ever tried! A big thankyou to all of our sponsors that enabled us to put on such a fun event for the community.h VisionWest Community Trust offer an integrated range of wrap-around services and supports that care for all people physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. Services include a Christian Kindergarten, Home Healthcare, a Training Centre, Community Housing, Budgeting, Counselling, Foodbank, Op Shop, and Community Care Services, which include Chaplaincy and a School Uniform and Curtain Bank.
On 17 October, at the 2013 NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards, two of VisionWestfs homes won awards for 'Housing' and 'Sustainable Architecture.' These homes are part of VisionWest Community Trustfs latest Community Housing Development, which was opened by Housing Minister Nick Smith earlier this year. The new houses are the result of an exciting collaboration with Strachan Group Architects (SGA) and UNITEC. The third year architecture students at UNITEC both designed and built the four bedroom and two bedroom houses, under the supervision of SGA, based on VisionWestfs brief, which also involved input from existing tenants, for affordable and sustainable housing that would not only be great to live in but cost effective to run in terms of energy usage. The Judges said of the homes that they goffer flexible, light, warm airy spaces, with virtually no heating required, in a design successfully driven by modular prefabricated parts.h And, gHere, a social housing solution reinforces community with its simplicity, and open and linked site relationships.h VisionWest CEO, Lisa Woolley said gThese fantastic houses are properties that anyone would be proud to call their home. They look amazing and fit so well into the landscape of the property and have incredible design features that mean the families that live in them will be able to live in a beautiful, warm and comfortable home without having to worry about huge power bills. We are very proud to have been able to work with Unitec and SGA on this project and to have achieved these awards is a great credit to all those involved and proves that great architecture can produce well designed affordable homes.h To read more about the awards and VisionWestfs citation, read the New Zealand Herald Article here http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11141303 VisionWest Community Trustfs Community Housing Service is dedicated to providing safe, healthy, affordable, quality rental housing for low-income families. The Community Housing Service also works to provide opportunities and resources for support in all aspects of the tenantsf lives with the wrap-around support such as budgeting, counselling, and community care services of VisionWest Community Trust.
In July 2013, VisionWest Home Healthcare expanded its services to Aucklandfs North Shore. VisionWest Home Healthcare has over 20 yearsf experience of providing quality, professional, home healthcare support to people, enabling them to live independently within their own homes and are a significant provider of Homecare services in West Auckland. Moving to the North Shore is an exciting step for VisionWest. A team of registered nurses and trained support workers will be responsible for clients in the North Shore. The team at VisionWest Healthcare are passionate about providing people with quality care leading to improved independence, while meeting the individual needs of clients. Christine Dyson, Manager of VisionWest Home Healthcare says, g with over 25 yearsf experience people can be assured that the team at Home Healthcare will provide the best possible care through a team of well trained and dedicated staff who understand the needs of our clients.h VisionWest Home Healthcare also manages an individualised funding scheme, which allows people with a disability greater flexibility and control over supports that enable them to live everyday lives. VisionWest Home Healthcare enables people to remain independently in their own home and promotes the Clientfs well-being and individual potential while preserving their lifestyle, dignity, culture and privacy. Home Healthcare is part of VisionWest Community Trust, which offers an integrated range of wrap-around services and supports that care for all people physically, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. Services include Counselling, Training, Christian Kindergarten, Foodbank, and Community Housing services.
Over the last 18 months, students and tutors from VisionWest Training Centre have been contributing to the work at CUE Haven, a project converting disused farmland into a haven for New Zealand Native plant life and birds. This gives students a chance to practically apply the skills they learn at the Training Centre and also fosters Vision West Community Trustfs mission of Building Hope Together. Most recently, VisionWest Training Centre assisted with some tree planting and track maintenance. Over 200 trees were planted and a new drainage system was installed to repair damage to one of the walking tracks. Thomas & Mahrukh Stazyk, the owners of the project said, gWe [c] very much appreciate your help with the [c] project. Your work today will be appreciated and enjoyed by all the visitors to CUE Haven over many years.h You can read more about what VisionWest Training Centre students and tutors did at CUE Haven by visiting their news site at http://cuehaven.com/2013/06/25/visionwest-horticulture-students-25-june-2013/ VisionWest Training Centre provides quality education and training within a Christian context. It also works to provide opportunities and resources for support in all aspects of the studentfs lives with the wrap-around support such as the Op Shop, counselling, and other community care services of VisionWest Community Trust.
On Wednesday 22 May, VisionWest Community Trustfs latest Community Housing Development was opened by Housing Minister Nick Smith in Henderson, West Auckland. The new houses are the result of an exciting collaboration with Strachan Group Architects (SGA) and UNITEC. The third year architecture students at UNITEC both designed and built the four bedroom and two bedroom houses, under the supervision of SGA, based on VisionWestfs brief, which also involved input from existing tenants, for affordable and sustainable housing that would not only be great to live in but cost effective to run in terms of energy usage. Lisa Woolley, CEO of VisionWest Community Trust explains that the Trust became involved in community housing over eight years ago due to the increasing number of people who were accessing the Trust services with major housing issues. gThis new collaborative development has been an exciting project and demonstrates an innovative approach to housing design, providing a really comfortable home that is both affordable and cost efficient for the family. We are extremely grateful to all of our partners that have been a part of this project including UNITEC, SGA, ASB Community Trust, Government and other sponsors and supportersh says Mrs Woolley. The programme leader Dave Strachan, believes gthe design and build project not only offers a unique learning experience for the architecture students in terms of conception, industry and construction, but provides a greater social awareness [c] This interesting contrast presents the 16 students [c] the opportunity to contribute to the lives of those less privileged in their own wider community,h says Strachan. The opening began with a special welcome, led by Brad Haami, and prayers of blessing by Mr Haami and Neil Baker of Glen Eden Baptist Church. There was a great turn out of staff and volunteers from VisionWest, SGA, and UNITEC as well as plenty of guests from local and national councils and government bodies, ASB Community Trust and other sponsors, and media groups. In his speech to open the homes, the Honourable Nick Smith talked about the importance of community organisations being responsible for meeting housing need in New Zealand and praised the work of VisionWest and their support for tenants in their homes. Auckland City Mayor, Len Brown, also spoke at the event and when talking about the concept, echoed the ministerfs thoughts, gI have repeatedly said that the solutions to Aucklandfs housing challenges lie in collaborations like these which will provide more housing options for Aucklanders. [c] VisionWest has forged an exciting partnership [c] And most importantly, it gives more Auckland families the chance to live in warm, healthy and sustainable housing.h The new houses are part of VisionWest Community Trustfs Community Housing Service, which is dedicated to providing safe, healthy, affordable, quality rental housing for low-income families. The Community Housing Service also works to provide opportunities and resources for support in all aspects of the tenantsf lives with the wrap-around support such as budgeting, counseling, and community care services of VisionWest Community Trust. To read more about Mayor Len Brown and Minister Nick Smith and their thoughts on the opening, visit http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1305/S00337.htm; http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10885537 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10885536
On Saturday 23rd March, more than 60 teams entered the Amazing Place Glen Eden Community Treasure Hunt event. Teams spent several hours following a series of trails exploring the gtreasuresh of Glen Eden. There were numerous activity stations highlighting community treasures, one of which was our very own VisionWest Community Trust Campus on Glendale Road. VisionWest Staff and Volunteers alike were out in force to welcome the 30-40 teams that stopped by. This means that at least 100-150 people were able to learn about our Vision and services including Home Healthcare, Christian Kindergarten, and our Op Shop and Foodbank services. The Fusion Caf? was also open for business and doing a roaring trade. gIt was great to see so many families and children around the neighbourhood participating,h said our Community Service Manager, Andrea. The finishing event for the Glen Eden Community Treasure Hunt was held at Glenora Rugby club and the feedback was great.
On Friday 5th April, the new street front premises for the VisionWest Op Shop were opened and, at the same time, the Curtain Bank was re-launched in time for winter. VisionWest Staff and volunteers were out in force to support the event and welcome MP for Waitakere, Paula Bennett; the executive team from Genesis Energy, sponsors of the Curtain Bank; and local businessmen, Pranil Ranchhod of Fresh Choice Supermarkets and Scott Inverarity of Waitakere Architects, who opened the new Op Shop. The weather stayed fine and it was great to see so many enjoying the wonderful morning tea held for the event at Fusion Caf?. The new shop has been a few years in the making and itfs an exciting step forward in serving our community in Glen Eden. It sells affordable second hand clothing, toys, and house hold items. The money from sales at the Op Shop goes directly to supporting the VisionWest Food Bank. The Food Bank distributed more than 2,300 food parcels last year and demand is still very high. Andrea Galecki, Community Services Manager for VisionWest Community Trust says, gThere is a greater demand for the Trustfs Food Bank services so we needed to establish a sustainable source of funding to support it into the future without having to rely on external funding. Promotion of the Op Shop is a way for us to do this.h The Curtain Bank has also been re-launched to provide free, recycled curtains for low-income and vulnerable households to make their homes warmer and healthier. Genesis Energyfs Chief Executive, Albert Brantley, said, gWe believe in doing our part to help those people in the community who struggle to make their homes energy efficient. VisionWest is a significant provider of social services in the West Auckland area and their ability to deliver this type of service was immediately clear.h The Op Shop, Food Bank, and Curtain Bank form part of VisionWest Community Trustfs Community Care Service, which is dedicated to providing support, resources and services to people in need within the community. The VisionWest Op Shopfs new opening hours will be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9.30am to 3.00pm. All donations of clothes, shoes, furniture, and books etc. will be gratefully received.
On Tuesday 18th June, VisionWest Community Trust celebrated with our volunteers as part of National Volunteer Recognition week. Staff, members of our Board, and volunteers shared in a special Powhiri together, followed by morning tea. A Karakia was prayed over each volunteer and they were also presented with Taonga of a koru pendant - a symbol of new life, growth, strength and peace, and the emblem of VisionWest Community Trust. Anna Fraser, VisionWest Human Resources Manager, said she found gthe ceremony to be quite moving and [c] was such a significant way to celebrate our volunteers.h Our volunteers support VisionWest Community Trust in a variety of ways and, in particular, provide much needed support in the Op Shop, Foodbank, Curtain Bank, and Community Care services. Hutia te rito o te harakeke, Kei whea te komako e ko? Ki mai ki ahau; He aha te mea nui o te Ao? Maku e ki atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata If the heart of harakeke was removed, where will the bellbird sing? If I was asked, what was the most important thing in the world; I would be compelled to reply, It is people, it is people, it is people!
