For over 25 years, CARE Waitākere Trust has provided compassionate social support to The West. The services offered, including counselling, child therapy, budgeting, and family support, have significantly impacted the local community.
However, in the face of a growing cost-of-living crisis, the demand for Care Waitākere Trust’s services has surged. Last year alone, the organisation supported over 1,600 clients and delivered around 16,000 support sessions across all services.
CARE has recently taken a significant step forward by moving to larger premises in Henderson’s Universal Drive. ‘We had outgrown our original site in Te Atatū Peninsula,’ advises Operations Manager Maxine Finlay.
She adds that the new site boasts 13 counselling and therapy rooms, six offices, a spacious training area, and enhanced staff facilities. The move has addressed the organisation’s space needs and increased its capacity to serve the community.
Counselling is the largest service offered by CARE Waitākere. The organisation is recognised as a leader in child and youth counselling and provides free or low-cost professional counselling. Specialist support for those experiencing sexual abuse and sexual harm is also offered.
The family support team of social workers provides free guidance and family therapy to whānau facing a range of issues. And the financial mentor team is highly skilled in offering budgeting advice and advocacy for those struggling financially.
CARE is a registered charity that depends on funders’ support. Maxine says getting help with operational costs is an ongoing challenge. And the increased demand for services has placed pressure on backroom staff.
Applying to the 2023 Your West Support Fund resulted in a much-needed $10,000 boost to the organisation’s bank balance. The money has gone towards employing an Accounts Administrator and Office Administrator. These crucial roles help keep the entire show on the road.
‘Supporting these operational costs means we can continue providing high-quality, professional services to our community,’ declares Maxine.
CARE Waitākere has an open-door policy at its new offices at 199 Universal Drive. You do not need a referral; you can drop in anytime. Check out the website for more information.
