Community Connect
Welcome to the seventh edition of Family and Community Services' e-newsletter.
ISSUE 7 • JULY 2009
E-news from Family and Community Services
New Premises for Mangere Budgeting Services
After 20 years of serving the people of Mangere from a small office in the town centre, Mangere Budgeting Services has shifted to a new location in June 2009. The new premises are on Mahunga Drive, next to the Kumfs shoe factory.
Chief executive Darryl Evans says the relocation reflects the increase in demand on the trust's services. "In the past five years the trust has seen a significant increase in the level of need in our community and we have found it hard to cope with demand," he says.
"That was the reason for the move – when I first started, the trust employed one part-time worker and some volunteers, whereas today the service employs eight fulltime workers."
The move has been in the making for two years, after the trust outgrew its old premises provided by the Manukau City Council.
Along with more space, the trust is now able to provide much-needed services on top of budgeting advice and support. It now offers family and individual counselling; a housing officer for state and private housing issues; and provides food parcels, a furniture bank, and an op-shop.
"Providing a range of services under one roof means when clients leave they've had complete wrap-around support," Mr. Evans says.
"When they get to us they're pretty angry because they've been to Work and Income for food parcels, Inland Revenue for family assistance, Housing New Zealand and so on. This will hopefully speed the process up for them so they can move forward in making better futures for themselves and their kids quicker."
Darryl Evans and members of Mangere Budgeting and Family Support Services staff outside their new premises.
