Working together for our community

Having endured a violent relationship with her former partner, Christina and her children returned to Oamaru where she had grown up, initially living in emergency housing and now living in a Kainga Ora house.

Christina also reached out for professional help and met Family Works social worker Deidre Dalziel.

“Deidre is amazing!” says Christina. “Her help over the last 12 months since we came back to Oamaru has been incredible.”

Christina was recently a recipient of a large food parcel, given to her by the Eveline Presbyterian Church in Oamaru.

Rev. Andrew Scott says each year the parishioners have a ‘harvest’, giving fruit, vegetables and other produce which is donated to people in need.

“Our annual harvest thanksgiving is one way we can honour God for all we have received and share some of our plenty with others.”

Christina was naturally thrilled to be chosen. “We arrived home and found two large boxes of food on our doorstep! It was such a wonderful surprise. The children were really excited and I’m just so grateful for the kindness shown by these lovely people.”

Christina’s plight can’t be underestimated but her strength and resolve to begin a new life with her tamariki has been supported by Family Works social worker, Deidre Dalziel.

Working alongside Christina, Deidre has provided practical support and assistance and has been instrumental in Christina forging a new life, filled with promise and free of violence. As demand for our Family Works services grows, so does our need for financial support. Making a donation helps us help whānau like Christina and her tamariki. 

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