Five years of positive outcomes in youth, employment, housing, and reintegration have been clearly laid out in WERA Aotearoa Charitable Trust’s (WACT) first dedicated impact report.
WACT has been a constant and enduring presence in Rotorua for more than 16 years, profoundly impacting the community through its need-driven kaupapa.
In recent years, Rotorua and the wider rohe have navigated a rapidly changing social climate. During this time, WACT has stepped up to meet these evolving needs by providing support services in housing, employment, youth services, education, and offender reintegration.
As a result, hundreds of local individuals and whānau have been supported into permanent homes and jobs, reconnected with their whakapapa, and achieved new qualifications.
WACT Chief Executive, Israel Hawkins, says the report’s release marks an important milestone in the organisation’s evolution and expansion.
“WACT has expanded its services significantly, particularly in the past five years, to deepen our impact within the community.
“From supporting more than 90 rangatahi to achieve NCEA, to doubling our capacity to deliver Tiaki Tangata, and helping 70 per cent of our whānau in emergency housing into permanent homes within a single year, these outcomes demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our team.
“This report is testament to our commitment to fostering a resilient and thriving community.”
But it’s not just about the statistics, Mr Hawkins says, “it’s about real people”.
“This report contains stories from some of those we have helped, including two rangatahi who secured full-time employment through our trades training course, a young wahine who has been able to pursue her rugby league dreams, and a solo father who did the mahi and was able to secure a permanent home for his whānau.
“These are the everyday faces of the people we help.”
Mr Hawkins says the decision to have multiple social services within the same organisation has allowed WACT teams to work closely together, ensuring the whole individual is supported, and limiting the need for vulnerable people and whānau to move between organisations to get the help they need.
“One of my biggest drivers is knowing WACT makes a tangible difference in Rotorua every day. I’m incredibly proud of our team and the real impact we’ve had in helping our most vulnerable individuals and whānau.
“Life can be unpredictable, and anybody can find themselves in a position where they need a hand up. This impact report highlights the importance of approaching every person, whānau, and situation with empathy and compassion. Everyone’s journey may look different, but in the end, we are all human and we all deserve respect and aroha.”
Read the full report HERE.