In Christ we, though many, form one body: Romans 12:5 Methodist Mission Southern whānau places a high value on connecting to the communities we serve. Our social service kaupapa addresses a variety of social and economic challenges, from poverty and homelessness, to mental health and addiction issues.

God wants us to thrive and live abundant lives, not just survive. MMS offers help with strategies and “enough support to risk a better future”. The principles of faith integrate physical and emotional development alongside spiritual growth, wisdom and strength.

MMS’s Taituarā a Hāpori (Specialist Support) works not only with the residents in our transition houses, and whānau of children enrolled in our early learning centre, Little Citizens, but also to those in the community. “We have had a young mum move in with a one-year-old, and heavily pregnant. She has since had her baby and he is flourishing. The young mum is already being pro-active in looking for alternative accommodation, and I will be there to help her through that process."Tammylee Ross | Taituara a Hapori Community Services Specialist

Our dedicated Young Mum’s Transition House, which opened late last year in Waihōpai (Invercargill), has already seen some remarkable young mothers exceed expectations. Laura Wilson | Kairuruku Whare - Kaupapa Rakatahi Co-ordinator YTH Waihōpai has observed, “Both of our Mums are doing a really positive job in building their futures and really finding their voices and strengths within the house and outside world which is visible each day”.

The Sustaining Tenancies clients we support include an increasing number of elderly struggling with tenancy issues, single-parent families accruing rent arrears, and refugees and migrants who, with often limited English, do not understand the New Zealand rental market. “We had a successful situation where the property was causing the landlord some concerns around health and safety due to hoarding. The lady concerned was happy for the support and willing to sort and tidy her home up … A good result was obtained for everyone. My role now is for her to continue with her counselling and maintain her home,”saysMegan Hayward | Taituara a Hapori Sustaining Tenancies Specialist

Our Waihōpai and Ōtepoti Youth Transition Houses are going from strength to strength. The houses are at capacity most of the time and have encouraging results as our Ōtepoti Taituarā a Hāpori (Specialist Support) comments: “Three of our residents who are enrolled in further education have now graduated! This is an amazing achievement to have been able to witness as a long-standing YTH support worker… a resident who had moved from Invercargill YTH to Wellington for university is doing extremely well. He has found his own boarding room and will move to a university hall in February. He has also found himself a job. He is thriving since his move and I feel without the help of the YTH staff he may not have reached these goals.”

Parenting Through Separation courses are run regularly throughout the year. A recent course attendee provided the following feedback: “The facilitator went through the mediation and family court processes in everyday language which was so good before attending mediation myself – very informative. The facilitator made time for us and was happy to answer any questions we had. Good to hear others’ stories - helped put things in perspective.”

Through the commitment and connections of our social services to our communities, we are enlarging our tent, strengthening the cords and creating equal opportunity so that all achieve their full potential.

Did you know you can read our Kōrero Kete directly in your inbox through our monthly newsletters? You can sign up on our website/Facebook or contact me directly. julier@mmsouth.org.nz