Te Ara Pae Trust

Te Ara Pae Trust is a not-for-profit organisation in South Taranaki that provides counselling to individuals and whānau who are affected by family and sexual violence. 
 
“We are funded to offer free counselling for people who have experienced family harm or sexual harm, and people with depression, trauma, or anger management issues. We also run a safe house. We have recently moved into counselling for youth and for the rainbow community,” said Diane Pentz, General Manager of the Trust.

"The organisation has experienced much needed growth, in terms of staff and clients, over the past 12 months.  To accommodate this need, upgraded and expanded premises was essential. This expansion, coupled with marketing and appropriate messaging, has seen huge growth in the community using the services on offer."
 
“The office space needed a makeover to ensure a welcoming work space for both employees and clients. The upgrade included IT, teleconferencing facilities, carpeting, painting, landscaping. The Trust had no funding in the past to undertake this volume of work," Diane said.
 
A grant of $30k from Toi Foundation enabled the organisation to upgrade their offices and improve their messaging. “We had to focus on rebranding, to ensure that the community and whānau are well aware of the services on offer."
 
“We are getting five referrals a day now. We do anger management workshops as well as peer support groups for women who have experienced family harm. We offer a group for parents of transgender children," Diane said.
 
“Upgrading the building has provided an environment that is welcoming, and we wanted to show our clients that respect. I think it has been good for our staff, it has been fabulous for our community, and it has really allowed us to grow as an organisation.”