FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Our Story
ERIC MOSKOWITZ
My son Jack Moskowitz has been a resident at the Trust for nearly three and half years now. His mother and I were delighted when he was accepted into service, couldn’t believe the words spoken – “he’s got a home for life.”
In his second year Jack had some difficulties that required some acute attention. With determination and diligence all parties came through the experience I’m sure having learned much along the way.
And Jack found himself now residing at the farm in Kerepehi. Living out there has allowed Jack to reconnect with his time in where he learned how to grow food out of the ground. He’s done this very well
What is very special is how Jack’s artistic talents and abilities have been supported and stretched. Some very talented and dedicated staff have instructed and nurtured Jack’s growth in this area. His painting has taken on whole new exciting dimensions and he’s done some wonderful and practical, projects in the wood shop
The Trust has provided Jack a safe place to live, where his talents and interests have been supported. A place where he has learned to be a productive member of a community of lovely people
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TINA RICHARDSON
Wayne has accepted Thames as his home. He is not one to mix especially with large groups, he prefers to stay at home.
Wayne is happy with Janeen and Jacob as his staff. He has grown within this space and manages better days. Wayne's older brother Dean now resides at the Trust, he also enjoys it. As time goes by he will be as happy as Wayne. The guys both go to the Gym, Horse Riding, Craft, Swimming etc.
They have a very nice life style, I don’t know of any other service that has so much going for it.
The people of Thames have accepted the Life Stylers that reside at the Trust. They both keep Dental, Podiatry appointments which is important for me. When Peter Rutherford and Murray Lynds offered Wayne a home he went for a visit and didn’t return. If a problem occurred the staff were relocated, not the client. When Wayne arrived at the Trust there was a very small number of Life Stylers, He lived at 104 which is now the Cafe.
The Staff are very caring and Ian has made an amazing difference to the way it is now I feel Wayne has changed all for the best. He is older and can understand better Wayne and Dean have always been cuddly and love to give me a hug, which I miss from them both. They’ve had some brilliant times lots of laughs, but also as many sad times. For Wayne its grown for him and I would hope that it grows for Dean.
JULIET LICHTENSTEIN
In 2007 we were lucky enough to hear Kim Hill interview Peter Rutherford on her National Radio Program. That inspiring conversation began a journey for us as a family. One that has brought my brother, Hamish and consequently all of us so much joy.
Hamish visited The Supported Life Style Hauraki Trust for respite care in early 2008. The first visit was with trepidation; however, the welcome Hamish was given and the deep dive into a vibrant and supportive community was what had been missing from Hamish’s life and was relished by him. Several more respite visits were enjoyed before Hamish made a permanent move to become a Life Styler in 2010.
Hamish has delighted in being part of a welcoming community, which has given him a strong sense of belonging and the opportunity to broaden his horizons through community engagement, workshops, sport, travel and socialising. The camaraderie fostered through the tireless work undertaken by the Trust staff has allowed Hamish to feel safe and supported.
As a family we are constantly reminded of the extraordinary level of care and compassion that underpins all aspects of TSHLT. We are grateful for the respect for individuality and the ongoing dedication to enhancing the day to day in often challenging circumstances. The vitality and energy of the team at TSHLT is awesome.
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PENNY STEVENS
This has been a really challenging year for my sister Kellie, however it has been a really positive year in a lot of ways too.
With the amazing organising and support of the staff throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Kellie was able to lockdown in her home and have daily support and monitoring. As hard as this was the staff managed to support Kellie throughout this process.
Unfortunately Kellie did break her wrist this year in a fall, and despite all the challenges this posed, staff were able to assist Kellie with the regular encouragement and assistance she needed and also her many medical check ups.
Kellie has made amazing changes this year with her having a lot more structure to her week, and the staff have encouraged her to attend woodwork which Kellie is now thoroughly enjoying and gradually improving her confidence and attitude.
I feel that the ongoing encouragement and belief in Kellie from the staff has helped to build her self-esteem and helped her to manage emotions more effectively.
Kellie is now attending the cafe on a more regular basis and interacting more appropriately with some of the other residents. Previously this was a huge challenge for Kellie and this is big progress to see. She hardly went to the cafe previously.
This year has also seen positive changes with Kellie's tobacco reduction and the introduction of a vaping device, resulting in saving money which is a huge achievement. Staff have continually encouraged Kellie to switch over for health improvements and financial gain.
I would personally like to thank all the dedicated staff at the trust for their ongoing commitment to their work. Especially Kellie's direct support workers who genuinely care, and whom she has developed a trusting connection with. Nga mihi
JANE HOLLISTER
The initial 3 months was to be a trial to see if he wanted to move back to Thames after Laura Fergusson closed down.
The first part of the move went very well and Mark was happy, as were we, that he met some old friends and made new ones. I think he liked the open space and opportunity to be outside and enjoy the garden over the summer as well as be in a place where there was lots going on in a social environment. We realise that the bathroom facilities there were tricky and not suitable for neither Mark nor the staff and that was the main reason for his move to Queen Street.
Queen Street is a far more restricted environment, especially during lockdown and it is a credit to the staff and the others in the team who have supported Mark there that he has maintained a positive outlook and enjoys where he is. Thank you for supporting him with Messenger or Facetime on his iPad as that too has been instrumental in helping to keep him content and connected with his family and friends. You have both become an important part in his support network as you have made it your business to get to know him and find ways to make sure he is well cared for in all aspects of his life: Making sure his appointments are up to date, overseeing that his van is maintained, preparing him for our family holiday and supporting him with a variety of outings which have included several visits to Hamilton to meet up with us.
You have a close understanding of his needs and our expectations in trying to make sure Mark has as many ‘normal’ activities as possible.
In terms of the support Mark has had since he has been back in Thames we have no issues and as you are aware we would like for Mark to be in a less enclosed home where he can communicate with a more varied group of people, with the proviso it is what Mark prefers. There are always pros and cons with decisions such as this and we are hoping to meet to talk about this more with Mark and those who are his support network to review the year and plan for the next few months
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