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February 2003 - Hilary Price
It's been a wonderful month… Although it got off to a fairly rocky start when I went down with horrendous flu. Despite the grotty bug and feeling awful it was a good time to reflect, take stock and evaluate the fantastic year.
Our new House Parents have settled in very well and are 'naturals'. Training and supporting them has been a privilege. The children love their motorbike and emulate the look.
THE MOST EXCITING NEWS is that we are transitioning 6 children from one family into the home this month, aged 8 years down to 7 months. This is what we're here for and it’s where our strengths lie – early intervention, keeping siblings together, and supporting the family.
The other really exciting news is that our first boys (9 & 10) have successfully transitioned back home to their mum. Whilst we miss them, we know that they are ecstatic to be home once more. Their photos smile at us from our notice board reminding us of the happy times (and challenges!) we’ve had together. It’s been an amazing journey and privilege sharing a part of their lives.
Our two 'wee' boys (3 & 4) are becoming more relaxed and trusting as the months pass, their health has improved and developmentally they are making significant strides – in fact they are blossoming, it's a joy to see!
We had our first audit of service provision, which has gone exceptionally well. Feedback is that our service brings strengths, innovation and fills a gap in the provision of care and protection for children. We have also been commended on our good advocacy for children.
Thankfully the contrast between this and last month is HUGE – it’s so good to go out with a bang!
Looking back over this year it's hard to know what would be the most significant moment as there have been so many. Just being given the opportunity to work full-time and develop the Trust has been extraordinary in itself.
We can announce a 549% return on an investment from one sponsored salary and the accompanying support resource - and this is fantastic - but more important than these necessary dollars and cents and performance indicators is the human factor.
Highlights of the last 12 months would include getting our license to operate the service and the actual opening of the first Homes of Hope home.
Then of course there was the arrival of the first children in the home. I'll never forget being completely overwhelmed with the realities of that milestone.
We have had so many contributions of faithful, humble people who came week after week to work for the Home.
Other milestones and joyous moments include:
- The inaugural dinner dance where over 200 people came together to celebrate and support Homes of Hope
- Taking the children on holiday to Lake Tarawera and Rotorua
- Seeing the Home of Hope model work through the tough times when the children remained stable, settled and content
- Meals and baking delivered on the doorstep
- Social workers appreciating our support and collaboration
- Developing relationships with agencies for the good of the children in our care
- The bittersweet sadness-celebration of children returning to their family
The reality of seeing how hope begins to transform lives is overwhelming. In facing many fears and insecurities over the last year, I've learnt, grown and found hope. I could never put a value on this experience - it is eternal.
Hilary
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