Tania would like nothing more than a future where families live without fear and harm - and the work she does is no longer needed. 

Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation has committed to a program of funding for Lighthouse so they can help more rangatahi in their adolescent program. This program supports rangatahi aged between 12 and 17 to address harmful behaviours at an early age. By addressing these behaviours and actions now, fewer young people will grow to become adults who harm others, and we may stop the cycle of abuse for future generations. 

The 10 week programme is designed to help young people stop using violence and abuse as a coping mechanism – and instead equips them with healthy skills they can use when they are feeling angry or frustrated. 

Thanks to funding from Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, Lighthouse has been able to work with more young people in the community. “We no longer have the dilemma of who we can afford to help in our adolescent program. We don’t have to close our waitlist. We don’t have to close our doors and say, sorry, we can’t take any more referrals,” says a relieved Tania. 

Tania says it is challenging, but hugely rewarding work. “For me, there’s nothing more powerful than sitting with someone, whether they are in a group or an individual program and seeing those moments where change takes place.” 

“It’s amazing when you see how what we’re doing cascades through the generations and through families, so there’s hope, and a vision for the future, where there is no more of this type of violence,” she adds.