Melody and Angela joined the Katikati Community Centre team earlier this year in newly created roles. Here are some of their highlights to date and the projects they’re working on within our community.
- Highlights and current projects from our Community Connector - Angela Wallace.
Angela says the highlight of her role so far is seeing breakthroughs for people who she has been working with. “I love meeting people from all walks of life, getting to know them and helping them to find an answer to their question or a solution to their problem. Often I'll meet with people who have had a change of circumstances such as a job loss or unexpected illness. Helping to connect them with the right support and seeing them move ahead is really rewarding. It's the lady who learns how to email a photo to her daughter using a smartphone and the man who completes his first online application,” says Angela. “No question is too big or too small!”
Angela is currently working with Anna Schroeder from 'Live Well Waihi Beach' on 'here to help' a directory of all the support services for Waihi Beach and Katikati residents. “WBOPDC have assisted with design and the directory will soon be printed as a pocket‐sized flyer and available for the community,” says Angela.
Angela’s role is funded by MSD and is one of the ways the government is helping communities bounce back from Covid. “I'm at the Katikati Community Centre weekdays and work from Waihi Beach every Tuesday. Feel free to drop in or phone 5490399 for an appointment. It's a service which is free of charge for the benefit of our community.”
- Upcoming projects and programmes from our Youth Employment Coach - Melody Lamb.
Melody is currently working on a number of projects. “Along with my daily duties and networking commitments I have been working through the recruitment process for the Tū Te Wana NCEA L2 gateway programme, preparing the work-ready workshop due to run in the July school holidays, and skateboarding deck art workshop for the Katikati Festival of the Arts, with potentially another skate event schedule,” says Melody.
Melody says she enjoys working in a team that has the community's best interests at heart and as a result being able to see positive outcomes through community collaboration for local rangatahi.
Melody is also raising awareness of a new programme for teenagers aged between 16-19 who are needing to get into some kind of training. This is a fully funded programme that prepares youth to enter the horticulture industry, being held at the Community Centre from 12th July 2021. This programme is a 16-week course focusing on the soft skills required to function successfully in the workplace as well as acquire basic horticultural skills. Pastoral care is provided throughout which includes a pick-up and drop-off service for the duration of the programme. Successful graduates will be provided opportunities for employment and gain the New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) on completion. “Our hope is to be able to offer more programmes like this for our youth here in Katikati, “ says Melody. If you would like more information email yec@katikaticommunity.nz or phone 07 5490399.