Community Works Team

Challenge 2000’s community works team are firing on all cylinders. So far in 2011 the team have built fences, mowed lawns, prepared tonnes of firewood, assembled and dismantled countless marquee’s for Wellington’s biggest summer events, moved people from point A to Z and everywhere in between, and much MUCH more.

For many years Challenge has been running a community works team that help teach young people critical work skills. At the same time, these young people earn some money and get valuable work experience for future careers. We also carry out work for you to the highest professional standard.

Do you have any work that needs to be done? Lawns mowed, hedges trimmed, trees removed, fences and retaining walls built? Does your house need a wash or perhaps you’ve wanted to paint for a while? Would a deck add value to your house?

Please contact us for a professional and competitive quote: email – challenge2000@xtra.co.nz or phone (04) 477 6827. As an agency committed to social justice we are also happy to help those that are not in a financial position to pay for services.

Oh the places you’ll go!

The Odyssey group had an awesome start to the school holidays with the much-anticipated camp! The weekend kicked off on Friday night when we all jumped in the vans and headed to Forest Lakes in Otaki. The traditional road trip sing-a-longs showed that everyone was getting amped for a very eventful weekend.  We arrived to supper and a challenge for the weekend. The theme of “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess was introduced and the participants got thinking and talking about their dreams and journeys. Before bedtime we had come to the conclusion that nobody reaches “the places you’ll go” without daring to dream.

Team work essential to get through this obstacle

Saturday morning brought fun of a different kind; trust exercises and abseiling. The trust exercises enabled everyone to work well as a team. Communication was a common theme that the small groups discussed. It was awesome to see young people co-operating so well. Abseiling down a thirteen metre cliff was a real challenge for many of the participants and leaders. Those who abseiled showed great courage and perseverance, some even managed to go down face first!  It was great to see everyone supporting the person coming down the wall. These activities had everybody thinking about the theme of the camp.

Respect is the foundation for unity

The activities were followed by group sessions focussing on personal development, faith and values. Participants really got an opportunity to explore their personal beliefs and ask the questions you might not normally have time for. Why do bad things happen to good people? Who is God? What can I do for society today? What is justice? And so many more.

"Why does this mud smell so bad?"

In the afternoon, the mudslide proved to be popular once again. Even though it was freezing the majority of the group got out and gave it a go. They came back dripping, dirty and smelling not only of mud but it was well worth it.

Otaki based Marist Pa Rob Devlin joined us on Saturday night to share insights into service and social justice. Rob talked about his years in the soup kitchen and working in various other ministries for the poor and marginalised.

We ended camp on Sunday with team challenges. This gave participants a chance to use their talents, whether they are music, public speaking, drama, art or push-ups (Go Luke!!). It was an entertaining way to wrap up camp activities.

Team Challenge Performance

Camp concluded with affirmations. New friendships were formed and the group now has a whole new sense of belonging. Now we are all home and can not stop thinking about the places we will go! There is so much more to look forward to in the Odyssey programme. The best is yet to come!

Supported Bail

Our Supported Bail programme continues to plant the seeds of change in the lives of young people who are involved in the Youth Justice system.   We have seen huge transformation occur during this six week programme, with young people successfully completing the programme and complying with their bail conditions.  It’s a privilege to see the young people starting to walk tall and hold their heads high, knowing that they can be proud of the choices they are making.  It’s not always a straightforward journey but the young people gain some skills and knowledge to help them as they transition into the next stage of their lives.

The Police Youth Aid and CYF Youth Justice teams that we work alongside, are committed to supporting young people to accept responsibility for their actions and to make changes in their lives.  It’s great to be part of such professional and committed team.One member of the Police with whom we work recently wrote this: “We have been fortunate to be able to use the services of Challenge 2000 for the past two years. They have been instrumental in reducing the offending rates of our high risk youth in our area and  I have been impressed by the way they handle their young people. They have made a positive impact on every one of the young people they have taken on and their families”.

Heath Hutton and our Youth Team are doing a great job.  Heath’s experience, energy and vision for the programme and his heart for the young people is evident and he is also committed to doing better and better with this programme.

This year we also have a variety of other Fresh Start youth justice services including the Amorangi programme, court-supervised camps and mentoring.

For information about our other Youth Justice services please contact

Bridget Roche on 477 6827

Heath Hutton on 478 4573 or

email referrals@challenge2000.org.nz

Wellington LSV March out

The latest group of the New Zealand Defence Force’s Limited Service Volunteers march out at Tretham Army Camp. The young men and women are supported by a Challenge 2000 social worker and a number of other Challenge staff.

Come along to see some inspiring young New Zealanders achieve great things.

Youth Leadership Camp

Challenge 2000 will be running a camp for participants of the current Odyssey Programme. The weekend will be filled with plenty of fun and excitement as well as an opportunity to learn about leadership and experience personal growth.

Where: Forest Lakes

When: Departs Challenge Youth and Family Centre Friday 7pm.

Cost: $60

 

Longest Morning Tea

Johnsonville Freemasons are supporting Challenge 2000 through their annual longest morning tea. The Johnsonville Masons are opening up their doors to the general public. All gold coin donations go to Challenge 2000 – a great cause.

Date: 30 July

Time: From 10am

Place: Masonic Lodge, 25 Phillip Street, Johnsonville.