Manna Home in Ōakura provides supported accommodation for young people who are transitioning out of the care system. It offers a wraparound system designed to help 18–21-year-olds who have faced significant challenges in their lives develop into healthy, resilient adults.
“People in care have often been moved multiple times, so to be able to land at Manna and stay feels really good.
“It’s about belonging, a whānau to be part of and opportunities that extend their lives in ways they might not have experienced before,” said Manna Home’s manager, Angie Wiggins.
Up to six young people at a time live across Manna’s various homes. All are expected to be either in work or on an education pathway and typically stay for 6–12 months.
They learn foundational skills such as how to cook, clean, shop for food, cope with house inspections and communicate with their flatmates. Staff members work alongside residents and help them build independence, with support levels decreasing as their skills grow.
Manna staff also introduce activities the young people may not have had the chance to experience before, such as tramping, kayaking, snorkelling and fishing. The community regularly gathers together for meals and celebrations.
Angie says Toi Foundation funding allows Manna to provide much more than transitional accommodation for the 20-25 young people who have been through their programme in the past three years.
“What Toi allows us to do is offer all the extra support that makes a difference, addressing the whole of Te Whare Tapa Whā – the wellbeing and the sense of whānau and connection to the land that young people need to thrive. We can work on stabilisation, healing from trauma, building foundations, seeing the possibilities for their lives and setting goals.”
Manna’s care extends beyond the original transitional period, too, offering its young people up to 12 months of mentorship after they leave the home and opportunities to reconnect whenever they need to.
“Once you’re part of Manna whānau you’re always Manna whānau,” said Angie.
“We couldn’t do all that without Toi Foundation, and we’re seeing far better results for young people than if it was just a straight accommodation service.”
