We recently put in an application to the Lion Foundation for new IPads and were successful in being granted $7000. This has allowed us to buy10 new IPads which is spread across our three centres.
IPads are proving to be very popular and user friendly for the people we support. There portability the use of wide range of educational and communication apps has opened up endless opportunities that were previously either unavailable or very expensive.
I would like to thank the Lion foundation for their generous grant and the difference this will make too the lives of the people we support.

Saint Johns Ambulance Visit

As part of our community awareness we recently had a visit from the St Johns ambulance team
Everyone enjoyed going through the ambulance and getting a better understanding of what a great job the St Johns team do, some people even got to go for a ride.

We also got involved with support the awareness campaign for returned veteran's with doing 22 press ups in 22 days (See Video)

Big thanks to the St Johns team for making the time for the people at Arohanui.

Watch out soon for the fire brigade!!

Well everyone is back from their holidays and  enjoying the new programme that started at the end of January. Already there have been a number of fantastic outings enjoying everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer.
We welcome several new people to services and it seems the one thing they have in common is they have all moved to Tauranga  from Auckland and who can blame them for that!!
We continue to receive weekly enquires from people wanting to access the services of Arohanui and while funding can sometimes be an issue we are always happy to discuss the many options that are available.
What it does tell us  is that the  services we offer is what many families are seeking. If you are an individual, a family, or know of someone who is looking of a service please feel free to contact us to discuss the options. 

                                            Drama Classes a great outlet for self expression
                                                and building self esteem and confidence

On the 18th of November 2015
 We had an invitation night to the Next Door Gallery where around 40 people attended.
It was an opportunity for people to view and purchase some of the great pieces of art that have been produced over the last 6 months by people who attend Arohanui.
The proceeds of the sale will assist greatly in purchasing new supplies and a percentage also goes to the artists who sold their works.
Thank you to all for your ongoing support it is greatly appreciated.

 

Joshua proudly showing off some of

his art that was sold

 

 

 

Well the first quarter of the year has been very busy for Arohanui and the people we support

Recently we were successful in obtaining funds from the Pub Charities for two job chairs

These chairs allow people who have mobility issues to enjoy the beach and other terrain's that would not normally be accessible to these people.

The kontiki trips have proved very popular and it as bonus when fish are caught.

It is great to see people having new experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

We have been experiencing a increase in enquiries for services which is great and we have had a number of people joining us after moving to Tauranga from different parts of the country.

 We are now supporting 61 individual's and their families, full time, part time and some on a casual basis. It is a privilege to be chosen to be involved in supporting someone to achieve their goals and dreams. We never get tired of sharing and hearing about what people are doing so if you want to share something special do not hesitate to contact us.

Keep checking out the individual's blogs!!

 

2014 is just flying by and we are already planning for end of year functions. The centre managers have also started working on the new programmes which will start in January 2015.
Recently we have been able to purchase some new resources which are proving very popular.
Music equipment in the form of some very cool karaoke machines as well as a load of percussions instruments. I am am always impressed by the range of talents we have with the people we support.
We have also purchased a  Sea horse Kontiki  which is going to be used by all three centres and hopefully we will lucky enough to be able to send fish home with those who want to take part in this very cool activity.
The pottery is also proving very popular and people are getting pieces ready to exhibit their pieces in the annual Bethlehem Pottery exhibition in November.
With Christmas just around the corner don't forget to pop in to the Next Door Art Gallery and purchase a unique gift at a fantastic price or just pop in and say hi, we would love to see you.

Fundraising

As you would be aware the contracts we have to provide services do not cover the extra costs we require to be able to deliver the high quality service we strive to do on a daily basis. So we are always looking at different way of raising the extra funds needed. Here are a couple of new initiative’s we have introduced and hope that you support us and will tell everyone  else you know to come support Arohanui and the work we do.

 

The Next-Door Gallery

At our Greerton Centre a space became available next door to our existing centre so we have leased the ground floor and put in a designated pottery/art workshop at the rear and in the front we have created an art gallery to display and sell some of the art products that everyone has been doing.

We have a wide range of mosaics, pottery and other art forms for sale at very reasonable prices

We also have a collection of pieces from the Bethlehem pottery club some donated and some on commission which is something we want to encourage for any community artist out there who would like somewhere to display and sell their works.

So tell all your friends and family and pop into the Next-Door Gallery at our Greerton centre and pick yourself up a piece of unique original art. The gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

All money from sales will go directly back to the people we support and to assist with buying art resources.

 

The Entertainment Book

Many of you may be already aware of, and using the Entertainment Book which has hundreds of valuable up to 50% off and 2 for 1 offers for many best restaurants, arts, attractions, hotels, travel, shopping and more. I have been using this book and can testify that you can get a lot more from it than the cost of the book which is $60.

An extra this year is they have gone mobile and you can download the app onto your phone so you don’t have to carry the book about.

Arohanui is now selling these books and will receive 20% from each sale. If you would like to purchase one you can go to our website www.arohanuitrust.co.nz and click on the tab support us.

Or you can ring Gaye in our office on 579-4603 as we have some books for sale on site.

 

Please remember that we are a registered charitable trust and if you do wish to purchase any art, an entertainment book or just make a donation you can claim it back against your tax. Just let us know and we will arrange a receipt for you.