You know that you’re onto something special when the 8 year old in your life is drifting off to sleep after a fun-filled afternoon at Pride Lands and tells you that “when I grow up I want to be a Pride Lands mentor”.
The fun-packed times that they have would be enough, but that is only part of the story of what makes Pride Lands special enough to inspire an 8 year old to want to give back.
Moses and the team he nurtures provide an immensely supportive and enriching community. There are creative games, activities and outings in abundance. No two days are ever the same. This alone is astounding and inspiring. Then there is the care, deep respect, guidance, encouragement and the connections fostered which are at the heart of everything they do.
Bella has only been with Pride Lands for a relatively short time but the sense of belonging fostered and her growth in that time have been extraordinary. This is due in no small part to the culture actively cultivated at Pride Lands. She has been welcomed in and made to feel valued. She has been supported to be herself, while provided with a safe space and skills to allow her to work on challenging herself and to build relationships, both one-on-one and as part of a team. Even her activities outside of Pride Lands are supported and encouraged, such as when the whole pride turned up to support her at roller derby. This is no ordinary child care.
And this doesn’t even touch on the practical aspects that you would hope for as a carer or parent.
There is the option of pick ups from school and drop offs home, before school care, after school care, one-on-one mentoring, a hugely generous amount of food is provided, and on top of all that there’s the flexibility that comes from a service that truly understands the realities of life with children. Life can be unpredictable. They get that. And they always respond with a smile, and a zero hassle attitude. Nothing is ever too much.
As a carer, knowing you can rely on them to be there is invaluable. The words “consider it done”, regularly heard from Moses and the team, get to the heart of what genuine support looks like. Last minute change to plans and need to reschedule care – consider it done. Stuck in traffic and need your child to be dropped home at the last minute – consider it done. These people have your back as much as the child’s.
Pride Lands has become a very important part of Bella and our family’s lives. You all do such great work supporting our young people to thrive and we very much appreciate you all! It is a real testament to the all encompassing support offered by Pride Lands that Bella aspires to one day be able to give back to the next generation in the same way.
Thank-you!
Sarah & whānau
