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AUGUST 2011 NEWSLETTER
Over the past six months I have observed a groundswell of public support for troubled young people, and for prison reform, particularly rehabilitation and reintegration. Braveheart’s work is contributing to this groundswell, and it is exciting to be part of real change in the community. Every small project we fund or establish is making a difference to the whole, and the positive ripple effect from what we do is incalculable.
For meaningful change to happen, community involvement and collaboration are essential. There are many people and organisations working towards the same end from different angles and slowly, in each community, those many people are connecting and beginning to work together. These are exciting times and change is happening! Here is a brief update on some of our activities.
THE RIGHT TRACK
Braveheart provided funds for the August intake, for which graduation was held last week. We have committed to part- or full funding of two Central Auckland programmes in 2012. The non-recidivism rate of graduates still sits at an impressive and possibly unparalleled 83%, across driving and all other offences.
AUCKLAND CENTRAL WOMEN’S CORRECTIONS FACILITY (WIRI)
For about a year now, we have been providing a broad variety of pre-read, quality magazines to the young men in Mt Eden’s Remand wing. Very soon we will also begin supplying magazines to the women at ACWCF, and the Programmes Director has expressed her gratitude for our initiative in this. There is a great deal of ‘down time’ in prison and, for those who are literate (unfortunately 80% aren’t) reading is a valued past-time. Our magazines come from members of the parish of St Andrew’s Church, Epsom, and the supply is constant and plentiful.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
We are in discussion with one of the contracted suppliers to Alternative Education, to establish a small group of Braveheart people to support the young men (13-16 years) there in their learning. All those involved are very excited at the potential, and we have had a wonderful offer of training for our volunteers, from a specialist teacher. There are many other ways in which we will be able to provide assistance at this school which caters for those who have been excluded from the mainstream system. This, really, is their last chance, yet these schools are comparatively under-resourced.
GOLF TOURNAMENT, 2 MARCH 2012
Planning is well underway for this event which promises to be a winner, and which we envisage will become an annual highlight in everyone’s calendar. Our current focus is on finding prizes for the ten top teams (four players per team). If you know of any business colleagues or friends who could sponsor prizes ($50 to $300) and would enjoy being promoted to the movers and shakers of Auckland’s business community, please ask them to contact Penny Dever. . We would welcome any assistance in securing the prizes. Thanks to those of you who have contributed to the prize pool. This will be a day to remember!
If you are interested in being involved in any of the above initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.
Warm wishes,
Liz Caughey
Executive Director |
