Another Chaotic Day at Nurturing Families: Charities Struggling to Keep Up
So, it was like another typical Monday at Nurturing Families in West Auckland. The place was buzzing with staff running around, trying to pack up essentials like nappies, clothing, prams, and toiletries. It was like a scene out of a movie, chaotic but heartwarming at the same time.
When Checkpoint decided to drop by, they caught Founder Taylah Nasmith and partnerships manager Marissa Bell knee-deep in dresses, onesies, and winter woolies. These ladies were on a mission to fill a box for a family of seven. Marissa was reading out the list of what the family needed – a struggling dad who lost his part-time job, seven people crammed into a two-bedroom house, and a mom trying to keep everyone warm.
Tayla Nasmith, the brains behind this operation, started the charity when she was just 12 years old. Fast forward twelve years, and they now support around 300 families every month. The need for their services has never been higher, with overwhelmed case workers constantly reaching out for help. They’ve partnered with 200 agencies to provide these essential boxes, but things took a turn for the worse a few months back when their major sponsor pulled out after five years of support.
Funding Woes and Growing Demand
Marissa spilled the tea on how the sponsor’s contributions used to cover two staff salaries, but now they’re in a tight spot. Losing that sponsor, along with a few others, meant saying goodbye to $100,000 in funding – a big chunk of their annual budget. The team has been scrambling, trying to figure out how to stay afloat. They’ve ramped up their funding campaigns, applied for grants left and right, but it seems like they’ve hit a dead end.
“It’s a sign of the times,” Marissa lamented. “The need keeps rising, but the funding just can’t keep up with us.” Tayla was determined to soldier on, fueled by the thought of children going without basic necessities. It’s a tough battle, but one they’re not willing to give up on.
Enter Common: Another Charity Facing the Heat
Common, another charity providing clothing to those in need, is singing the same tune as Nurturing Families. Charli Cox, the mastermind behind Common, shared their struggles in securing funding. Last year alone, they were turned down for over $230,000 but still managed to clothe nearly 10,500 people with just $74,000.
The charity relies on donated clothing from the public and brands, redistributing them through social services like Rainbow Youth and Victim Support. The demand for their services has shot up, from serving 14 social services last year to 23 now, helping 1000 individuals monthly. Despite their efforts, funding remains a constant challenge, especially with decision-makers overlooking the importance of clothing for those in need.
To keep the money flowing, Common has a small retail space and an online store where they sell donated items. They even rent out some pieces to the film and production industry. Charli believes that with more funding, they could make an even bigger impact, reaching more people in need.
The Bottom Line
These two charities are fighting an uphill battle – trying to meet the growing demand while facing funding woes. It’s a tough gig, but they’re not backing down. The dedication and passion they have for helping those in need is unwavering, despite the challenges thrown their way. As the struggle continues, one thing is clear – these charities are beacons of hope in a world that sometimes forgets the importance of lending a helping hand.