In May 2019 we opened a new centre, located in the small rural town of Te Aroha, to provide all new entrants to the RAW Model with the optimal space to settle, stabilise and begin their reintegration journey.
TARGETING THE FIRST 12 WEEKS
The first 12 weeks is widely acknowledged by experts as the most vulnerable time for a new release. Many struggle to come to terms with living outside of the highly regimented prison system that has been their home for years in some instances. While others struggle to break free of old habits and anti-social connections which, in reality, are only ever a phone call or social media message away.
All women choosing to participate in the RAW model will spend their first 12 weeks in a best practice post-release environment.
STEPPING STONES
Called HE HAUMARU TE ATAWHAI [The Sanctuary], the purpose of this centre is to create a highly supportive and supported living and learning environment where new parolees can have the time and space to:
Build fundamental social, communication and lifestyle skills
Shed institutionalised behaviour and thinking
Get ready for full reintegration without distraction
OUR FOCUS IS ON CONTRIBUTION, FUNCTIONALITY, AND WELLNESS
LIVING AND LEARNING AT HE HAUMARU TE ATAWHAI
- Exercise – bush walks, gym workouts
- Rostered preparation and sharing of whole foods (as much food as possible will be grown and harvested on the property)
- Learning sessions – facilitated by external speakers – e.g. parenting, assertiveness, anger management, breathing, cooking, Māoritanga etc
- Care and upkeep of the property including looking after animals – such as chickens, bees – and tending to vegetable gardens and fruit trees to teach and practice self-sustainability
- 1:1 mentoring sessions
- Weekly trips will be arranged to cater for clinical visits, probation visits, and other essential appointments
THE OUTCOMES RAW IS DRIVING FOR
LEADING A LEGAL LIFE
Behaviour reflects a commitment to disconnect from old associates and create new positive connections and pathways of thought and behaviour.
EDUCATION
Develops life skills focused on wellness, resilience, confidence, face-to-face socialisation, and how to become a good parent, tenant, neighbour, student, employee and/or micropreneur.
EMPLOYMENT
Develops and begins to implement a plan to study, work or start a small business to achieve financial independence.
WHĀNAU RECONNECTION
Engages in building family reconnections with tamariki and positive whānau.
IMPACT IN COMMUNITY
Actively participates in and encourages inclusion of others in He Haumaru, RAW and local communities.
A LIFE WORTH LIVING
Utilises every opportunity provided to plan and create a purposeful life for the future.
