Finding My Village at Feed My Lambs

When Emere first walked through the doors of Feed My Lambs, she was navigating the challenges of raising young children with limited support and financial pressure. What began with uncertainty has grown into a journey of confidence, connection, and leadership. Today, Emere reflects on how Feed My Lambs has supported her whānau, strengthened her parenting, and opened new professional pathways.

We asked her a few questions about her journey:

What was life like for you and your whānau before you started coming to Feed My Lambs?
Life felt much harder. I had two young children, limited support, and financial pressures. It was an overwhelming time for me and my whānau.

What were your hopes or worries when you first arrived?
I felt anxious about joining. I worried about being judged, not being accepted, or not understanding how things worked. Those fears disappeared quickly. I felt accepted almost instantly. The kaimahi and other māmā genuinely cared and never judged me for my differences or my situation.

What helped you keep coming back over the years?
I felt accepted by both staff and the other mums, and I really valued the social connection. The weekly sessions became part of my routine. The different services that presented each week helped grow my kete mātauranga. Some services, including Rongopai House staff, also supported me one on one outside the programme, which made a big difference.

Can you describe a moment at Feed My Lambs that felt especially meaningful or healing?
We recently did a whakawhanaungatanga session to build connections with both new and current māmā. It was interactive, fun, and not anxiety provoking. After attending for three years, I found myself stepping into a leadership role, encouraging others, especially those who were feeling nervous. Later, Roberta acknowledged my natural leadership and the way I supported others. That meant a lot to me.

Who or what helped you feel most supported and why?
My whānau relationships have strengthened over time and they are my number one support system.

What changes have you noticed in yourself since coming?
My parenting and interpersonal skills have definitely improved. I am more regulated, more mindful, and more self aware. As a result, my three children and my partner now have a happier, more grounded mum at home.

What is one thing you learned here that you use at home?
I am more physically and emotionally present with my children, even though there are significant age differences between them. The parenting tools and strategies I have learned at Feed My Lambs and through other services are things I use every day.

How has Feed My Lambs supported your workforce development?
I was recently successful in gaining employment with HIPPY. My eldest child was part of HIPPY ten years ago, so I bring lived experience to the role. HIPPY works closely with Feed My Lambs and had observed my professionalism in group settings, my ability to maintain healthy boundaries, and my personal growth over time. Roberta also provided a written reference for me, which I was grateful for. I was offered a position as a HIPPY Tutor and felt excited and ready for this next challenge.

What are your next goals?
I want to continue developing my professional skills and competencies as a HIPPY Tutor. I also hope to become a mentor for current māmā at Feed My Lambs, sharing my journey and encouraging others by showing them what is possible.

 

Find out how to support more whānau like Emere’s here: https://donate.rongopaihouse.org.nz