Maximised capability for Whanganui's Life to the Max Trust

Stephen Brandon of WCF (left) with Life to the Max staff Val Overweel, Alex Pirikahu, Loretta Cuff, Paul Hausia, Liz Hoskin, Annie Firaza and car supplier Scott Brown. Photo/Stuart Munro

Life to the Max Trust Whanganui has plenty to celebrate after securing three years of funding and a new team member.

The Whanganui Community Foundation (WCF) has guaranteed funding for the next three years and enabled the Trust to employ new social worker Loretta Cuff.

Life to the Max (LTTM) is a child focused Youth Development Programme working with children and young people and their families and whanau in the Whanganui community.

Based in the Gonville Police Station, they are a team of five social workers and finance officer Liz Hoskin.

Stephen Brandon of WCF said the commitment to three years' funding means that the trust can commit to longer-term projects and staffing.

"We have committed to $100,000 a year with an additional $100,000 and we are not too precious about how the money is spent.

"The trust provided us with their own impressive progress evaluation."

Hoskin said LTTM staff performed a "happy dance" when they received the good news.

"We have been able to employ Loretta and it means we can work with another eight families."

And the good news doesn't end there.

The Trust has also received a grant from the Four Regions Trust (formerly Powerco) to purchase a new vehicle from Wanganui Car Centre.

The new Nissan Tiida means LTTM now has a fleet of five vehicles, which will further extend their ability to support young people.

Life To The Max Whanganui was established with support from Whanganui Police in 2001 with the aim of reducing youth offending.

They work with young people and their families to build on the four cornerstones of family, health, education and community.

Find out more at lifetothemaxtrust.org.nz or visit the Facebook page.