There’s a new name to get used to around town, Kindred Family Services.
It may take a little while before it becomes part of the local vernacular, but in a year from now it will be as much a part of the fabric of Helensville as “The A&P Show”, “The Rugby Club” or “The Grand,”
Kindred Family Services is the new name of the recently-merged Helensville Women and Family Centre and Kia Timata Ano Women’s Refuge.
“Kindred isn’t a commonly used word, in fact it’s quite old-fashioned in many ways, but we like it because it speaks to the values we stand by like relationships, community and being kind to one another and we believe it’s a name we can really grow into,” says Ana Christmas, Executive Director of the new organisation.
So, while the name is new, the staff, their work and commitment to the people of the wider South Kaipara area is long-standing.
The Helensville Women and Family Centre, based out of the old Post Office building, has been a steady presence in the area for over a quarter of a century.
The Kia Tîmata Ano Trust may not be as widely recognised as it kept its profile fairly quiet, but since 2006 it has run a safe-house for women and children and worked hard to help both women and men live free from violence.
The two organisations have come together as one, retaining all staff and existing services.
With a dedicated family harm team, the safe house which has offered refuge to 14 women and 18 children in the last year will remain a vital part of the organisation.
The friendly staff based in the old Post Office building on Commercial Road invite anyone who wants to pop in for a chat over a cuppa, or who may need more in-depth counselling to call in and learn more about the services? from food parcels through the Kai Collective, to programmes for children who have suffered the loss of a loved one, or events like the always-popular Children’s Day held every March.
The new name and brand including a new website will be rolled out until later in September.