Central Connect Whare Manaake is a social service agency that has been providing social work support, advocacy and counselling services to the Central Hawke’s Bay community for more than 25 years.

The organisation received a grant of $11,588.49 from Hawke’s Bay Foundation for wages and operational costs, such as office equipment and stationery.

Central Connect Whare Manaake Manager, Jackie Aitchison, says due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Central Hawke’s Bay drought happening simultaneously, she has had to employ another staff member to cope with demand on services, so the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Our organisation was an essential service as the family harm responders during the COVID-19 lockdown,” Jackie says.

“Not only was our community dealing with the pandemic, many of them were also dealing with the drought which was extremely stressful.

“We are so grateful for the support from Hawke’s Bay Foundation. It means we can continue to assist our community with the support services they so desperately need to get through these unprecedented times.”