Our Mahi What We Do
Haere mai,
Manna is a transitional home that provides a six month live-in programme in Taranaki for up to six 18–21 year olds who have experienced challenges in life to help them develop into healthy, resilient adults.
We incorporate a nurturing home environment, tailor made support, life skills, engagement in education, employment or training, peer support, physical activities, access to professional care and spiritual & cultural practices, followed by up to 12 additional months of mentoring.
All of this enables taiohi to have an independent and hope-filled future, entering adulthood as an equipped young person with dreams and opportunities for their life, who will go on to positively impact their whānau and wider community.
At the heart of our mahi we believe that each young person is a valuable taonga, carrying mana, great potential, and is worth investing in. Their lives and actions matter and make a difference in the world. Our hope is that taiohi will have a sense of whanaungatanga at Manna Home, will grow in their skills and build up their mana and self-worth as they learn to make healthy positive choices for themselves, their future and those around them.
Do you know someone who’d be a good fit for Manna? Find out about our referral process here.
BAF is a charitable organisation working to create and sustain flourishing communities. In 2020, under BAFs leadership and governance, Manna Home was opened to meet the growing need of youth homelessness and to support rangatahi (young people) leaving state care to transition to thriving adulthood. We are grateful for BAFs oversight and the experience they bring from many years researching, collaborating and supporting projects that help people in Taranaki flourish.
Oranga Tamariki and the Toi Foundation partner with us to support rangatahi leaving state care into independent living.
We are also incredibly grateful for our wider village of supporters and funders. A special shout-out to the Robert Gibson Foundation, the Ministry of Social Development and the many individual supporters who help keep the wheels turning — tēnā koutou!
And much aroha to the local churches who care for and support us: St James Ōakura, Taranaki Cathedral, St James Presbyterian, and City Life. We’re so grateful for the ways you walk alongside us.
We’d also like to acknowledge our local business partners — Kaitake Fresh Creamery, Unity Electrical, and Dan’s Building Co — who continue to generously support our work. Your backing makes a real difference.
