It is so encouraging to hear stories and testimonies of those who have been impacted by LIFE community. Read below from some of the many amazing people who having been impacted in a positive way.

Our heart is that there would be so many more stories of help and hope for the people in our community and beyond.

One highlight was about the lady that just moved into a new house but had no furniture. One of our volunteers, Colleen Stairmand, had packed into her car a toaster and a kettle that she was preparing to give away to a secondhand store but instead gave it to this lady, she started crying saying that she had prayed for God to provide her with a toaster for her home. She continues to be very thankful for LSK and all that she's been blessed by just attending.

"Taking the Skills Update Health and Wellbeing Level 3 course has been invaluable to me. Employed as a healthcare assistant in a residential care facility I have been able to apply the knowledge and practical skills I have learned during this course directly to my work. This has given me more confidence and made my job easier and more enjoyable. On the course we were lucky to have an extremely knowledgeable and experienced tutor who made classes thought provoking and enjoyable. Attending this course has been a positive experience that will be of continued benefit to me in the future.”

Ben did not fare well in school previously. He did not enjoy it. “It was not for me,” Ben said. However, he’s an excellent student at Skills Update. He is motivated, diligent, has a positive learning attitude, has a passion for his chosen course subject, and gets along well with other students. On top of that, he takes initiative in helping out around the campus, for instance in the wood pellet upcycling project, and at the Student Block opening party. “I love the learning environment. Everyone gets to learn, there’s no distraction around, everyone’s helping each other around, and Josh is great, our branch manager here in Takanini (Papakura)”, Ben said.

Ian was previously from Spectrum Care, where the team spoke highly of him, “Ian has been part of the lawns crew for a few years and is one of the most reliable people in the crew! Ian is now doing a full-time course at Skills Update, Mangere for the New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering Level 3.” When asked about his future goals, Ian said, “in about 4 years' time, I want to open my own mechanic shop.” He has been working part-time while studying and saving up to achieve this goal.

Damond is one of our regulars who is homeless and lives out on the streets of Henderson. Every time Damond comes in he is hands on, we don't even have to ask for help, he is already there giving a helping hand. Before we even arrive to the Hall; Damond is there with another mate setting up the table and chairs. For someone who has so little, he has so much to give and that's what we love about Damond - he doesn't even realise that he has such a servant heart. We love that he feels so comfortable to do this here at Henderson LIFE Community Kitchen. We love that even though he does not have a house, he is able to make our Henderson LIFE Community Kitchen feel like home.

“In 2019, my mother was placed in intense hospital care. Our finances where so blended that for either of us to lose this meant we would be struggling beyond our means. With my mother's income removed, I have been only eating 3 meals a week. Having to budget for $20 dollars of food a week, isn't easy. After breaking down in the supermarket, I now only do grocery shopping once every two months. For me, Christmas Box was a surprise and it meant that it was sharing a meal with my mother, talking to family and being happy. The changes that 2020 has brought, with my mother, Covid and financial problems meant I didn’t want to talk with family and I was hiding away from the world. Seeing the items within the Christmas Box, brought a true smile to my face, and a few tears. While my situation is not likely going to be changing, small blessing arrived from the Christmas Box. Kia kaha and Seasons Greetings.”

Today she is handing in her last assessment and her face is shining full of pride and happiness on achieving her goal. Her employer has just given her a Health Care Assistant job and is working to make sure she gets the full 40 hours. This gives Mary a future, a chance to change her life and her children's life. They will see her receive her Certificate at the Graduation, something to be very proud of!

One highlight was about the lady that just moved into a new house but had no furniture. One of our volunteers, Colleen Stairmand, had packed into her car a toaster and a kettle that she was preparing to give away to a secondhand store but instead gave it to this lady, she started crying saying that she had prayed for God to provide her with a toaster for her home. She continues to be very thankful for LSK and all that she's been blessed by just attending.

“I've been a butcher for 23 years. I wanted to change my career into becoming a caregiver, so that I can look after people. Skills Update has provided me with the tools and knowledge to succeed. The Tutor, students and staff all work together as a team to help us reach our goals. Thank you so much Skills Update.”

“My 12 year old son attended Upside Youth Mentoring Christmas yesterday with his mentor and he came home with a Christmas box. A huge thank you from our family to all the sponsors who made it possible for families to receive such a wonderful gift. This was such a blessing to receive as I have recently had to resign from work due to family commitments. My sister who had been stranded in NZ since March had recently left to go back home to Samoa and she was my children's caregiver while I worked night shifts. Sadly this had come to an end and the timing was unfortunate for us with Christmas around the corner. Our Christmas box will help us get through the next few weeks and this will enable me to buy extra gifts for my children. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May you all have a wonderful and joyful Christmas with your loved ones. Stay safe.”