ABOUT GRACELANDS
The Gracelands Story
The trust was founded and developed by Robyn Klos, an occupational
therapist, with the support of members of the local community and allied
professionals in 1990.
Since that time, the organisation has developed from a small service
supporting people in Te Awamutu to now offering programmes throughout
the greater Waikato and King Country. It is based on a personal
optimistic philosophy that it is possible to harness professional skills
and knowledge with community resources and goodwill to provide a people
centred service, where everyone benefits. "Personal growth, self esteem
and respect results when people are able to be contributing members of
their local communities". (Robyn Klos)
Governance is provided by an elected Board of Trustees, consisting of
representatives of the business community, and people with vested
interests.
Mission Statement
We work with disabled and/or disadvantaged individuals to develop their
skill and abilities to contribute to their communities.
E mahi ana mātou mo nga hunga hauātanga, kia whakapakari ai a rātou nei
pūmanawa, hei whai wahi ki nga iwi kainga.
Our Vision
Our future success is sustained by growth, diversity and high
performance.
Ta mātou nei tukuki pa i te wā heke mai nei, e pupuritia ma tupu ake, ma
whakarerekē, me mahi whakakite teitei.
Values
We have an "open door" policy for all people disadvantaged by
disability.
We acknowledge and respect individual needs and cultural
differences.
We foster enthusiasm for participation in employment opportunities
and pursuing personal life enhancing goals.
We provide supportive environments for clients.
We support the importance of empowering people with disabilities and
their acceptance of responsibility for their own behaviour.
We foster equal opportunities for all consumers of the service with
equity objectives underpinning all activities; with non-sexist and
non-racist policies, practices and programmes, and advocacy.
We accept and endorse our obligation to develop policies and
practices which reflect New Zealand/Aotearoa's dual cultural heritage as
expressed in the Treaty of Waitangi.
We act as a point of referral within the community for people with
disabilities, co-operating with other agencies and liaising with other
community groups and organisations.
We accept our responsibility as an employer by implementing sound
personnel policies, staff training and development programmes to enhance
the vocational opportunities for clients, and improve the capabilities
of staff.
Whakatauki
Gracelands has adopted the following proverb as a focus for it's work:
"Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you."
"Te tiro atu to kanohi ki tairawhiti ana tera whiti te ra kite
ataata ka hinga ki muri kia koe."
The following thoughts and ideas underpin our work at Gracelands:
Every person has potential, has the ability to grow and develop.
Every person has value as an individual and must be respected as of
right.
The environments that we provide are safe, supportive, relaxed and
warm.
"Nothing is too much trouble"
We do not place limits on the support that this service provides.
Board of Trustees
Tom Barratt (BOT Chair) - Manager Director, Evonik Degussa Peroxide
Limited
Mark Brown (BOT Deputy Chair) - Independent Consultant
Suzanne Win - Independent Consultant
Pauline Wrigley - Director, BR Training Ltd
Kataraina Hodge - Chairperson Whakamarama Marae
Alan Livingston - Mayor, Waipa District Council
Caroline Barnes - National Manager, Self Advocacy IHC (Idea
Services)
Raywin Balderston - Manager, PriceWaterhouseCooper
