When my daughter began waking every 45 minutes, I was running on fumes—mentally, emotionally, and physically. I felt like I was drowning in exhaustion, and the isolation of those sleepless nights was overwhelming. That’s when I found the Waikato Family Centre.

From the moment I reached out, their team wrapped me in support. They referred me to Mothercraft for evening help, and provided expert advice on everything from sleep routines to managing my daughter’s chronic constipation—information I couldn’t find anywhere else. It was like someone had finally turned on the light in a very dark room.

My best friend Steph’s story is equally powerful. Her twin boys arrived early—33 weeks and 5 days—and spent five weeks in NICU. When they finally came home, the emotional toll hit hard. Steph was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn.

The Waikato Family Centre welcomed her with warmth, a hot drink, and a chocolate biscuit. They listened. They cared. Over the following months, they helped her navigate feeding, sleep routines, and most importantly, her mental health. When her partner began to struggle too, they stepped in again—offering support and inviting him to “Dads Night,” a safe space for fathers to connect.

Steph and I are just two of the 820+ families they support each year. Their compassion and professionalism don’t just help—they save lives. I wholeheartedly support their continued funding. Our community needs them.

[blog article adapted from accountability documents submitted to the Common Good Foundation, 2025]