Our Story
Our Wairarapa Journey
To mark 100 years of service in the Wairarapa, we created Our Wairarapa Journey, telling the story of the people, organisations and community relationships that have shaped ChangeAbility. From the opening of Sedgley Boys’ Home in 1926 through to the organisation we are today, the book traces a century of change, care and support in our community.
The story begins with the opening of Sedgley Boys’ Home in 1926 and follows its development into Sedgley Family Centre, the establishment of Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa and Wairarapa Community Counselling Centre, and the eventual bringing together of these services as ChangeAbility.
Would you like a copy?
Please contact us if you would like a copy of Our Wairarapa Journey.
Our Vision: to change our region for the better
There is an old Wairarapa saying, ‘Te Hiringa i te Mahara’, which encourages us to be strong of mind and aware of our true potential.
Our vision is for a Wairarapa where people are supported to address the difficulties affecting their lives and relationships, where families and whānau are safer and more connected, and where people have the opportunity to create lasting change.
The name ChangeAbility reflects our belief that change is possible — for individuals, families, whānau and our wider community.
To create change, we’ve changed too
ChangeAbility was formed by bringing together Stopping Violence Services Wairarapa and Wairarapa Community Counselling Centre. The merger brought counselling, family violence services, programmes and community work together under one organisation.
That history continues to shape how we work today: providing practical, respectful and accessible support across the Wairarapa.
“In my 30 plus years working with the people of the Wairarapa I have seen people make significant changes to their lives. We’re here to help make that possible.”
Jeremy Logan
ChangeAbility