My hikoi of confidence, connection and purpose with Feed My Lambs

When Emere first walked through the doors of Feed My Lambs, she was navigating the challenges of raising young children with limited support and financial pressure. What began with uncertainty has grown into a journey of confidence, connection, and leadership.

Today, Emere reflects on how Feed My Lambs has supported her whānau, strengthened her parenting, and opened new professional pathways.

Emere shared that life felt much harder before she started coming to Feed My Lambs.

“I had two young children, limited support, and financial pressures. It was an overwhelming time for me and my whānau.

“I felt anxious about joining. I worried about being judged, not being accepted, or not understanding how things worked. Those fears disappeared quickly. I felt accepted almost instantly. The kaimahi and other māmā genuinely cared and never judged me for my differences or my situation.”

She explains feeling accepted by both kaimahi and the other māmā has encouraged her to keep returning over the years.

“I really valued the social connection. The weekly sessions became part of my routine. The different services that presented each week helped grow my kete mātauranga. Some other services also supported me one on one outside the programme, which made a big difference.”

She says there was definitely a special moment at Feed My Lambs that felt especially meaningful.

“We recently did a whakawhanaungatanga session to build connections with both new and current māmā. It was interactive, fun, and not anxiety provoking. After attending for three years, I found myself stepping into a leadership role, encouraging others, especially those who were feeling nervous. Later, Roberta acknowledged my natural leadership and the way I supported others. That meant a lot to me.”

“My whānau relationships have strengthened over time and they are my number one support system. I also noticed my parenting and interpersonal skills have definitely improved. I am more regulated, more mindful, and more self-aware. As a result, my three children and my partner now have a happier, more grounded mum at home.

“One tool I’ve learned with Feed My Lambs that I use at home is I to be more physically and emotionally present with my children, even though there are significant age differences between them. The parenting tools and strategies I have learned through these services are things I use every day.”

The growth for Emere has moved beyond her parenting skills and is now supporting her  transition into the workforce.
“I was recently successful in gaining employment with HIPPY. My eldest child was part of HIPPY ten years ago, so I bring lived experience to the role. HIPPY works closely with Feed My Lambs and had observed my professionalism in group settings, my ability to maintain healthy boundaries, and my personal growth over time. Roberta also provided a written reference for me, which I was grateful for. I was offered a position as a HIPPY Tutor and felt excited and ready for this next challenge.”

Emere say she wants to continue developingher professional skills and competencies as a HIPPY Tutor. “I also hope to become a mentor for current māmā at Feed My Lambs, sharing my journey and encouraging others by showing them what is possible.”