Despite the dramatic growth of women’s incarceration in recent years, few resources have been directed to meeting the reentry needs of women leaving prison. With the percentage of drug or alcohol-addicted women in prison far outweighing that of men, Pathway Trust launched the South Island’s only residential drug and alcohol centre for women - He Kete Oranga o te Mana Wāhine, a Women’s Basket of Wellness - in 2019.
Operating in partnership with Odyssey House, wāhine are at the Pathway Retreat in Motukarara for 16 weeks before re-entering the community with our support for a further 36 weeks. In the community, our Navigators provide assistance with housing, WINZ and helping to facilitate study and employment aspirations.
.jpg)
As Erin’s life fell apart as a result of her addiction, the only feeling she identified with was misery.
Stints in prison and losing care of her daughter left her broken, desperately wanting to pick up the pieces. She was able to do that through He Kete and is now loving life and re-connecting with her girl.
