Southlanders benefit from $2m ILT support over 25 years

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Monday May 22, 2023

ILT has recently confirmed funding to a total of $138,750 to support the work of Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) and its service brand Family Works. This signals over 25 years of ongoing support to PSS and over $2 million dollars in grant funding.

ILT started funding PSS in 1997 towards the provision of Family Works’ services and programme delivery, and operating costs to enable staff to do the work. This included its Parenting Programme, which ILT and ILT Foundation had supported since its introduction in 2003.

Family Works director Judith McInerney said the funding had made a significant difference to a huge number of families in Invercargill.

“Resulting in not only positive outcomes for the families receiving services, but also for our community overall, as what we do puts less pressure on health, welfare, education and the justice system, resulting in a better life for everyone.

“Without [the ILT’s] support we would not be able to assist as many families as we do. For that we are grateful, as are the families we work with.

“The saying it takes a village to raise a child is very true, and ILT and ILT Foundation are part of our village.”

ILT president Paddy O’Brien said ILT was a proud supporter of PSS’ exceptional Family Works programme and the role it played in supporting the ever-changing and growing needs of the community

“PSS’ unwavering dedication to improving the health and well-being of our community had made a tangible difference in the lives of countless families.

“We’re proud to stand alongside another community-minded group that shares similar values to our own, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to provide on-going benefit to the people of Invercargill.”

Family Works supports more than 1000 families each year, about half of which are new families. With an average of three people per family, this equates to tens of thousands of people helped by Family Works over the past 25 years, thanks in a large part to the ILT’s support.