Small steps and giant leaps at Te Aroha Noa

Abstract

This paper explores the micro-processes involved in family change. It is part of a wider series of studies undertaken across several nations that sought to develop our understanding about the ways in which community centres contribute to individual, family and community change. The paper reports upon a case study of one family which attended Te Aroha Noa Community Services in New Zealand and uses a detailed examination of a particular incident to shed light upon the theory of change which underpinned the work of the Centre. The paper also draws upon life history material from the parents who sought assistance from Te Aroha Noa and material collected in focus group interviews with staff, volunteers, board members and other service users at the Centre. The paper concludes that because they typically provide a wide range of different types of services and are able to respond to diverse needs, community centres are ideally placed to create and sustain change momentum within families.