When Rachel Hill's son, who has Down Syndrome, left school there were limited options for his employment, education and training. So Rachel took matters into her own hands. He was interested in becoming a barista, so she purchased a coffee cart where he could learn skills and have a job.
From there, with help from the Provincial Growth Fund, Rachel, with help from another mother, worked to build an organisation in their home town of Whangārei packing and delivering food boxes. It employed those with disabilities and expanded into a fruit and vegetable shop - then the funding ran out. It was at this point Rachel was at a crossroads .. close it all down or carry on off her own steam. She chose the latter. With a background in management, and her own funds, Taimahi Trust was born. It now boasts a commercial kitchen, hot house, and retail store.
It currently employs 27 people who are all undertaking various skills development programmes within the organisation. I spoke to her earlier and asked how it all started.
Photo: Supplied by Taimahi Trust
