Success Story #05
A shining new smile and a bright future—Inagle Shares Her Experience
Can a new smile change your outlook? Inagle arrived to our whare earlier this year with a damaged smile, low confidence and nowhere else to go. We were her last resort. Inagle’s situation had changed drastically for the worst when she lost her house due to complications with her StudyLink application.
Prior to staying with us, Inagle was well on her way to studying, living in her own place and working hard to forge a bright future, so she could provide a better life for six children.
One of the biggest challenges Inagle faced during her time with us was coming to terms with her situation and maintaining a positive self-image. A major contributing factor was Inagles damaged teeth, caused by years of wearing a tongue piercing.
Thanks to the The Clare Foundation, we are able to assist wāhine with providing oral care and ongoing treatment to restore their smiles, and get them back to a place where they can be proud of the way they looked.
Inagle says it would have taken her years to do this on her own. “Getting support with my teeth was the motivation to get my full time job. I no longer will be covering my mouth or looking down at the ground. This will encourage me to present myself in a way I use to.”
In addition to remedying Inagle’s positive self-image, throughout her stay at Te Whare Nukunoa, Inagle had an opportunity to take an insightful look at her life and identify behaviour patterns that were creating roadblocks on her journey. By working closely with our social workers, she tackled her personal battles and dedicated her
time to fulfilling a future she’s proud of: studying full-time and most importantly staying out of trouble.
Self-confidence often goes hand in hand with creating a future you believe you deserve. And for Inagle, she is only on the way up now after her stay at Te Whare Nukunoa.
“I’m now in control of everything I’ve ever wanted, which was my life, my money and where I live”, says Inagle with excitement and pure determination.
We’re very proud of what she has achieved. Inagle graduated on the 1st of July from Paramedic Training and Business Administration from Whititeria. Now in full-time employment as a security guard, Inagle is living comfortably in her own apartment where her and her youngest daughter can live safely.
Inagle is a true example of how our organisation helps wāhine struggling in our community to turn their lives around and get back on their feet.
Every now and then Inagle pops into our whare to check in with staff and share words of encouragement with our new wāhine.
We wish you all the best Inagle!
