Supporting positive, crime-free futures
Children of prisoners are the most vulnerable in our community.
When a parent goes to prison, the children left behind have an uncertain future. As well as the possibility of less family resources or a change of school or caregiver, they must also learn to live with the stigma of being the child of a person in prison.
And none of this is the fault of the child.
Pillars works with these children and their families to help them all have lives which are positive and contribute to healthy and successful futures.
We do this through programmes which range across mentoring for the children and wrap around services for the families and whanau. We work in prisons and the community and have a team of well trained, experienced staff around the country.
Pillars is committed to helping every child become the best person they choose to be in the future.
230000
children living with a parent in prison
310
years caring for the children of New Zealand
220000
hours of support by Pillars Volunteers each year
How can you help?
Pillars is a children’s charity any New Zealander can feel proud to support. By supporting just one child of a prisoner to have a positive future, you are helping to break a cycle and strengthen our community.
Support a child
How we can help you
Ways to give
Become a Mentor
Ko te ahurei o te tamaiti arahia o tatou mahi
Let the uniqueness of the child guide our work
The big idea
Pillars Founder and Chief Executive Verna McFelin was invited to give a Ted Talk. Verna explains the big idea of how we can reduce our crime rate by helping children of prisoners be the children they were destined to be. Find out more about how Pillars is making impact to break the cycle and strengthen our communities.
Mentors make lasting impact
Meet Pillars volunteer mentor Puneet who was matched with Darryn who has a Dad in prison. Hear about the long lasting impact Puneet has made on Darryn’s life. Pillars are looking for more mentors and sponsors to help children like Darryn. Connect with us today if you are keen to be an everyday hero!
Auction donation
to Pillars
A spontaneous gesture resulted in a donation of $2000 to Pillars.