Foundation (Community Participation)
Foundation is Aspire's community participation programme, assisting people to build meaningful lives through connection, learning, contribution, and participation in their community.
Open to adults across Hamilton and the Waikato, Foundation is designed around what matters to you. Whether you want to explore new interests, build friendships, develop skills, contribute to your community, or work towards future goals, we will support you to take the next step.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all programme, Foundation focuses on your strengths, interests, and aspirations. Together, we will identify opportunities that are meaningful to you and help you build confidence, independence, and connections along the way.
Foundation is about more than filling your day , it is about creating opportunities to belong, grow, participate, and build the future you want.
Your Strengths, Your Choices
Foundation builds on your strengths, aspirations, interests, and choices to support a life that is meaningful to you.
Whether your goals include becoming more independent, building friendships, contributing to your community, developing new skills, or exploring employment opportunities, our team will work alongside you every step of the way. Support is guided by what matters most to you and focuses on helping you achieve the outcomes you want in your life.
Grounded in the principles of Enabling Good Lives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Foundation values self-determination, mana, inclusion, and partnership. We recognise that every person brings unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths, and we are committed to ensuring your voice is heard, respected, and reflected in the support you receive.
What Foundation Can Help With
Building everyday life skills such as travelling safely, managing money, preparing food, looking after your wellbeing, and developing confidence in daily routines.
Connecting with your community through volunteering, local groups, clubs, events, and activities that match your interests and goals.
Supporting health and wellbeing through activities such as walking groups, swimming, yoga, sport, and other opportunities that promote physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Exploring employment and future opportunities by building skills, confidence, work readiness, and pathways towards meaningful employment.
Creating personalised opportunities based on your strengths, interests, culture, aspirations, and what is important to you.
Supporting adults of all ages once they have finished school.
Welcoming referrals from you, your whānau, advocates, support networks, or other providers.
Life Skills
From budgeting to cooking to communication, we help build the everyday skills that support independence.
Community & Wellness
Clubs, sport, volunteering, and local groups - we support genuine participation, not just attendance.
Pathways to Employment
Training and support to build the skills and confidence needed to work towards employment goals.
How to Get Started with Foundation
Getting started with Foundation is easy. Simply complete our enquiry form and tell us a little about yourself, including how and when you'd like us to get in touch. We'll then arrange a time to meet with you and learn more about what is important to you, your strengths, interests, and the goals you'd like to work towards.
Together, we will explore the opportunities, activities, and supports that best match your aspirations and help you build a plan that reflects the life you want to lead. Once you're ready, we will support you to connect with your community and begin working towards the outcomes that matter most to you.
Foundation is open to adults who have finished school and would benefit from support to participate in their community, develop skills, build connections, and pursue their goals. We welcome referrals from individuals, whānau, family members, advocates, support networks, and other providers.
No matter where you're starting from, we're here to walk alongside you and help you create a life filled with connection, opportunity, and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Foundation for?
Adults with a disability or long-term health condition who have finished school and may need extra support to connect with the community and to live the life they desire.
Do I need a referral to join Foundation?
No, self-referrals are welcome, along with referrals from whānau, families, and other providers.
What kind of support does Foundation offer?
Support spans life skills, community involvement, wellness activities, and employment-focused training, all shaped around individual goals.
How do I get started?
Fill in our contact form and let us know how you'd like us to reach you. We'll get in touch to arrange a time to meet and talk through what matters to you.