Tara is a creative and kind-hearted young girl who loves animals, dragons, drawing, and Minecraft. Like many kids, she’s navigating her way through growing up, except with some added complexity. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, Tara also lives with sensory processing challenges and physical difficulties that impact her day-to-day life.

Her mum, Ashley, applied to Fund for Good with a vision: to create a dedicated sensory space at home, a space where Tara can feel safe, regulate her emotions, build strength, and gain more independence.

Over the years, Ashley has done everything she can to support Tara through difficult times, including multiple surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, and a lack of support within the education and health systems. With limited funding options available due to Tara’s needs not fitting traditional criteria, the sensory room project had been a long time coming.

Thanks to Fund for Good, they’re now one step closer. The room will feature safe and calming sensory equipment like a fibre optic curtain, rocker, ball pit, and vestibular spin seat - all chosen to help Tara manage her sensory needs, grow stronger, and develop coping strategies that will support her into adulthood.

This project isn’t just about equipment. It’s about creating a foundation for self-direction, wellbeing, and independence, in line with the whānau’s strong connection to Te Ao Māori and the values of Te Whare Tapa Whā.