Our Story

“Most healing requires a process of time and hard work” Maree de Jong from her book Think Again.

Our founder Maree de Jong knows first-hand the hard work and trust required in a process of healing. 

Founded in 2004, A Girl Called Hope was birthed from Maree de Jong’s vision to provide a real alternative to young New Zealand women facing challenges with their mental health, to reach their full potential and be able to live a life of purpose that has a deep and lasting impact.

Through the ‘Sistas’ conference that she hosts, Maree inspired people from throughout New Zealand to start fundraising which led to the establishment of the residential programme. A property was purchased in Auckland in 2006 and the first intake of young women came through our front doors in 2007.

Inspired by the work of Mercy Multiplied in America, the holistic residential programme provides support, care and life-development training for young New Zealand women who are facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, dis-ordered eating, self-harm, suicidal thinking or unplanned pregnancy.

As we move into our second decade of programme we continue to honour our residents who have gone on to become contributing members of society; completing tertiary study, working in the helping professions such as nursing, medicine, social work, teaching, youth workers and mothers raising a new generation of leaders in their communities. 

A Girl Called Hope is a not for profit charity and is overseen by a Board of Trustees, comprised of business professionals from both the corporate and  non-profit sector.

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