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.

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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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