Elevate Christian Disability Trust

17/11/2025

As many of you will be aware, David Senior, who served as Chairperson of Elevate Christian Disability Trust, passed away earlier this year (2025) in August. We are writing to announce that Vanessa Creamer has been appointed as Interim Chairperson for Elevate Christian Disability Trust, in light of David's passing.

You can read Vanessa's Interim Chairperson's letter for the year of 2025 that includes her short tribute to the service of David Senior by visiting our website: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/blog/2025/10/29/our-impact-together/

"David was the Chairman of the Board for 18 years, and we were anticipating his steady guidance for many more years. David was extremely active in the Far North community in a number of disability and non-disability organisations.

We are grateful for his gift of time and leadership that he devoted to Elevate. We are thinking of Philippa and their children as they adjust to this huge loss. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 …. “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'” – Revelation 14:13." - Vanessa Creamer, excerpt from the Interim Chairperson's Letter 2025.

15/11/2025

A camp update from us! 🚐🌳

There's no date set for Family Camp in 2026 yet. Hang tight. We'll let you know when the dates are confirmed so you can start planning.

Photo Caption: The Family Camp poster reads 'Elevate Family Camp' in bright pink letters and shows a group photo of families at camp in 2024.

Got any questions? You're welcome to call or email us.
Call: 09 636 4763
Email: hello@elevate.org.nz

10/11/2025

Are you the kind of person who likes to have your new year all planned out? Check out the Ministry-wide events planner for great dates to add to your calendar in the new year.

Website Link: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/events_calendar

Photo Caption: A white calendar icon is displayed next to a 3D-shaped 2026 that pops off the page.

06/11/2025

Happy last two months of the year!

Most ministry groups will be holding end-of-year events. Please contact your group leaders for more information on the time, location, and date.

If you are new and want to connect to a group, please contact the National Support Office by calling 09 636 4763 or by email at hello@elevate.org.nz.

🎄🌟📆🥳

03/11/2025

We are open for expressions of interest from potential volunteers for the Soul Lounge at Festival One 2026! Flick Jacqui an email at soullounge@festival.one to hear more.

Photo Caption: Three of the Soul Lounge Logistics volunteers from 2025 with some other volunteers from Festival One. Everyone's in high-vis vests and looking very happy.

29/10/2025

We’re now on Instagram as well as Facebook! Join us by following our Instagram account🥳

6 Followers, 0 Following, 6 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Elevate Christian Disability Trust ()

29/10/2025

Elevate is on the look-out for people who would like to express their interest in volunteering at the Soul Lounge Festival One 2026. Hear from Steve C, about his experience volunteering last year:

"Volunteering at Soul Lounge ‘25 showed me the wonderful world of supporting and helping extraordinary people enjoy Festival One. It took me years to get there but it did not disappoint! Being with and helping the beautiful and courageous people helped me to see with different eyes. Through the different facilities provided, a wheelchair became a dance tool, and an accessible stage became a platform where worship was unashamedly expressed.

In volunteering Lounge I saw exclusion become inclusion and belonging, barriers became pathways, inabilities became the unique ability to join in the shared life and light of this community."

Photo Caption: Steve C and an old friend (who was also volunteering at Festival One) re-connecting after a long time not seeing each other.

If this is something that interests you, find out more by sending Jacqui Sua an email at soullounge@festival.one. She'll connect with you and see where we may be able to fit your strengths and gifts.

Website Article: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/blog/2025/10/24/expressions-of-interest-for-volunteers-with-the-soul-lounge-festival-one-open-now/

23/10/2025

Are you based in Auckland and interested in historic stories to do with disability? 🗞️🧾

Read here about one interpretation of the meaning of the road name 'Karangahape', in this article called ‘The Place of the Calling of Hape’. This interpretation tells the story of a great Chief, Hape, a highly respected man, and said to have a physical disability.

Link: https://www.karangahaperoad.com/heritage #:~:text=Until%20the%20middle%20of%20the%2020th%20century%20Karangahape,used%20by%20M%C4%81ori%20to%20reach%20the%20Manukau%20Harbour.

The history of Karangahape Road.

19/10/2025

God is Faithful Devotion by Amanda Barclay: We Will Rise Again
“When I am down, I read scripture and pray — He helps me rise again.”
A warm reminder that no matter what we face, Jesus helps us rise again. Amanda shares her story of holding on to faith, finding hope in scripture, and knowing that our future and our present is safe in Him 🙏🏻

https://youtu.be/xFySo-kBEB8?si=u7-m_vmN4ER8NsQE

#

17/10/2025

Disability Awareness Sunday 2025🌍

Impact Journal 09.

Thank you to everyone who spoke at Disability Awareness Sunday this year. Physical or digital resources were distributed to 126 people across various Churches and organisations.
Read a snippet of impact stories from D.A.S 2025. Article Link: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/blog/2025/09/16/storiesfromd-a-sjune2025/

PS. Disability Awareness is not limited to just one day a year. Want to share resources with your Church or lifegroup now? Check out our free resources and pass them on. Free Resources Link: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/disability-awareness-sunday/

15/10/2025

Impact Journal 08.

4,000 Copies of 'The Encourager' Magazine hit New Zealand 📖
July 2025 marked the 180th issue of the Encourager magazine.

Faithful giving and generous authors and contributors have made this magazine possible for decades.
What an achievement for everyone involved in every issue - thank you all.

Photo Captions: Young man jumping on trampoline pictured on front cover of magazine.

Have you read this year's magazine? Read it here at Magazine Link: https://elevatecdt.org.nz/resources/encourager-magazine/

13/10/2025

⏰1,000 Placement Hours for Students with Elevate!

Journal Entry 07.

Students with Elevate ✏️

Elevate has supported three students in business management and social work fields with over 1000 combined placement hours. All the best students!

Photo Caption: Staff at Elevate's centre with a student and family.