A Year of Growth, Resilience and Purpose: Jessica Gwaringa Reflects on 2025 and Looks Ahead to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has challenged us, strengthened us, and reaffirmed why we do what we do. At Moonrise, our mission has always been to provide compassionate, high-quality care and support, and this year, that mission has continued to guide our every step.

Growth Across Our Teams and Service

One of the greatest joys of 2025 has been welcoming new members into both our office and community teams. Each person brings fresh energy, diverse experience, and a shared passion for supporting the people who depend on our services. Their dedication has helped us grow sustainably and strengthen the foundation on which Moonrise stands.

We have also made great progress toward our Ofsted registration for our children’s residential homes. The journey; from refurbishments to policy development to building a team that shares our vision for exceptional care, has been immense. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come and deeply grateful for everyone’s commitment throughout the process.

Recognition and Achievement

A personal highlight this year was being named one of the Top 10 Business Leaders at the InspiraTees Awards, hosted by Tees Business. This recognition is not mine alone, it reflects the collective effort, passion, and hard work of the entire Moonrise team. Every success we achieve is shared, and I am constantly inspired by the people I work alongside every day.

A Year Marked by Personal Loss

While 2025 brought many proud moments, it also carried deep sorrow. In October, I lost my mum; a guiding light, a constant source of strength, and someone who always believed in me. Leading through grief has been an immense challenge, but the compassion and understanding shown by the Moonrise family have meant more than words can express. I will always be grateful for that support.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2026

As we look to 2026, we do so with renewed optimism, purpose, and determination. There is much to look forward to:

Opening Our Newly Refurbished Children’s Residential Homes 

We are now awaiting final confirmation of our Ofsted registration. Once granted, we will proudly open the doors to our new homes — thoughtfully designed to support vulnerable children and young people with a range of unique needs. Creating safe, nurturing, and empowering spaces for them remains at the heart of our mission.

Expanding into York 

Our new office in York is now set up, and we are preparing to extend our high-quality care and support services to the community there. This expansion marks a major step in our long-term growth strategy and reflects our ongoing commitment to serving more people with excellence and empathy.

Moving Forward With Purpose

This past year reminded me that growth and challenge often walk side by side. As we step into 2026, I carry forward the lessons, the gratitude, and the resilience that 2025 has shaped in us all.

To our staff, partners, families, and the communities we serve — thank you for being part of the Moonrise journey.

Here is to a year ahead filled with hope, new beginnings, and the continued pursuit of meaningful change.