A gathering place for those who serve vulnerable children and families
Fall 2015
Volume 5 Number 3
Kukui Center To Provide
Training on Collaborating and
Building Community Support
it certainly helps.
When you work here, you
Because we believe that
lose sight of what a complex
operation it is. We have just
there are wonderful lessons to
completed a video about
be learned from our experi-
the Kukui Center. It was an
ence, the video will be the ba-
interesting experience seeing
sis for assistance to others who
the center through the eyes of
want to work collaboratively
Kat and Tim Bradley, the team
to leverage their collective
from Take 2 Production, who
energies to accomplish more.
graciously produced our film at
We will be making a presenta-
such low cost that it was practi-
tion at the HANO conference
cally a gift. As they told us “We
October 2 on how to create
are their pro bono project” and
Kat and Tim Bradley from Take2 Production
collaborations and build a
we feel very fortunate to have been adopted by them to help bring
community partners program. This training has been specifically
our message to the community.
developed for agencies that are not co-located but may belong to
According to this accomplished team that produces videos for a
affinity groups, such as coalitions, that provide different types of
wide range of local organizations, "The Kukui Center agencies go
services. It can also work for agencies that want to work with like
above and beyond. It is an amazing organization and we were very
minded programs to create your own approach to collaboration
happy to learn about it." Kat and Tim focused on our 3 “C’s”:
and expand community support for programs, staff and clients
co-location, collaboration and community partners. What we take
while simultaneously reducing costs.
for granted required hundreds of hours of interviews and recording to tell our story.
We look forward to sharing our experiences and some of the
strategies for success with others and learning from them, as well,
The Kukui Center is the only co-located nonprofit center on
about how they are successfully partnering with the community.
Oahu which is built around collaboration. With 10 programs
The video was made possible through the generosity of the Na
serving children and families, we have developed many ways to
Lei Aloha Foundation whose goal is to build community as we do
support each other and our clients. What we have also discovered
at the Kukui Center.
is that you don’t have to be co-located to duplicate some of the
ways we collaborate with each other and the community, although
Please visit our website at www.kukuicenter.org to view the
video and to learn more about the Kukui Center.
2
Our Programs
Homeless children
start school prepared
Homelessness has been at the forefront of many of Hawaii’s news
stories and we watch as encampments seem to be growing rather than
getting smaller.
At Family Promise of Hawaii, our primary concern is for the
children. The 2015 KIDS COUNT data book used numerous
indicators to measure the well-being of children. Hawaii ranked 24th
among the 50 states. In 2013, one out of eight children were living in
poverty in Hawaii – about 13%. Hawaii’s high cost of living makes
it difficult for low income parents to provide many of the daily needs
for their children.
Elementary school children have just started a new school year and
with that comes a very long list of supplies. This can be a struggle for
so many of our families, especially if they have multiple school-age
children. Annual donations of backpacks and school supplies are
such a highlight as summer draws to a close here at FPH.
Last year we served a total of 135 children in our program. Know-
Family Promise children received age appropriate school supplies and backpacks
ing that we are helping families transition into stable housing
motivates us each day to work harder knowing that there are more
children out there waiting for services. It also reminds us to be grateful for all the wonderful volunteers and supporters that enable us to
offer a brighter future for Hawaii’s children.
Former Foster youth attend housing readiness class
Youth attend Hale Kipas's popular housing readiness class.
Remember the excitement of getting your first apartment? Imagine
how much more exhilarating that feeling would be if you had spent
the previous year couch surfing, or had lived in 12 different foster
homes in the last five years, never really feeling like any one place was
somewhere you could really call home. Many of the former foster
youth in Hale Kipa’s Independent Living and Imua Kakou programs
know that feeling all too well.
Housing is the number one challenge for youth aging out of the
foster care system. It impacts their ability to be successful in college
or maintain employment and is often a constant reminder of how
little support they may have in the world.
Hale Kipa has several housing options to offer the youth, includ-
ing access to Section 8 through our Step Up program. Our Housing
Specialist has started a housing readiness class to help these potential
renters prepare for the housing application process and increase their
chances of being successful once they start searching. Our young
adults can attend the two hour course on the first Wednesday of
every month.
They learn about the application process, how to be a good tenant
and how their credit plays a crucial role in whether or not a landlord
will consider them as potential renters.
Youth can meet individually with the Housing Specialist to pull
a credit report and evaluate their credit. Then they get help correcting mistakes, reporting fraudulent items and working toward paying
off any negative accounts. Many have participated in the Hawai’i
Youth Opportunities Initiative’s financial literacy classes and can use a
“matched” savings account to pay off debts or cover security deposits.
The only thing left is to find a landlord who will take a chance on a
young renter and they will finally have a place to call HOME!
These young adults receive support from the Housing Specialist
and Case Managers throughout this process, however it is always
helpful to find compassionate landlords who are willing to work
with us. Once the youth are in their homes, there is also a need for
donated furniture items and household supplies. If you have rental
opportunities to share or would like to make a donation of household
items, please contact our Housing Specialist, Cherise Braxton-Brooks
at 354-8472.
Our Programs
Can parents be collaborative leaders?
Parents of children with disabilities learn how to work with schools to help their kids.
Can parents be collaborative in the Individualized Education
Program (IEP) team process? They try to be, but it is not easy to sit
across a table from school personnel listening to them talk about your
child as if he or she were a science experiment. School personnel tend
to use language that belongs in the Guinness Book of “most confusing” and want a parent to make decisions based on the slew of jargon
tossed across the table. Most parents would appreciate the entire
3
team to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and make the experience clear and meaningful. Frequently this is not what happens.
What does this IEP process really mean to parents? Is it more than
a parent showing up at a meeting and listening to school personnel
emphasize what the school can offer? What we know is that it is
what the child with a disability needs. Like any long term relationship, though, it takes time, effort and communication to be successful.
Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii’s (LDAH) Parents
as Collaborative Leaders training curriculum, the product of a
research project hosted by the University of Vermont and PACER
Center in Minneapolis MN and funded through the United States
Department of Education-Office of Special Education Programs, is
designed to teach parents how to work well with school personnel
to meet the needs of their children with disabilities. With ongoing
support from the National Institute of Leadership, LDAH is committed to using this curriculum to help families identify their natural
advocacy style, reflect on their child’s future through MAPS (Making Action Plan System), communicate their desires to the IEP team
for their child, and assist parents in the organization of their child’s
education and disability related documents.
The family that plays together stays together
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii provides services for grieving and traumatized children and their caregivers utilizing peer and mentoring
groups that provide opportunities to safely play with others who
share common sorrows. We know that play is a healing activity that
builds children’s capacity to cope with life’s challenges. Sadly, play is
often the first thing that declines when children are overwhelmed by
tragedy and pain.
Studies document the fact that the absence of play in childhood
is a factor in predicting crimes and a common trait in murderers
in prison. A tendency for violence is diminished through play in
abused children who are at risk for antisocial behavior. Active play
stimulates brain development for processing emotions and decision
making. Neural connections that are stimulated by play are essential
to brain organization.
But when children’s experiences leave them despondent and hypervigilant, they don’t feel safe, then play disappears. This threatens
the vital brain development. Kids Hurt Too Hawaii is dedicated to
Therapeutic play helps children cope with grief and trauma.
giving back to children their natural capacity to play through engagement in a safe and fun peer group. Our unique approach offers high
quality support services through which the whole family can play.
4
Our Programs
Next Stop… Literacy!
Sana's daughter, Lele, displays a writing project she did on the Bookmobile.
Since 2000, Hawaii Literacy has operated a very popular and free
Bookmobile. Each week hundreds of youth enjoy the Bookmobile as
it makes 13 stops at high need sites like transitional and public housing developments, Pai’olu homeless shelter, and youth programs.
Borrowing books has never been easier for families with few or no
books at home and little access to traditional libraries!
Over 2,000 different people visited the Bookmobile last year,
mostly children from low-income families in transient living situations. Kids really love coming to the Bookmobile because it makes
reading and books fun. The converted bus holds over 4,000 titles at
a time, and kids can borrow and read books at no cost (even if they
are lost or past due). Last year, nearly 14,000 books were lent out and
over 1,000 new books were gifted. On the Bookmobile, children can
also play educational games, enjoy story times, practice with flashcards, complete reading logs, receive help with homework, and use
one of the many Kindles available.
The Bookmobile offers support for parents and older siblings to
learn how to help younger kids improve their reading. Beginning this
summer, interested family members or volunteer tutors can receive
ongoing training from a new Peer Tutoring Program, which will give
struggling readers needed 1-to-1 assistance. Glenda, a parent from
Pai’olu, really appreciates the Bookmobile’s role in her children’s lives,
“My [kids] always look forward to Monday evenings. The Bookmobile has increased their love for learning and I am truly grateful.”
Hawaii Literacy partners with non-profits located at the Kukui
Center to bring the Bookmobile to youth being served by Center
programs. It makes special visits several times each year bringing the
joy of reading books and its other benefits to these keiki as well.
View the current Bookmobile schedule, volunteer opportunities,
our wish list and program information at www.hawaiiliteracy.org.
Namelehuapono: holistic pathway to healing from trauma
Namelehuapono, the Hawaiian cultural intervention for adult survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault founded
by Joyful Heart Board member, Dr. Kalei Kanuha, continues to
grow. We were delighted to complete another support group, with
participants attending weekly 2-hour sessions for 5 months at the
Kukui Center. Many thanks to Family Promise for providing complimentary childcare space for the group.
Namelehuapono is a model that provides a holistic pathway to
healing from trauma by integrating Hawaiian culture (values, beliefs
and practices) with other healing modalities situated in the unique
and sacred milieu of Hawai‘i. The program was developed under
Joyful Heart volunteers prepare mateirals for closing ceremony
the guidance of Hawaiian cultural practitioners, elders and domestic
of Nu‘uanu, are also given as a gift to each woman to represent
violence experts on O‘ahu.
enlightenment and knowledge as a pathway to understanding
Participants engage in a variety of activities throughout the group,
including carving their own ‘ohe kāpala (bamboo stamps) and creat- and healing. Volunteers gathered at the Joyful Heart office in the
months prior to the final session to prepare the kukui and other maing a kīhei (a ceremonial cloth worn for special occasions). At the
group’s closing ceremony, which is held at Kūkaniloko Birthstones in terials for the ceremony. With the support of our sister programs at
the Kukui Center, as well as dedicated volunteers, Namelehuapono
Wahiawā, each woman first wears her completed kīhei in acknowlis truly a community effort that creates positive and lasting change.
edgement of her accomplishments. Kukui, gathered from the forests
Our Programs
5
Hawaii's Foster Youth join national
effort to heal trauma and grief
The Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition (HFYC) youth leaders are focusing on the trauma
needs of young people involved in the foster care system. Children and youth who are
abused and neglected enter the foster care system for safety reasons. Still, the separation
from parents and often other extended family members is a loss that results in deep grief.
HFYC members learned about childhood trauma and grief when they were trained as
mentors for children in care. That inspired them to focus on helping to bring trauma and
grief resources into the foster care system. They are developing a training curriculum and
advocating for changes in the laws that govern child welfare systems across the United
States.
Brianne, the Oahu Board President, spent the entire summer in Washington D.C. working as an intern for Senator Brian Schatz and making policy recommendations that will
influence bill proposals next year. HFYC joined Foster Youth In Action, a national group
of youth led organizations from around the U.S. that will make healing from trauma its
national agenda. The trauma and grief care training curriculum will be presented by youth
at the Foster Youth In Action National Conference in October.
HFYC Board President Brianne Nagamine addressed the trauma informed care senate panel in
Washington, D.C. this summer about trauma informed initiatives for foster youth and best practices.
Kukui Center welcomes new agency
As the newest tenant in the Kukui Center, the Pacific Survivor Center
is excited to provide an update on one of our exciting new projects to help
teenagers.
According to the United States Department of Justice, as many as 300,000
children are at risk for sexual exploitation each year in the United States.
Teenagers with histories of abuse, family instability, marginalization, homelessness and foster care are particularly vulnerable to being trafficked for sex.
To raise awareness about this issue, the Pacific Survivor Center is developing a short animation based upon the stories of survivors here in Hawaii. The
animation will be used to teach teenagers about the very real risks of trafficking within our community. PSC’s goal is to create a prevention tool that is
Hawaii-based and Hawaii-focused so that it resonates more personally with our target population.
The animation will review the grooming process that pimps utilize to gain the trust of vulnerable females. The objectives of this animation are twofold: (1) to introduce young teens to the concept of grooming so that they may better recognize it when it is attempted on
them and their peers; and (2) to educate the general public about the risk factors for sex trafficking.
This animation will be completed in early 2016 at which time PSC will introduce the final product with a series of community
trainings for teens.
6
Our Programs
HIJC fundraises to support
community outreach
HIJC staff at Bowling for Freedon Fundraiser at Pali Lanes
Summer 2015 was busy for Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center at
Legal Aid (HIJC), filled with outreaches and our annual Bowling for
Freedom Fundraiser.
On August 1, staff, HIJC supporters and family reunited at the
Pali Lanes for the 7th Annual Bowling for Freedom Fundraiser.
Warming up the lanes (and gutters!) is a fun way to raise support for
our Chris IIjima Fellow. With these funds, HIJC at Legal Aid can
prepare students for outreach and advocacy in public service work
with immigrants and other underserved populations in our community and help them understand the importance of accessibility in
delivering legal services, in all its forms: physical, cultural and linguistic. Present fellow Rochelle Sugawa said, “My experience at HIJC
as a Chris Iijima Fellow is unlike anything I have experienced in my
law school classes…Through our work with domestic violence and
trafficking victims, I now also appreciate the importance of collaboration with various governmental and non-governmental agencies and
organizations. . . I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to give
back to my community and will definitely take what I have learned at
HIJC with me throughout my career. ”
On the outreach front, HIJC welcomed the opportunity to be part
of the Chuukese Track and Field Day, as serving children and their
families is an important component of HIJC’s immigration work.
This annual event encourages families to get together and enjoy the
friendly competition of their children. Jeff, one of the parents who
brought his whole family to the event, said: “It is the way the community wants to provide safe and healthy activities for the children
to have fun.” More than 300 people attended the event that was held
at the track and field of UH Manoa on July 25-26, 2015. It’s a great
opportunity for HIJC to spread important information about civil
legal services impacting children, families and our community.
Mediation helps family
members of all ages
In Fiscal Year 2014-2015, the Mediation Center of the Pacific
(Mediation Center), assisted more than 7,000 people, young and old,
to prevent and resolve conflict. While 1,782 children were impacted
directly or indirectly about time-sharing and co-parenting plans,
special education issues and more, thanks to the support from the
Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, a growing number of cases
helped elderly clients ranging in ages from 68 to 100.
Through the Mediation Center’s Kupuna Pono Program, families
with a frail kupuna are brought together to discuss the needs, values
and desires of their kupuna. During the discussions, care plans are
created that outline the responsibilities of the various family members
that will enable the kupuna to be as independent as possible, while
remaining safe. Mediation and family conferencing processes help
families talk about difficult issues such as medication management,
where the kupuna will live, end-of-life decisions and more. These
processes help family members set aside their differences and work
together to support their kupuna.
Conferencing helps families talk about difficult issues in regards to aging parents.
This past fiscal year, thirty-two cases involving families with elder
members ranging from age 68 to 100 years old, were managed at
the Mediation Center. 81% of those cases involved individuals in
the low income population. Eighty-two percent of the cases resulted
in written agreements. Equally important, 90% of the participants
reported that the process helped to strengthen their family relationship and 80% reported the family plan they created will help keep
their kupuna safe.
At the Mediation Center, we help families talk, rebuild relationships and resolve conflict creatively. Through mediation, family conferencing and other dispute resolution processes, keiki and kupuna
are supported, and families are ultimately strengthened.
Our Community Partners
Legal Administrators
Donate School Supplies
Legal Administrators Susan Fairbairn and Ellen Cantiberos
Kids Hurt Too Hawaii Family show off their new backpacks
Youth from Kids Hurt Too Hawaii fill their backpacks.
Family Promise of Hawaii children also received school supplies.
Mahalo Nui Loa to our Community Partner Hawaii Association of Legal Administrators. Their generous donation of 130 brand new backpacks, and enough supplies to fill each one, ensured that children
and youth served at the Kukui Center (KC) started a new academic year with the basic items that they
needed to begin at school prepared and feel like a part of the class.
It’s hard for kids to engage at school without the essential supplies; they might be embarrassed and
develop a sense of isolation because they don’t feel like they fit in. These factors often contribute to low
self-esteem and can inhibit their academic success in the long term.
The Legal Administrators’ donation put a smile on children’s faces for the first day of school. They
delivered boxes filled with crayons, paper, pencils, pens binders, scissors, glue and other items on the lists
so that the KC agencies could distribute them to the needy children that they serve. There were enough
supplies and backpacks so that the students in kindergarten through twelfth grades would get what they
needed.
Families are struggling, schools face budget cuts and kids need supplies often costing $75 or more per
child. The Legal Administrators' donation made a big difference for these vulnerable children, equipping
them for a brighter future.
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Donations of Goods:
Auntie Sally's, Big City Diner,
Central Pacific Bank, Hawaii
Association of Legal
Administrators,
Honolulu Sign Company,
Islander Group, Junior
League, Junior League Sustainers, Pepsi Beverages Company, Servco Pacific,
Soderholm Bus Sales and
Leasing, Vim and Vigor
Donations of Services:
Ace Security and Locksmiths,
After School Art, Alston
Hunt Floyd & Ing, ALTRES,
American Massage Therapy
Association-Hawaii Chapter,
Anthology Marketing Group,
Carr, Gouveia, Matsumoto
CPA's, Hagadone Printing,
Hawaii Digi Doc, Hawaii Self
Storage, HawaiiUSA Federal
Credit Union, Law Offices of
Neal K. Aoki, Learn to Love
Yoga, Leonui Communications, Michael Powell Art,
Ohana Komputers, Take 2
Production, The Bead Gallery,
YMCA of Honolulu
Donations of Funds:
Aloha United Way, Evans
Fund, Friends of Hawaii
Charities, Ili1Ili Fund,
Jhamandas Watumull Fund,
Na Lei Aloha Foundation
Volunteers, Service Clubs
and Non-Profit
Organizations:
Arcadia Retirement Residence, Bruce McEwan,
Habilitat, Inc., Hands in
Helping Out, Kappa Kappa
Gamma Sorority, Krystel
Posadas, Luke Center for
Public Service at Punahou
School, Seymour Kazimirski,
Waianae HS Skills USA Club,
Winners Camp Foundation
Kukui Children's Foundation
245 North Kukui Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Fall 2015
Board of
Directors
John R. Dwyer, Jr.
President
Clyde Namu'o
Vice President
Pat Kay
Secretary
John Garibaldi
Treasurer
Suzanne Chun Oakland
Sue Landon
Geri Marullo
Jim Reinhardt
Vicky Schneider
Karen K. White
Board Member Emeritus
Judy Lind
Executive Director
Our Family Of Social Services
Family Promise
of Hawaii
Resources for homeless
families with children
(808) 548-7478
www.familypromisehawaii.org
Joyful Heart
Foundation
Helping victims of child
abuse, domestic violence
and sexual assault
(808) 532-3520
www.joyfulheartfoundation.org
Hale Kipa
Outreach services for
child abuse victims in, or
transitioning out of,
foster care to become
independent
(808) 853-4660
www.halekipa.org
Kids Hurt Too
Support for grieving
children who have
lost a parent
(808) 545-5683
or (808) 256-3176
www.kidshurttoo.org
Hawaii Foster Youth
Coalition
Advocacy and independent living skills training
for foster youth
(808) 545-5683
www.grievingyouth.org
Learning
Disabilities
Association of
Hawaii
Training center for
parents of
children with disabilities
(808) 536-9684
www.LDAHawaii.org
Hawaii Immigrant
Justice Center at
LASH
Legal services for
immigrant victims of
abuse and domestic
violence
(808) 536-4302
www.hijcenter.org
Mediation Center
of the Pacific
Conflict resolution
for cases
involving children
and others
(808) 521-6767
www.mediatehawaii.org
Hawaii Literacy
Literacy and lifelong
learning services
(808) 537-6706
www.hawaiiliteracy.org
Pacific Survivors
Center
Healing and
empowering survivors of
abuse and exploitation
[email protected]
www.pschawaii.org
Lorraine Gershun
Community Partners
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
www.kukuicenter.org
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