Program areas at MFSS
Early head start (ehs) is a no-cost, federally funded program that provides individualized and comprehensive Services that begin during pregnancy and continue until a child is three years old. Services are offered on Maui and moloka'i. Ehs promotes early childhood education and development by using an evidence-based curriculum that promotes healthy development and school readiness goals in three areas: language learning and early literacy skills; positive approaches to learning and cognitive development; healthy growing bodies and physical movement; and positive social and emotional skills and relationships. Ehs offers highly qualified specialists in mental and physical health, child development and nutrition; Services to children with special needs or disabilities; parent involvement and volunteer opportunities; Family engagement in ensuring up-to-date well-baby checks; immunizations and dental checkups; formal and informal development assessments to track growth and learning; and a healthy and safe environment for the entire Family. Pregnant women and families with children 0-3 years old who are low income and categorically eligible (receiving tanf or ssi, experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care) are prioritized to be enrolled in the program. Mfss provides two ehs program options, home-based and center-based. Home-based participants receive weekly home visits and twice-monthly socializations. Mfss ehs has two child development centers in wailuku, one in lahaina, and one partnership in hana. In program year 2022, ehs serviced 94 families, 108 children, and 7 pregnant women, and is funded by the office of head start, county of Maui, state of Hawaii department of education, and foundation grants including Maui united way and the samuel n. and mary castle foundation.
Ka pu`uwai o na keiki (formerly called the enhance healthy start program) provides home visiting Services through funding from the state of Hawaii, department of human Services. This program Services families on Maui, moloka`i, and lanai with children from 0 to 3 years old that have been referred by the department of human Services. This program provides intensive, comprehensive Services for the participant, their child, and the Family unit in the home to reduce risk factors for child maltreatment, and increase the safety and well being of the child. Home-based service may continue until the child is 3 years old or when child welfare Services, voluntary case management, or Family strengthening Services closes the case on the Family (whichever occurs first). Families served may consist of a child and both parents, a single parent, grandparent, guardian, or a resource caregiver or foster parent. Services are delivered through a multi-disciplinary team including a Family Support worker, registered nurse, clinical specialist, and clinical supervisor. In fy2022, 193 families were served in Maui county, 1,850 home visits were conducted, and 474 screenings and assessments were completed. Ka pu'uwai o na keiki is funded by the state of Hawaii department of human Services.
Ho'owaiwai kaiaulu - the ho'owaiwai kaiaulu project is an umbrella program that provides several options to serve families including; ho'owaiwai kaiaulu home visiting (hkhv-hale hi'ipoi infant/toddler center in hana, kane connections, youth Services, and outreach and resource specialist (oars). This federal department of education-funded project aims to strengthen Hawaii families with children from infancy to five years. The overall goal of ho'owaiwai kaiaulu project is to Support children in developing reading, and literacy skills; serve at-risk youth; help reduce native Hawaiian underemployment and promote the native Hawaiian language. Ho'owaiwai kaiaulu Services are funded in all or in part (where noted) by the federal department of education, native Hawaiian education program (nhep). Hkhv is a program centered around the Family and provides individualized and comprehensive Services focused on supporting parenting skills and appreciating the importance of nurturing and effective, positive guidance while incorporating Hawaiian culture and values. Hkhv provides Services free of charge to Maui and moloka'i families who would like more Support in raising their children. Families may join during pregnancy up until their child starts kindergarten. Home-based Services may continue until the child begins kindergarten. In fy2022, 38 families were serviced on Maui and moloka'i with over 500 home visits. Hkhv is funded by nhep and the office of Hawaiian affairs. The hale hi'ipoi infant/toddler center is the only licensed infant/toddler center offering Services to hana's community. It provides a safe and developmentally enriching environment to children 6 six weeks to 3 years old. It is licensed for 12 infants/toddlers. In fy2022, nine (9) children from nine (9) families were served; 100% of all children enrolled were at age-appropriate developmental levels; 100% of all enrolled families have received home/school connection activities; and 100% of all enrolled children completed an active transition plan by age 2. The hale hi'ipoi program is funded by nhep and kamehameha schools. Kane connections provides group and 1:1 Support to men in Maui county, including fathers, uncles, grandfathers or who otherwise have a role in a child's life. In addition to serving men directly, kane connections also provides parenting groups based on native Hawaiian values that is open to men and women who are caregivers of young children. These groups, called hui kane and kamalama parenting, meet virtually each week. In addition to group time, men or parents may receive 1:1 Support when needed. In fy2022, kane connections served 195, of which 105 were fathers and grandfathers, and 70 parents (fathers and mothers) participated in the kamalama parenting group. The kane connections program is funded by nhep and the county of Maui. Youth Services serves the Maui county community by providing life skills training (lst) in intermediate and high schools on Maui and moloka'i. Groups are held during school hours or after school on campus. Students receive lst lessons focusing on substance abuse prevention, communication, handling peer pressure, and other topics. In fy2022, the youth Services program served 923 students. The youth Services program is funded by nhep, county of Maui, and the state of Hawaii department of health. Outreach and resource specialists (oars) screens families for risk factors on Maui and moloka'i and refers them to community resources and Services including hkhv or other home visiting programs and Services to meet the needs of the families. In fy2022, over 1,200 families were screened and provided with resource information and appropriate referrals; over 1,600 community resource packets were provided via local food distribution sites; and over 500 agency flyers were distributed to local doctors' offices.
Healthy families america lana'i serves children and families on the island of lana'i. Families are identified and enrolled prenatally or up until the child turns 90 days old. Families receive weekly home visits and they also participate in virtual 'ohana day activities. Families receive information on child health and development, Family health, and community resources. Children receive regular developmental screenings, and families are screened for intimate partner violence and maternal depression. In fy2022, hfa lanai'i served 14 families with 243 home visits. Hfa lana'i Services are funded by the state of Hawaii department of health. Quality care for Hawaiian keiki (qchk) serves native Hawaiian children in Maui county by providing child care subsidy assistance to eligible families. Eligibility is determined by a child's native Hawaiian ethnicity, the Family being with 85% of the state median income, and parents who are working or in school at least 20 hours a week. Families may receive exemptions to the income or work requirement if they are identified as needing or at risk for needing child welfare Services. In fy2022, qchk served 205 children from 156 families. Qchk Services are funded by the federal administration for children and families, office of child care. Maui county early childhood resource center (mcerc) promotes access to high-quality childhood learning and care for young children and families in Maui county. Mcerc provides child care subsidy assistance to eligible families within 95% of the median income, working, and showing a need for assistance to pay for licensed child care. Mcecrc also supports community child care providers and helps families identify other early childhood resources they may need. In fy2022, mcecrc served 56 children with child care subsidies another 58 were assisted to qualify for state, federal, and private programs. In addition, over 800 families received information about accessing quality childcare Services at the resource center or community events. This program is funded by the county of Maui.