Project Hawaii

Major Accomplishment: Summer Educational Programs In its 19th year, our Summer Educational Program has continued to grow and evolve, making a lasting impact on the lives of Hawai'i's homeless children. This year, we expanded our Jr. Leader program into a full-time summer initiative, adding an extra week of programming and incorporating more life skills training. We're excited to continue growing this program by adding educational components such as STEM, and more. For many of our children, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience, laying a foundation for lifelong success. We are especially proud of the expansion of our Teen Week, which included a special All Boys Weekend. This event was designed for teens who had previously graduated from our program and are now on a path toward a brighter future. These teens returned as mentors to the younger children, sharing their personal stories and emphasizing the importance of this program in shaping their lives. Throughout the week, participants engaged in cultural learning, leadership workshops, and team-building exercises, culminating in the opportunity to mentor younger children at our Edu-Camp sleepover camp on the Big Island. The Edu-Camp offers children ages 3-7 a break from the hardships of homelessness, immersing them in life and social skills training. This immersive, sleepover experience also enables the wider community to get involved, offering their talents and knowledge through a range of activities like art, culture, yoga, theater, music, reading, and more. In addition to fun and education, we provide eye and oral exams, ensuring the children's overall well-being. Our primary goal is to foster self-esteem and equip them with life skills that will help them succeed academically. Meanwhile, on O'ahu, our Adventures Abound Day Camp provides children with the opportunity to explore the wonders of their island. In its 15th year, this day camp takes children on educational field trips to places like the zoo, aquarium, and discovery zones. Here, children also learn fundamental life and social skills necessary to thrive in school. Volunteers pick up the homeless children each morning, ensuring they are fed, paired with their teen mentors, and ready for a day full of exploration and learning. At the end of both camps, every child receives a new backpack filled with school supplies and a new outfit to start the school year on the right foot. Our camp remains entirely free for children ages 3-7, Jr. Leaders ages 10-12, and teens in high school. We are committed to providing not just educational and life-changing experiences but also nutritious, organic, and locally-sourced meals and snacks. During this critical period of brain development, it's essential that the children's bodies and minds are nourished with healthy choices, allowing them to detox from the stress and unhealthy diets associated with homelessness. Our camp also provides an incredible opportunity for First-to-Work moms, allowing them to work alongside their children while receiving training and completing the required work hours for their programs. In addition, we welcome university students to participate as interns, offering them the chance to gain practical experience in their fields. Typically, our camp hosts 2 interns and 3-5 First-to-Work parents each year. This year, our team also attended a self-healing training conference, which equipped us with more tools to teach teens about healthy life skills. As part of our new Spirit of Inner Beauty teen program, we emphasize healing from within, aligning with our ongoing commitment to the "Spirit of Excellence" in all we do.

Outreach and Awareness Program Our Outreach and Awareness Program is committed to reaching the most vulnerable and isolated areas across the islands of Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawai'i. This year-round effort plays a vital role in serving the homeless children and families we support, ensuring their most immediate needs are met. Throughout the month, our dedicated volunteers visit various homeless encampments, identifying new families in need and maintaining connections with those already enrolled in our programs. We provide monthly hygiene and food packages, as well as clothing and essential life necessities on a regular schedule. In urgent situations, we offer emergency care to those who have recently become homeless or experienced disruptions in their living conditions. This includes providing tents, cook stoves, sleeping bags, pillows, clothing, food, and other essential items. Our primary focus during outreach is to meet the immediate needs of every child we encounter, offering them a sense of stability and care in the midst of their challenging circumstances. However, we face challenges due to limited storage, which has restricted the amount of supplies we can keep on hand. Additionally, frequent state-mandated clean sweeps of homeless encampments have caused significant hardships for the families we serve. Many lose their possessions, and we work tirelessly to help them re-establish their living situations and replace what was lost. To better serve these families in such difficult conditions, we've adapted our approach by offering hygiene gift cards and meal cards instead of traditional food boxes. This allows families more flexibility and lightens their load as they navigate the uncertainty of homelessness. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we are unable to provide emergency outreach services during our Summer Educational Program and Christmas periods. Despite these limitations, we continue to support a substantial number of children across the islands: 225 children on Maui, 988 on the Big Island, and 435 on Oahu.

Dormitory Project Build We are excited to announce the ongoing rehabilitation of our dormitory project, set to open in August 2025. This full residential program will provide 12 young women the chance to participate in our life-changing programs while pursuing higher education and their dreams. Currently in the reconstruction phase, the dormitory is on track for completion in time for the fall semester of 2025. This initiative represents a legacy program, one that will redefine the future of homelessness on our islands. As the first of its kind, it aims to break the cycle of poverty these young women were born into, offering them a supportive environment to thrive. This dormitory will also serve as an incredible opportunity for teens aging out of the foster care system, giving them a stable and nurturing place to transition into adulthood. When the dormitory opens, it will offer more than just a place to live-it will be a foundation for these young women to develop the life and social skills necessary for success beyond college. Our comprehensive program includes workshops focused on leadership, self-discovery, and coping strategies, all of which are designed to help participants build resilience and confidence. Rooted in Hawaiian values and culture, our curriculum incorporates full-time counseling, one-on-one life coaching, and a wide range of virtual workshops with successful women from around the world. These sessions provide real-world insights and inspiration, enabling participants to develop self-confidence, discover their purpose, and cultivate a sense of direction in life. By blending cultural education with practical life skills, this program will help these young women become empowered leaders who are equipped to break free from the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Our Easter program is a crucial aspect of fostering growth and self-worth among homeless children. Recognizing the significance of holidays in American culture, we strive to ensure these children feel valued and included. This year, we provided Easter baskets, hygiene kits, nutritious meals, and engaging spring break activities to 258 children on the Big Island, 122 children on O'ahu, and 187 children on Maui. Additionally, for the sixth consecutive year, we delivered holiday baskets from the Easter Bunny to 60 preschoolers. This year, we even introduced a second Easter Bunny, enhancing the magic of the celebration. The children delighted in the whimsical experience of interacting with the Easter Bunny, enjoying playful activities, running, jumping, and sharing hugs. These moments create cherished childhood memories and bring joy to those who need it most.

Our back-to-school initiative is crucial for the growth and development of homeless children, ensuring they start the school year with confidence and a sense of belonging. We provide each child with a new backpack filled with essential school supplies, a new outfit, new shoes, and, a school uniform. This support helps children walk into their first day of school feeling clean, prepared, and ready to learn. Across all islands, our program supports over 1,300 homeless children, equipping them with everything they need to succeed academically and feel like their peers.

KEIKI FUN DAYS: Thanks to the generous support from several outstanding groups and grants, we successfully hosted 5 weeks of Keiki Fun Days and 16 weeks of tutoring and educational support this summer. Target stores contributed a variety of lawn and sports activities, while Summer Travel groups provided meals and volunteers. Through these efforts, we reached over 120 homeless children, helping them develop essential skills, catch up with academic needs, and build healthy relationships.

Holiday Christmas Party/Support Our Christmas party remains a cornerstone of our program, crucial for raising the self-esteem and self-worth of homeless children. While Christmas might seem like a luxury, it is transformative for the hundreds of children living in extreme poverty. The joy of having Santa and his elves deliver personalized gifts is a life-changing experience for these precious children, many of whom have never known the simple pleasures of a Christmas tree, a hot meal, or a family gathering. This year, we were thrilled to once again host our Christmas party on the Big Island for the first time since the pandemic, serving 350 homeless children. For many, this celebration was their first real Christmas experience, and the presence of Santa, who brings their heart's desire-often a simple toy or essential item-creates lasting memories of love and care. In addition, We also made deliveries island-wide to ensure that all 853 children received their Christmas wishes. Our team was working well into the late eve of Christmas Eve. On Maui, we provided Christmas gifts and hosted a party in the park for over 400 homeless children living in uncertainty due to the wildfires. The children enjoyed decorating a Christmas tree and opening gifts from Santa, despite facing challenges due to recent loses. Our emergency services during the fires provided critical relief to those who had lost their belongings, including blankets, tents, and lights, addressing immediate life-threatening needs. On O'ahu, Santa and his elves visited 186 children and 60 preschoolers throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. Despite the difficulties posed by frequent clean sweeps, we managed to reach children living in cars, parking lots, and other remote areas, ensuring they felt the holiday spirit and received their gifts. One touching example is a 10-year-old who received a Barbie doll from us years ago. She carried that doll with her through many moves, and it became a symbol of hope and self-worth. Now a college graduate, she has broken the cycle of poverty and is poised for a bright future. Stories like hers highlight the profound impact of our Christmas program, bringing hope and joy to children who need it most.

Mommy and Me Program Despite the challenges posed by ongoing clean sweeps, our Mommy and Me Program remains steadfast in its mission to support infants and their mothers. Led by a dedicated neonatal nurse, the program focuses on building vital relationships to foster healthy development, life skills, and nutrition for these young families. Our program offers one-on-one mentoring from skilled volunteers, including nurses, who guide mothers in learning effective and healthy ways to care for their babies. Workshops cover essential topics such as circle time, movement activities, healthy eating practices, and managing stress associated with new parenthood. To further support families, we provide weekly incentives, including diapers, formula, baby toys, blankets, and other necessities. Mothers who participate in group activities receive these gifts, reinforcing their engagement and ensuring they have the resources needed to care for their infants.

Healthy Hearts for Homeless Keiki Our Healthy Hearts for Homeless Keiki program is a critical initiative that supports children wishing to participate in school-based sports and athletic activities. Understanding the significant benefits that sports provide-such as improved physical health, mental well-being, and social skills-this program ensures that children have the opportunity to engage in these important activities. We provide all necessary gear, cover tuition, and manage extra costs associated with sports participation, including field trips and related expenses. Additionally, we address the needs of every child by providing a pair of athletic shoes for physical education or play at school twice a year, upon request. By facilitating access to sports and athletic programs, we help enhance the overall health and well-being of these children, promoting a more active lifestyle and fostering a sense of community and achievement.