Throughout the day, board members and leaders were guided by the dedicated program teams who serve these communities every day. Mahalo to the project directors and staff who led the visits and offered firsthand insight into each program’s impact!

From participating in Parent And Children Together (PACT) time, to sitting in on Parent Education classes, to walking through a puʻuhonua created for youth at Ke Kama Pono, the day was filled with powerful moments of pilina (relationship-building) and ʻike (understanding). Each site visit offered a closer look at how PIDF’s programs support families through culturally grounded approaches, and how staff and participants continue to shape these spaces with care, resilience, and aloha.

At the close of the visit, the Board and Leadership Team left with a renewed understanding of why this work matters—and the collective commitment that makes it possible. As the ʻŌlelo Noʻeau reminds us, “ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia”—no task is too big when done together. That spirit was felt throughout the day in the way PIDF comes together to uplift one another and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s communities.

We extend a sincere mahalo to the staff and participants who welcomed the Board and Leadership Team with such warmth and aloha. Your stories are the heartbeat of this organization, and a meaningful reminder of the purpose that guides this work.

Partners in Development Foundation has named Summer Uwono as chief financial officer, according to an announcement from the organization.

Uwono succeeds Stephanie Nishimura, who has held the role for 17 years. “Nishimura has helped lead the path toward excellence, growth and transformation of PIDF into a multi-generational service provider, impacting over 50 communities across the Islands through vital programs and services,” the announcement noted.

“Serving as CFO for PIDF for these many years has been an incredible journey,” she said in a statement. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the partnerships and relationships that have shaped this organization. As I transition out of my role, I have full confidence in Summer’s ability to carry PIDF’s mission forward with a strong commitment to our funders and families.”

Uwono brings 20 years of nonprofit finance experience to PIDF, previously working for Mental Health Kokua and Parents and Children Together. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

“We are thrilled to announce that Summer Uwono will be joining us as our new chief financial officer and are so grateful for all that Stephanie Nishimura has done for PIDF,” said the organization’s president and CEO Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni. “With over 20 years of distinguished experience in financial management, Summer is set to bring a wealth of expertise and leadership to our organization, in addition to her dedication to our mission and values and oluolu, “or pleasant/gracious” style. She will be a tremendous asset as we continue to advance our work in service to the community.”

Kana‘iaupuni took the helm in 2020, succeeding Jan Dill, who founded the nonprofit in 1997. According to its most recent annual report, PIDF generated $18.5 million in revenue in 2021.

PIDF aims “to inspire and equip families and communities for success and service,” its mission states. The organization has served more than 148,000 people in over 50 communities across the Hawaiian Islands.

To learn more about PIDF’s programs and services, visit pidf.org.

To view the original article by Pacific Business News, please click here.

Get ready for a special presentation, “Thrive by Five Presented by Commit to Keiki,” airing tomorrow on KHON2 and KHII. In this insightful episode, we’ll delve into the efforts of individuals across the state who are making significant strides in promoting mental health awareness and supporting the well-being of our children aged 0 to 5.

Living808 offers you a sneak peek at the episode, featuring a preview from Terry George and Kerrie Urosevich of Commit to Keiki. Terry explains that Commit to Keiki is a non-partisan partnership with government leaders, aiming to prioritize Hawaii’s youngest keiki in the state budget. The organization’s goals are three-fold: improving access to high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare and early learning, reducing family violence, and strengthening the system of care for children with mental health issues.

Kerrie Urosevich adds that Commit to Keiki is a collaborative effort involving philanthropy, business owners, direct service providers, and county partners. The organization was established because Hawaii ranks 7th from the bottom in state investments in children, and they want to change that. By prioritizing young children and partnering with elected officials, Commit to Keiki aims to demonstrate the importance of investing in early childhood development.

Terry highlights the long-term benefits of supporting early childhood development, stating that it is the best single public investment for both the children and the state. Children who receive a good start in life perform better in school, are more prepared for the workforce, and demand less from state support systems.

Kerrie envisions a future where every child in Hawaii enters kindergarten ready to learn and every baby has a bright start to life. Prioritizing prevention and supporting families would significantly impact communities, workplaces, and the state at large.

Don’t miss this impactful special tomorrow, April 20th, airing at 7:30 pm on KHII and 9:30 pm on KHON2. To learn more about the invaluable work of Commit to Keiki and how you can contribute to their mission, visit their website at committokeiki.org. Join us on Living808 as we explore the essential efforts of Commit to Keiki in ensuring a brighter future for our children.

Project Pilina, a program of Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF)focused on sourcing foster care families, received nearly $7,000 from the Ohana Fuels “Fuel Up. Do Good.” program to support graduating youth in foster care. During the months of October through December, Ohana Fuels donated a portion of every gallon of gasoline purchased at all Ohana Fuels stations in that community to directly support foster care youth in East Hawaiʻi.

Funds raised from the Ohana Fuels “Fuel Up. Do Good.” program will aid East Hawaiʻi high school students in foster care to purchase caps and gowns, prom attire and any additional self-care essential items needed. Remaining funds will be used to distribute meal gift cards for foster homes to host a welcome dinner for newly placed youth. 

“For some teenagers in foster care, especially those living in shelters while attending high school, participating in graduation or prom can be costly and oftentimes not a priority,” said Alana Power, Project Pilina project director. “Our hope is to help them celebrate these milestones and let them know that they deserve everything they worked for and have fun with their class.”

On any given day in Hawaiʻi there are more than 1,250 keiki in foster care, of which more than300 are 13 to 17 years old. Project Pilina recruits and guides resource caregiver (foster parent)applicants through the initial steps of the general licensing process to foster in Hawaiʻi. The program seeks to build relationships with island communities by raising awareness about foster care and connecting with resource caregiver applicants.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity to partner with Project Pilina,” says Kimo Haynes, president of Hawaii Petroleum. “Their work with foster keiki is invaluable for our community and we want to thank the community for supporting them through the ‘Fuel Up. Do Good.’ program.”

The Hilo Crescent Lions and Hilo Crescent Leos clubs waved signs that read “Fill up for Foster Care” in front of Puainako Minit Stop during the weekends. The club members volunteered their time for Project Pilina’s free car wash events where donations totaled $941. Together with the support of the community members from over eight Hawaiʻi Island Ohana Fuels locations, the Ohana Fuels campaign raised $6,920.82.

“It was amazing to have the whole community come together for this. We are so appreciative to Ohana Fuels for this donation and looking forward to giving back to our youth in Foster Care, and the gracious Resource Caregiver homes,” said Power. 

There are several ways to support Hawaiʻi’s keiki in foster care. Every month, Project Pilina hosts live virtual information sessions where participants have an opportunity to hear directly from resource caregivers (foster parents), experts in the field, and other voices in the community. For more information, go to pidf.org/projectpilina.

Nourishment

Leanne walked the PIDF staff members into the kalo mala, or dryland farm for a nourishing activity. They selectively separated keiki kalo plants sprouting off the makua (parent) plant so that they could be replanted and soak in more nutrients. Likewise, outplanting the keiki kalo on their own allows them to retain nutrients without having to share with a larger plant. The team also prepared huli, or kalo stems, from previously harvested kalo so that they could be replanted. This age-old way of planting connects today’s people with ancient Hawaiʻi, so that the kalo plant may continue feeding the people of Hawaiʻi. This activity not only nourished the kalo, but also emotionally nourished themselves knowing they are investing in the well-being of future generations, too. 

Mālama

Celeste guided members of the administration in connecting to the ʻāina by pulling weeds. They grounded themselves with hanu (breath), and allowed their minds to clear through the practice of one of PIDF’s core values of Mālama, to take care. The staff plucked weeds from kalo patches, that can quickly become overgrown if not attended to. Weeds can strangle plants as well as take nutrients from the crops. Removing weeds is just as important as all the other steps that cultivate healthy growth for the food crops and stands as a reminder to take care of what takes care of us. 

Pilikia

Machijah paved a way for his group to address pilikia (frustration or tensions), that individuals may have felt built up that they wanted to relieve. The members of this group were given machetes used to slim and replenish the overgrown banana trees that populate the acreage. They were encouraged to cut through tough feelings as they sliced through the wilted limbs of the tree. This activity reflects how to let go of what no longer serves you, allowing energy to flow to what you want to grow. 

Healing

Mana led the activities that prompted healing. The team members took oʻo (large digging sticks) to puncture holes into the ground and tuck ʻōlena roots in. ʻŌlena, or turmeric, is a root in the ginger family used frequently as a spice in cooking, for dying clothes, and especially in lāʻau lapaʻau, or spiritual and medicinal healing practices. The team took turns digging and planting, and fell into a rhythm of rooting the ʻōlena roots so they may bloom in the months to come. The staff learned that though the growth will be slow, in the months to come, roots full of nutrients and vibrant colors are growing underneath the surface and will eventually sprout.

HONOLULU (HI Now) – Partners in Development Foundation believes that providing services and support for Hawaiʻi’s keiki, youth and caregivers will lead to thriving communities. Their work to inspire and equip families has led them to take up Initiatives centered around early education, family strengthening, and sustainability.

Over its 25-year history, PIDF has impacted the lives of over 128,000 individuals across our state through its direct services, including mentoring organizations like We Are Oceania and managing a quarantine hotel.

To donate to their $25 for the 25th campaign, visit www.pidf.org/donate. For more information about Partners in Development Foundation’s free programs and services, visit www.pidf.org.

The month-long drive will allow patients and the public to donate early childhood books at Nomi sites where no-cost antigen and PCR testing for Hawaii residents (with or without insurance) and self-pay options for international visitors continue to be offered at Ala Moana Center, Waikele Premium Outlets (now located indoors in the outlet mall near Tommy Bahama), Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, Ka Makana Ali’i Center and BYU-Hawaii. On the Big Island, book donations can be made at Waiakea Center in Hilo and The Sure Foundation in Keaau..

Partners in Development Foundation, pidf.org, is a nonprofit that reaches rural communities with early childhood education resources that give families with young children the tools they need for a great start at life and learning.

According to Nomi Health Field Operations Director Ailana Meyer, “November is the perfect month to give out of the abundance we’ve been given to help others as we countdown to Thanksgiving. Based on last year’s food drive, we know we have very generous supporters in the community, and we hope to collect over a thousand books for young children.”

Partners in Development Foundation’s Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool Curriculum and ‘Ohana Support Manager, Amanda Ishigo, added, “Our early education programs teach caregivers the importance of reading daily with their keiki. Developing a love for books supports language development and enriches the relationship between caregiver and keiki. Reading to keiki also predicts higher academic success in elementary school. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share books that the ‘ohana can enjoy together.”

The retreat steps off the heels of the Ulu Hana 25th anniversary Pāʻina, where the PIDF board of directors and officers gathered to celebrate and support the foundation laid before them by founders Jan Dill, Morris Takushi, and the late Gary Glenn. 

With the addition of four new board members in the last year, the team had an opportunity to connect and learn from each other, as well as share more about their own networks and the capacities for which their reach can benefit PIDF and the Hawaiʻi community at-large. The retreat discussion reflected on organizational directions to strengthen foundations, maintain core values, and consider ways to build financial strength, visibility, and partnerships. 

“PIDF has been a critical provider of services from keiki to kūpuna,” said Kyle Chock, PIDF board chair. “As a board, we were able to spend time and see first-hand the direct impact these programs have in improving beneficiaries’ lives. Our goal is to continue to provide services and collaborate to address the critical issues in our community.”  

The board headed over to the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center, host to the Opportunity Youth Action Hawaiʻi campus partners: PIDF’s Kupa ʻAina Natural Farm, Kinai ʻEha, Hale Kipa, RYSE Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility, and Olomana School. 

Farm hands Machijah and Mana led the PIDF board of directors through the traditional Hawaiian and contemporary farming methods, such as the Korean style fertilizer that they use to cultivate crops like kalo and ʻuala in the mala. Not only did the young staff share about how working on the farm has changed their views and life choices, they briefed the board on the various projects and visitors from Kawailoa campus partners, including youth from HYCF or RYSE, who support and learn about food security and ʻāina-based healing. 

The board of directors toured the rest of the campus and ended their day at the Kawailoa campus partner, Kinai ʻEha, where they met with ʻōpio (youth) beginning their fitness session after a day’s work. They shared their gratitude for being able to participate in diversion programs that offer opportunities outside of a jail cell or on the streets. The team toured the pilot residential work training facility and learned about fitness as part of the mind, body, and spiritual healing that is supported on campus.

“Learning about the vital work of PIDF in collaboration with the network of providers involved in the Opportunity Youth Action Hawaiʻi collective was both inspiring and heartening,” said Kawena Beaupre, PIDF board director. “This effort is a true testament to how a Native Hawaiian system of support that offers healing, empowerment, and opportunities can change one’s trajectory in life. It also exemplifies the importance and value of PIDF’s work in our communities.” 

The PIDF board retreat concluded with an exercise that parallels the way kūpuna categorized and organized our natural world and all systems within our universe. The team focused on deconstructing a chant called “Kūlia e Uli” using the Papakū Makawalu method taught by the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation. This method categorizes systems into three houses: Papahulilani (space above the head into the stars), Papahulihonua (area inclusive of the earth, ocean and itʻs development and evolution by natural causes), and Papāhanaumoku (stage of life from embryonic state of all life to death). 

When applied to PIDF, the Papakū Makawalu method can serve as a guide in understanding how our programs are categorized, how they function within the system they are placed in, and opportunities for improvement. Through careful observation and analysis, the Hawaiian people navigated systems and responded to them in a connected, aligned way, much like how PIDF hopes to flow within our communities.

With the love and support of our Hawaiʻi community, PIDF raised over $225,000, which directly strengthens the organization’s work to break the cycle of poverty and trauma with programs and services that create greater resiliency for many of Hawaiʻi’s families. Auction donors (and bidders), support hands, PIDF team, and generous supporters paralleled PIDF’s mission to inspire and equip Hawaiʻi’s ʻohana and communities for success and service using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions. This 25th year anniversary celebration shed light on new connections and strengthened partnerships that have set the tone for this next quarter of  a century huakaʻi.

Ulu Hana first started in 2017 for PIDF’s 20th anniversary. The concept of “Ulu Hana” acknowledges, identifies, and celebrates the work, expansion, depth and degree of PIDF’s delivery of services. It also seeks, encourages, and promotes further growth in PIDF’s successful future. This year’s Ulu Hana was nothing short of humbling, as PIDF and the guests honored the foundation laid in the past while highlighting future ʻōiwi leaders. 

It started in 1997, when PIDF founders Jan Dill, Morris Takushi, and the late Gary Glenn were talking story about what they can do to address the gaps in resources and services available to Native Hawaiians. Nearly 25 years later, Partners in Development Foundation is one of Hawaiʻi’s leading nonprofit organizations serving the areas of multigenerational education, social services, and sustʻāinability. 

They carved a legacy for the PIDF we know today. And just like the day the organization started, the PIDF team is not afraid to step to the frontline to meet the ever-changing needs of Hawaiʻi’s communities.

The evening’s program was initiated by PIDF founder Jan Dill, who shared a pule that connected the ballroom with a blessing for the helpful hands in getting us where we are today, and shared hope for the next 25 years of. Accompanying Dill and his ʻohana were Morris Takushi and his guests. 

Esteemed Hawaiian musician Kuʻuipo Kumukahi led the night through mele while Hula dancers drifted to the stage to grace the audience. 

Monica Waiau took to the stage to share her full-circle experience with Partners in Development Foundation. She reminisced on her time as a staff member with Tūtū and Me and Ka Paʻalana. Later, she benefited as a participant with her preschool keiki. 

When PIDF President & CEO Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni stepped up, she honored the foundation built before her that has supported over 128,000 ʻohana members in Hawaiʻi. She shared: 

“E kaupē aku nō i ka hoe, a kō mai. Put forward the paddle and draw it back.

With your kōkua, we go on with the task that is started and carried through. It is with your support that we put forward the paddle and draw it back, advancing our waʻa to our common humanity and to the greater wellbeing of our lāhui.”

Eight young leaders from O‘ahu recently traveled to the Opportunity Youth Forum in San Francisco to connect with other young adults from historically oppressed communities, and to learn best practices that empower opportunity youth to thrive. A Kamehameha Schools grant helped make the trip possible.

The forum was founded in 2012 as a result of the Obama administration’s call to address the needs of the millions of opportunity youth – young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not employed or in school.

The Hawai‘i delegation to the three-day forum included participants and staff from opportunity youth-serving programs at the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center, including Kinai ‘Eha, Kupa ‘Aina (an initiative of Partners in Development Foundation), and Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE). These programs assist young adults who have experienced homelessness, been caught up in the criminal justice system, or confronted other adverse life circumstances.

This was the first time that any of the rising ‘ōiwi leaders had traveled off-island. They joined plenary sessions that delved into pressing topics such as workforce development and Black reparations; joined breakout sessions with leading experts and advocates; and participated in small-group workshops with other young people from across the nation.

One youth leader was surprised at the number of participants in their early 20s running community programs that help other youth. Hearing about their successes was inspirational and a motivation to step up, improve, and help other people. Days of cultural exchange and dialogue allowed delegates to learn from their peers, but also to reflect upon and share their strengths as ‘ōiwi leaders. “We can show them the mana, the love, the aloha, that Hawaiians have for everyone,” said Gabe Freitas, a youth navigator at RYSE.

The delegation from Kawailoa joined groups from seven indigenous communities involved in the work of the forum, which include Native American nations such as the Hopi, Pueblo and Sioux. Breakout sessions allowed youth to learn more about the lived experiences of other indigenous communities, and how they are addressing the toll of structural racism. Participants also visited San Francisco neighborhoods including Chinatown, the Latinx Mission district, and the LGBTQ+ Castro district.

The KS Strategy & Transformation Group and the Early Childhood Opportunity Fund provided financial support for the huaka‘i to the City by the Bay. “This is an example of what we mean when we commit to investing in the development of ʻōiwi leaders, especially those who have lived through trauma and a spectrum of adversity leading to discouragement, shame and loss of hope,” said Lauren Nahme, vice president of Strategy & Transformation. “We are inspired by the deep care, brilliance and desire to make a difference like Gabe and Mana with just a little bit of care, belief and investment from those around them.”

At the conclusion of the conference, Hawai‘i youth gathered to debrief their experience, and to reflect on what it meant to them. “From when I was born until I was 15 my only opportunity was to try and survive – I couldn’t focus on school, I couldn’t focus on friends, I could only focus on okay, when is my next meal,” said  Mana Morales, a natural farmer at Kupa ‘Āina. “At this conference people are asking…what is my plan in the next five years…and hearing that question almost every day has got me thinking about it, and now I know I can control my future.”

“I have the tools: I have a great support system, good friends, good family,” added Morales. “Now I’m just kind of ready to rocket ship and get things done.”

Partners in Development Foundation announced today the appointment of four community leaders to the board of directors, for a total of ten. All directors on the PIDF board are Native Hawaiian and provide PIDF with strategic guidance to propel the organization’s efforts in expanding its transformative work of strengthening families and communities in Hawaiʻi. 

PIDF presents the most recently confirmed board of directors (in alphabetical order): 

Elwin P. Ahu, founder and pastor of Metro Church of Hawaiʻi and author of Resilient Hope: Encountering the Unexpected, Ahu joins the PIDF board to expand on his commitment in supporting Hawaiʻi’s most vulnerable families through spiritual guidance.

Kawena S.M.S. Beaupré, senior vice president & general counsel at Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Beaupré joins the PIDF board with over 15 years of legal experience and dedication to Hawai‘i’s nonprofit sector. 

Summer H. Kaiawe, partner at Watanabe Ing, LLP, Kaiawe joins the PIDF board with expertise in the areas of land use entitlements, land titles, water rights and resources, business and real estate issues in addition to knowledge around intellectual property. 

Scott W.H. Seu, president and CEO of Hawaiian Electric Industries joins the PIDF board bringing his knowledge and commitment in the areas of environmental management and community relations. 

“PIDF’s transformative work in strengthening families and communities in Hawai‘i centered in its core values of aloha, lōkahi, mālama, pono, and po‘okela resonates with me on a deeply personal level as I was raised by my ‘ohana with these same values,” said Summer Kaiawe, PIDF  board director. “I am honored and feel very privileged to join the PIDF board and ‘ohana, and look forward to working in service of PIDF’s mission.”

The Board of Directors continue the legacy that founders Jan Dill, Morris Takushi, and the late Gary Glenn began in 1997 with the goal to address the gaps in Hawaiʻi’s society and support families in need. 

“Since its founding, PIDF’s programs have helped to educate local keiki, strengthen families and communities, and help to care for our ʻāina,” said Kyle Chock, PIDF board chair. “We’re fortunate to have Elwin, Kawena, Summer and Scott join the board to continue our mission using timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions to uplift our community.”

The newly elected directors join board chair Kyle Chock who serves as assistant executive secretary treasurer at Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters; board vice chair Kimo Todd, partner and owner of Todd & Seabolt; board secretary Diane Paloma, PhD, president and CEO at Hawaii Dental Service; board treasurer James Gomez, CPA and owner of Marujyu Market; director Michael Chun, PhD, former president and headmaster of Kamehameha Schools; and ex officio director Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, PhD, president and CEO of PIDF.  

Celebrating 25 years as a local nonprofit, PIDF draws on ʻike kupuna, ancestral wisdom and knowledge, to support the needs of economically vulnerable keiki and ʻohana and in meeting the current challenges facing Hawaiʻi. PIDF delivers 10 free programs and services across the state including early childhood education and mentorship, opportunity youth and foster care services, and caring for the ʻāina, guided by time-tested values and practices that honor kuleana for people and place in caring for Hawaiʻi. 

“We have four generations living on one property. From a one-year-old to an eighty-seven-year- old, there’s 18 of us under one roof,” she shared. 

Multigenerational homes are common in Hawaiʻi, and for some neighboring island communities where access to resources and services aren’t always readily available, having a Covid-19 outbreak at home could be life-threatening. 

In an effort to bridge the gap, PIDF kickstarted Hoʻopalekana Ola (to strengthen and defend life), an initiative through the Department of Health’s Hawaiʻi Pacific Health Institute (HIPHI) Cares Grant. Once the grant was contracted, the Hoʻopalekana Ola team wasted no time.

“PIDF has never been afraid to jump to the frontline of our community’s needs. In our 25 years, we have served over 128,000 family members in more than 50 communities. Where there is a call for support, we try to respond to our lāhui however best we can,” said Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, PIDF President and CEO.  

Hoʻopalekana Ola HIPHI Cares Program Manager, Perlas Bardouche, previously managed the Open Arms Harbor Isolation-quarantine facility that PIDF opened during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020 through March of 2021. She is supported by team members with vast experience in health care. 

When the HIPHI contracted team began its outreach efforts, the recent Covid-19 outbreak on Molokaʻi seemed like the right place to start. Hoʻopalekana Ola partnered with Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool to set up booths at the Molokaʻi Island Foundation’s Molokaʻi Drug-Free Movement event, which hosted local vendors and speakers to share more about their community-strengthening stories, services and programming.

During the event, Hoʻopalekana Ola met with local residents, distributed hundreds of free at-home Covid-19 test kits, provided safety guidelines and resources, and shared more about upcoming education programs like the Global Biorisk Advisory Council certification, a course to prepare for, respond to and recover from biohazards in our community spaces.

The Hoʻopalekana Ola team also connected with members at the Molokaʻi General Hospital, Molokaʻi Community Health Center, and local retailers. They were greeted by smiles as residents recognized PIDFʻs kalo logo.

“Are you with Tūtū and Me?” The Molokaʻi residents asked, and shared stories about attending Tūtū and Me or the people they knew (if not themselves!) who worked with Tūtū and Me. 

The small-town island community has been home to a Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool for over 15 years. Hoʻopalekana Ola is partnering with other PIDF programs like Tūtū and Me and Ka Paʻalana that serve neighbor island communities and are trusted by their local residents, many of whom live in multi-generational homes. 

For households with ʻohana ranging from keiki to kūpuna, access to Covid-19 at-home test kits and knowledge about infectious disease control, and knowing what to do when someone at home is exposed or tests positive, will prepare families and save lives. 

While society at large transitions into a post-pandemic world, rural communities are vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of Covid-19 with fewer medical resources, hospital beds, and physicians. 

“Coronavirus is here to stay, so we’re committed to helping our communities navigate in the safest and healthiest way. We want our ʻohana to survive and thrive,” said Bardouche. 

That’s why PIDF is committed to strengthening ʻohana and to seeing that our communities are healthy and sustainable.