From August 1st, Ka Paʻalana sites will enhance their online services and prepare for reopening with modifications on November 1st, 2020. The enhanced online services will include implementing online intake for new families, taking regular parent surveys online, and a possible expansion of the Wifi Mobile project among other measures.

Anticipated modifications from November 1st include stocking adequate PPE and cleaning supplies for all sites, determining capacity with respect to social distancing measures, following the latest DHS guidelines, and more.

Ka Paʻalana staff have been utilizing ClassDojo for preschool and parenting classes four days a week since March 30th, and their weekly Kokua Kit distribution recently extended to Kauaʻi.

For more information, contact the Ka Paʻalana office at (808) 596-8711.

We thank our staff for their creativity as they serve our families and communities in need. 

ʻEleu is a consortium of Hawaiian nonprofit organizations geared and dedicated to the inclusion and promotion of early childhood education. For over 15 years, we have worked to advocate for legislative and community initiatives to impact early learning for the keiki of Hawaiʻi nei.

This year’s ʻEleu Rally included readings from several legislators such as Representative Val Okimoto and Senator Michelle Kidani. Others in the capitol also came down or opened their offices to interact with the families and children, and learn more about the urgent need for improved and universal early childhood education.

“We must challenge ourselves and our leaders to take seriously the need for public and personal attention to – as well as investment in the formation and care of our children,” said PIDF president Jan Dill.

Mahalo to all the staff for their hard work in putting on the rally, the families for their dedication to their keiki and our programs, and to all those who came out today in support!

The wooden skirts at the base of the walls and the walls themselves were replaced, wall insulation was added, and glass windows were installed.

“One of the main reasons we installed the glass windows was that all the zippers of the old zippered screen windows had torn over time and were just flapping in the wind,” said Ka Paʻalana Program Manager Terry Nakamura. “The glass windows will not present this problem and will last much longer.”

Ke Kama Pono’s Project Director, Mike Kahue, oversaw the renovations. Young men and staff from our Ke Kama Pono Safehouse program also assisted.

Ronnee Stewart, a Parent Educator with Ka Paʻalana, led some of the preschool parents in sewing curtains for the windows and will be installed soon.

Mahalo nui to our staff and program ʻohana for their kōkua in carrying out the renovations!

Kelsey La Cuesta is a Preschool Teacher at Ka Paʻalana’s HOPE Shelter site. Working at PIDF for about a year, Kelsey says there is never a boring day at work with Kasey. She mimes Kasey’s “normal dance that everyone knows,” saying that Kasey can’t be described in just three words.

Other coworkers call Kasey fun-loving, humorous, and energetic, and cite her experience working with toddlers as an asset to the team. When asked about her teaching style, Ka Paʻalana’s Program Manager, Terry Nakamura, describes it as “very messy! There’s paint all over the place when she teaches because it’s child-centered and gives [the keiki] the freedom and permission to learn through all of their senses.”

“Her heart for the families is inspiring,” says Terry. “No matter how busy she is or how much pressure there is, she always seems to be able to keep them the priority.”

Born and raised in Waiʻanae, Kasey knows the families, the culture, and is passionate about helping change her own community. She says she most enjoys is being in contact with the families, and being able to engage with the whole family unit — not just the keiki.

“It’s unique that we’re here for the whole family, and create this ʻohana culture where everyone is accepted,” says Kasey. She explains how ending the cycle of poverty through education is Ka Paʻalana’s primary mission, and that she feels blessed to be part of it. 

Kasey describes how working with the Ka Paʻalana families has created a complete transformation within her and even how she mothers her children, saying she sees success for her children as them being good people and seeing the good in others.

“I’m so inspired by the families… the children, their resilience, and I think this job has really taught me that people who have the least often give the most,” she says. She humbly explains how as passionate as she is about her job, that it would be a difficult job if it weren’t for the people she works with and the people they serve.

“Kasey is probably the most whole-hearted person I’ve ever met,” says Kelsey. “Everything she does, she does to the best of her ability. And I know she’s going to do great things for Ka Paʻalana.”

Mahalo nui loa to Kasey for her compassion for and dedication to our Ka Paʻalana ʻohana! We are thrilled to be able to honor her as our last Na Makamae for 2019. She is truly an inspiration.

Na Makamae is our monthly segment where we recognize employees who are doing tremendous work with the children and families they serve. ‘Na Makamae’ refers to those who are prized, highly valued, highly appreciated. Na Makamae are those who are endeared to us.

The gifts will be given to in-need and underprivileged families in our Tūtū and Me ʻohana and distributed in time for the holidays. Such efforts are especially valued during this time of year, when many of our families may not have the resources to make the holidays special for their keiki.

Mahalo nui General Manager Drew Crocker and the Hula Grill team for helping to make Christmas special for our preschoolers!

Preschool sites with our Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool, Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education, and Nā Pono No Nā ʻOhana Family Education programs went on huakaʻi (field trips) to either Aloun Farms or Waimānalo Country Farms, depending on where the sites are based.

Keiki were able to enjoy all kinds of activities from hay rides and petting zoos to the quintessential pumpkin picking. 

Mahalo to Aloun Farms and Waimānalo Country Farms for hosting our families and staff! We look forward to coming back next year.

The 7th annual Ka Paʻalana Health Fair took place at the KROC Center in Kapolei last week. Two dozen vendors came out to support our Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program families. 

The purpose of the Health Fair is to provide vital information and resources to our Ka Paʻalana families. Besides pamphlets and flyers, participants can receive free eye exams, flu shots, dental exams, and much more. 

One of the most talked-about aspects this year was the focus on nutrition. Different booths allowed keiki and caregivers the opportunity to learn more about the foods on their plates, and how to make better dietary choices. 

Ka Paʻalana parents Rano and Selestina Fetui were attending the Health Fair for the first time. They said just hearing about healthy habits motivated them to be better role models for their two young keiki. “It’s an eye-opener for our kids to eat healthy,” said Selestina. 

Besides information about physical health, there were also professionals present to talk about mental and emotional health. The Catalyst Group offers extensive psychological services ranging from treatment of depression and trauma to martial counseling and psychotherapy. 

Caregivers were invited to explore the booths at their leisure, and stamp cards were passed out to encourage interaction with the vendors. 

“It’s a nice way to bring the families to the resources,” said Kelsey La Cuesta, an Assessment Specialist with Ka Paʻalana. Many of the families struggle to make appointments around their keiki. Not only does the Health Fair provide resources for families, but the Ka Paʻalana staff also organize a preschool in the morning to give the parents a chance to really take in the booths and activities.

Mahalo nui loa to all of our partnering organizations and sponsors who made this year’s Health Fair possible! We can’t wait to have everyone back next year.

We are SO thankful that Locations has partnered with Ka Paʻalana, as well as United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii and the Institute for Human Services.

From June 17-21, drop off your lightly used articles of clothing for keiki AND adults, including: shoes or slippers, linens, towels, toiletries and job interview-appropriate items for adults at any of the following locations:

• Diamond Head: 614 Kapahulu Ave. #300 (Same building as Side Street Inn on Da Strip)
• Kailua: 151 Hekili St. #120 (Near Boots & Kimo’s)
• Kapolei: 91-590 Farrington Hwy. #125 (Next to Sushi Bay)
• Mililani: 95-720 Lanikuhana Ave. #120 (Next to Central Pacific Bank)
• Pearlridge: 98-161 Kaonohi St. (Near Bed, Bath & Beyond)
• Pearlridge Kiosk: Pearlridge Shopping Center, Uptown (Near Macy’s, mall level)
• Windward Kiosk: Windward Mall – Kaneohe (Near Center Stage)

Since 2011, the Locations Foundation Clothing Drive has donated nearly 50,000 pounds of clothing to people in need! Help us help our Ka Paʻalana families and others and donate your items!

For more information, contact the Locations Foundation at 808-735-4200.

“Working with Cheri is like working with your favorite Aunty,” says Terry Nakamura, Ka Paʻalana’s Program Manager. “She’s no-nonsense, has a huge heart, works super hard, and always has your back.”

‘Aunty’ Cheri has been with Partners in Development Foundation for over a decade. She started as a teacher’s assistant at the Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool before moving over to our Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education Program, working up the ranks to be the Family Education Coordinator for the Kakaʻako Family Assessment Center site.

“I really enjoy Ka Paʻalana because of the people I work with and the families that I serve,” she says. “I like that we are a family here and I get to help and serve… It’s not a job, it’s just helping others.”

Numerous staff cite Cheri’s absolute dedication to the Ka Paʻalana program and her unwavering love and affection for the families. She takes the time to make sure that they have enough to eat and clothes to wear, even picking up donations before reporting to work.

She goes above and beyond at her job in a number of ways, says former Outreach Assistant Arbab Khan. Arbab worked with Cheri at Ka Paʻalana for over two years, and he got to know her as a passionate and determined person who “becomes invested in the lives of those around her.”

June “Pua” Aquino is a Preschool Teacher and Cultural Curriculum Specialist with the Ka Paʻalana program. Pua says Cheri is one of the best preschool teachers she’s ever witnessed in action.

“No matter what site… she always loves all of the kids and shows them her love by giving them great big hugs and helping them in any way she can.”

Cheri doesn’t see her work with the families as a job. She says seeing the families succeed – getting their own homes, finding jobs, etc. – and seeing the keiki be successful in school is what excites her. “That’s my biggest joy.”

Ka Paʻalana staff call Cheri the heart of her team, leading with joy, aloha, and of course, humor. Go into the Ka Paʻalana office and you’ll find a poster of Cheri-isms, pidgin words or phrases she uses like “bobolani”: a nice way to say that you’re stupid (“nice because it ends with -lani”).

“I love Cheri,” Terry says. “She inspires me to want to be a better person. She cracks me up, and is such a wonderful person.”

A humble person, Aunty Cheri consistently gives her all to her staff, supervisors and Ka Paʻalana program families without ever expecting any recognition in return. While being asked questions about herself and her work, she made sure to stop and thank her team.

“I want to thank all my staff for supporting me and allowing me to be me,” she says. “For allowing me to try and help them become teachers, and assessment [specialists], and parent educators, and allowing me to help support them in their roles.”

Mahalo nui loa, Aunty Cheri, for all that you do!

Na Makamae is our monthly segment where we recognize employees who are doing tremendous work with the children and families they serve. ‘Na Makamae’ refers to those who are prized, highly valued, highly appreciated. Na Makamae are those who are endeared to us.

Terry has been with Partners in Development Foundation’s Ka Paʻalana Homeless Family Education program for almost 12 years. He started out with the program as a Family Education Trainer and now works as a Family Literacy Trainer.

“He has a heart for serving,” Jason Kahawai says of Terry. Jason is Ka Paʻalana’s Outreach Coordinator and has known Terry since 2007. “When I met him, I recognized that when new families or families in homeless situations would come to our program, Terry would greet them all the same and provide them with all the same amount of time.”

From day one, Terry believes he’s had such a privilege to serve, walk with, and learn from the families of Ka Paʻalana. He calls himself a ‘townie’ and admits to being nervous when he first started working for the program on the west side of Oʻahu, questioning why the families would trust or let a stranger into their lives.

Curriculum Specialist Kathy Fong has known Terry since his ‘townie’ days – the families of the two grew up together at Nuʻuanu Baptist Church.

“The way he relates with people is very genuine,” Kathy says. “I feel like I can tell him anything and I won’t be judged for it, and he’ll listen and really want to help me through whatever it is I’m sharing with him.”

This same sentiment is echoed by other staff and repeated in anecdotes for how Terry works with both the staff and the families served by Ka Paʻalana. His way of looking at people on an even keel has been an invaluable trait that encourages all those he meets to take a second look at themselves and ask, ‘Am I the kind of person that can inspire someone else?’

Ka Paʻalana has four components: Mālama Mobile (first contact homeless outreach), a traveling Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) program, family education services (including life skills classes and GED prep), and ʻIke Noʻeau, a traveling preschool program providing math and science curriculum to families at shelters in Waiʻanae and Waimānalo.

The program’s overall aim is to increase the success and self-sufficiency of homeless families. It gives adults the tools they need – life skills, parenting skills, greater self-esteem – to pick themselves up and be better caregivers to their children.

“We’re not just about curriculum, you know, and setting up site,” he says. “We’re about walking with people and trying to transform lives and generations.”

Mahalo nui loa, Terry, from all of Partners in Development Foundation!

Na Makamae is our monthly segment where we recognize employees who are doing tremendous work with the children and families they serve. ‘Na Makamae’ refers to those who are prized, highly valued, highly appreciated. Na Makamae are those who are endeared to us.

The trainings were with our Ka Paʻalana program, first piloting the lessons with our program caregivers at Ka Paʻalana’s parenting class. The next day the lessons were conducted with our Ka Paʻalana staff. The trainings involved our value of pono, or goodness, morality — the idea of doing the right thing at the right time and for the right reasons.

Each lesson is half storytelling or myth, and half hands-on activity, and embeds Hawaiian cultural traditions in modern-day practices. Hui Nohona is constantly striving to bring the best practices to our staff and program families. After each training or webinar, participants complete evaluation forms. Our culture team uses these to ensure that what they are teaching is interesting, practical, and fun!

One important element of Hui Nohona’s work is to ensure that the cultural lessons are transferable to keiki. “We make sure that caregivers and teachers can take our lessons and translate them down to keiki,” says Hawaiian Cultural Specialist Assistant Malia Scanlan. “These activities are made for them to use with the kids.”

Hui Nohona has also been working with our Tūtū and Me program staff developing a curriculum based on PIDF’s five core values: aloha, lōkahi, mālama, pono, and poʻokela. The curriculum is being presented in a series of webinars in order to reach our outer island

Besides the internal webinars and classes for program families, Hui Nohona frequently has a presence at different PIDF events. At Ka Paʻalana’s annual health fair in October, Malia discussed some traditional Hawaiian medicine through ʻhealingʻ herbal teas: māmaki (a nettle), ʻōlena (turmeric), and koʻokoʻolau, a critically endangered plant native only to the island of Molokaʻi.

Health Fair participants were invited to make their own juice from freshly pulled ʻōlena, and sample the different teas. The juice was so potent, many participants said it burned almost like alcohol! Malia explained how according to Hawaiian tradition, the best time to pick herbal medicines is when the moon is fullest.

The Hui Nohona team has been a vital resource for both the staff at PIDF and our program families, as we seek to further our mission of serving Hawaiian families through timeless Hawaiian values.