Support, Outreach and Advocacy
Support Services
Professional counselors are available to support youth with an array of challenges. This can include challenges with grades and attendance at school; homelessness and/or lack of safe shelter; youth in need of independent living skills; assistance with school or job skills. Counselors may also provide care coordination and referrals to professional assistance.
Outreach and Advocacy
Community-based outreach to at-risk youth (ages 10-21) and their families in a comfortable environment. Youth often need short-term intervention as opposed to juvenile justice involvement. An outreach counselor provides advocacy services such as case management and social service referrals, and gives families access to professional assistance to help their children make better choices.
The program often serves as a resource to local law enforcement agencies as an alternative to incarceration when family is unavailable.
Call 808-579-8414, ext. 8206 for more information.
Ho‘okū Program
Promotes academic and personal achievement through consistent attendance so youth can successfully transition into a healthy and rewarding future. Provided free to King Kekaulike students and based at the high school’s upcountry campus.
In the Hawaiian language, Ho‘okū means “to take a stand,” and this program ensures students have the support and resources they need to thrive and achieve their educational and long-term goals. Counselors work one-on-one with students to provide individualized support, guidance and advocacy, career counseling, help with issues that may be affecting the student’s ability to succeed academically or personally and referral to other community resources. Students in the Ho‘okū Program can also participate in 10 weekly peer group sessions that address problem-solving, motivation and perseverance through the Why Try curriculum, which uses a strength-based and resilience approach so young people can learn skills to help them adapt and flourish when faced with tremendous challenges.
Contact MYFS Clinical Director at 579-8414 ext 8211 for more information.
Ho’ala Mai Mentoring Program
This program provides evidence-based interventions, case management, cultural activities and referral to other community services to divert youth (ages 12-17) on the path to incarceration. Counselors work one-on-one with youth in the Judiciary system to encourage them to ho’ala mai (to awaken, to rise up).
This comprehensive approach includes identifying potential underlying reasons for the individual’s behavior (substance abuse, mental health or trauma issues) and assessing the family’s needs as well as the adolescent’s educational needs (general education, credit recovery or GED attainment). Stepping in at this critical point and working with these youth before they are incarcerated means that they can regain opportunities they might not otherwise have to reach a healthy, rewarding and successful adulthood.
Clients must be referred by the Judiciary for services. Call Program Coordinator at 808-579-8414, ext. 8305 to learn more.
