Peer support programs for children, teens, and their parents and care givers meet either once or twice a month for two hours in the evenings. See the schedule below. Call Lil Love (545-5683) to enroll in a program. After a healthy dinner, participants meet with children, teens and adults in separate rooms. All programs are child directed and family centered. Trained mentors provide support.
Circle Time
Groups begin and end with a sharing circle. No one is forced to talk. We have an “I Pass” rule.
Play Time
Then children and teens can choose what they want to do from many available activities.
There is a six foot tall wrestling doll and other sports equipment. Mentors keep the group safe.
Other activities include arts and crafts, music, games, legos, sand box, dress up, and other toys.
Mentoring programs include our signature activities “Poi for the Soul,” “Surf for the Soul,” and “Seeds of Love.” Other activities are organized in collaboration with other groups to engage children in culturally specific activities that impart positive values, increase skills, and widen the network of support for families. All activities are free, teach children about healthy eating, help children with physical fitness, and include anti-drug and alcohol messages.
The Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition is statewide and has local youth boards on Oahu; Big Island; Maui ; Kauai. Other activities of HFYC are independent living skills training, presentations to workers, leadership training, and other training needed by transitioning foster youths.
SCHEDULE
A. Peer Support Programs
1) Bi-monthly peer support group for Loss from parent separation due to divorce, incarceration, or other causes: meets first and third Tuesdays from 6-8 PM
2) Monthly peer support group for Loss from death or separation: meets second Wednesday from 6-8 PM
3) Bi-monthly peer support group for Loss from the death of a parent or someone close: meets first and third Thursdays from 6-8 PM
4) Bi-monthly peer support group for Children in Care (includes foster care, kinship care, guardianship, and adoption): meets first and third Monday of each month from 6-8 PM
All groups include a potluck dinner from 6:00-6:30 PM. There is no charge for participation. We accept donations.
B. Mentoring Programs may include:
1) HFYC’s Real World Project: a career and college planning and independent living skills training project for transitioning foster youth: call 545-5683 for times.
2) Arts and Crafts classes and cultural activities.
3) Ukulele lessons, call for times and dates.
4) Poi for the Soul: learn about native Hawaiian agriculture and values, help taking care of a taro field. In association with Ka Papa Loi`O Kanewai. MEETS MONTHLY.
5) Surf for the Soul: learn surfing, water safety, and caring for the ocean. In association with Faith Surf School, Surfrider Spirit Session, and many businesses and surf mentors.
6) Seeds of Love: learn how to cultivate native plants, herbs, and flowers. In association with Native Plant Source – Dennis Kim. BI-MONTHLY.
7) Cultural Engagement Activities: Ongoing collaborations with various activities provided by other organizations that teach values, Hawaiian cultural traditions, and positive skills.
HFYC Resource Center for Transitioning Foster Youths. To join contact the Hawaii Foster Youth Coalition at 545-5683.