Building Strong Connections

Family Programs Hawai‘i is expanding its services to children and youth in foster care in East Hawai‘i this year with the help of some new funding. 

Project Visitation received a two year grant from the GIFT Foundation to start a sibling visitation program (Project Visitation) in the Hilo area for siblings who have been separated through foster care and are living in different homes.  FPH is recruiting community volunteers to work with sibling groups to provide monthly visitation and bringing the families together.  Interested volunteers should email Vince Abramo at VAbramo@FamilyProgramsHi.org for more information.  FPH is also looking for community groups and organizations that would be willing to host or sponsor a special event for siblings to attend with their volunteers (i.e. picnic, sports event, recreational activities and more).

A new youth enrichment program called Hawai‘i Street Smart for Youth is now seeking at-risk youth, ages 14–19, in East Hawai‘i to participate in a 12-session workshop geared at providing youth skills and information to make healthy lifestyle choices.  The program partners with other community resources and holds groups in various community locations.  With the use of peer support, Street Smart helps identify personal triggers of unsafe behavior, build skills in problem solving and assertiveness in social situations to reduce high-risk behaviors in youth.  To inquire about upcoming sessions contact JoYi Rhyss at JRhyss@FamilyProgramsHi.org.