Elvina Nartatez knows firsthand what it is like to be an at-risk teen on the Big Island. Elvina, an assistant program coordinator and foster home developer, grew up in the Puna District and attended Waiakea High School. After becoming embroiled in a relationship with an abusive,...
I started on March 12, 2021, to begin to put together my thoughts to share with you. That date is a rather auspicious one for Hale Kipa, since it was exactly one year ago on March 12, 2020, that we celebrated the Grand Opening of...
Jordan Veniegas always loved working with and helping people. His affinity for personal connections led him to begin his college years pursuing a career as a psychologist. A class in cultural anthropology convinced him to take a different personal direction. “Those classes opened up my eyes...
As a college undergraduate at Damon College in Amherst, New York, Regi Ching wasn’t sure what type of career she wanted to pursue. She was studying humanities when she received an opportunity to work at the Buffalo Area Council on Alcoholism, where she taught alcohol education...
Celebrating Our Dedicated Professionals During National Social Work Month There has never been a more appropriate time to honor the country’s social workers. Each March, the National Association of Social Workers celebrates this group of dedicated professionals. This year’s theme is “Social Workers are Essential.” The U.S....
The Hawaʻi Department of Education (HIDOE), in partnership with Hale Kipa, will soon launch its Ho`oikaika – Cultivating Resilience and Recovery Program (HCRR). HCRR will provide and expand mental health services for pre-K through 12th grade students who have experienced toxic trauma and stress that interferes...
Hale Kipa is pleased to welcome back Tracy Janowicz as its Chief Administrative Officer. Janowicz served as Hale Kipa’s Director of Quality Improvement & Facilities from 2001-2014. “Hale Kipa is a great organization with a crucial mission,” Janowicz said. “I am proud to contribute to a...
Mahalo nui to Associa Hawaʻi for its generous donation to Hale Kipa of six turkey dinners through its annual Christmas Giving Program. Hale Kipa staff distributed the complete meals - including sides and desserts - to its residential programs on Dec. 22. For more than 10...
I hope this finds you and all those that you care about safe and well. When I look back on 2020, it is hard to believe that it has only been about eight months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, the necessity to...
