HONOLULU (HI Now) - Ho’ōla Nā Pua provides weekly group lessons and activities through Hōkū Group Services that aim to model healthy connections and promote self-empowerment. Lessons are delivered in collaboration with care facilities where youth are often system-involved through Child Welfare and/or Juvenile Justice. Youth in these facilities may have multiple risk factors and vulnerabilities, and many have been identified as victims of exploitation.
Hōku lessons and activities are designed to be fun and engaging and focus on resiliency-building topics such as self-worth, knowledge, social and safety skills, and purpose. Equipping youth with tools and skills will serve as protective factors when they are discharged.
Activities include a variety of intentionally prepared psychoeducational lessons, focusing on increasing self-worth, developing emotional and physical safety, exploring one’s purpose, and gaining knowledge to better one’s self.
Each weekly session has a different lesson, which incorporates education, art, and activities. For example, in the Ride the Wave activity, facilitators use the analogy of surfing to help youth talk about how they deal with life’s “waves.” In this lesson, facilitators use the analogy of “riding the wave” to teach the importance of recognizing the emotions we feel in different situations and instead of fighting them, ride them and get curious about what they mean. Using the youths’ knowledge of the ocean, and their experience catching waves, the metaphor guides the youth to consider how they navigate various feelings and life challenges. They talk about the importance of keeping their eyes on the next wave, anticipating what may come next, ensuring to point out the choices we make are important and obstacles can be overcome. Riding the wave means having patience and being kind to yourself as you navigate the obstacles of life.
The youth are then given a chance to paint their own waves and share how they can learn to ride or surf the waves of their emotions. They may even make the connection that even the toughest waves, or biggest challenges, can be conquered.
We understand that the content of this program and its conversation may be sensitive for some viewers. You are not alone and organizations like Ho’ōla Nā Pua are here to help. For more information, visit www.hoolanapua.org
IN DANGER, NEED HELP, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888.373.7888 or text HELP to 233733; State of Hawaii Child Protective Service: (CWS) Hotline 1.808.832.5300 (24/7) or 1.888.380.3088 (Neighbor Islands) (24/7); Ho’ōla Nā Pua Main Office: 808.445.3131; Ho’ōla Nā Pua’s Pearl Haven: admissions@pearlhavenhawaii.org or 808.900.8740.
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