Hale ‘Opio, has strong ties here

I arrived on Kauai in 1976 when a group of leaders — George Masuoka, Roland Gay, Walter Briant, Howard Carvalho, Will Welsh, Michael Sheehan, Charlotte Nurock and Dr. Ruth Smith, among others, had responded to a family court need to develop the potential of our island youth by starting a group home and emergency shelter. 

Dr. Smith, co-researcher in the landmark study known simply as the “Children of Kauai,” set the course for Hale ‘Opio program development in two ways: underscoring the importance of consistent caring relationships to develop capable healthy young people, and committing the organization to continuous improvement.

Hale Opio was licensed as a Child Placing Institution, a Special Treatment Facility, and a Child Placing Organization and introduced a variety of programs benefiting youth and families over the years.

Currently, Hale ‘Opio offers over 20 programs to 700 youth annually to achieve its mission: “dedicated to improving young people’s quality of life, enhancing a sense of belonging, increasing self-awareness and strengthening `Ohana by providing residential and community programs for education, prevention, diversion, and treatment.” 

Programs proven to develop youth competencies, strengthen family bonds, divert from the justice system, connect to education, prepare for self-sufficiency, and teach wise lifestyles are provided across the island.

While providing youth development programs to benefit all youth, Hale `Opio also continues its original work with those who have experienced the trauma of disrupted families, including the poor. Imua Kakou offers youth who exited foster care at 18 the opportunity for continued adult support and encouragement while learning to navigate the world of adult responsibilities: employment, housing, healthy relationships, education, health care, and community connections. 

Info:  245-2873 or www.haleopio.org. Aloha!

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LaVerne Bishop is executive director of Hale ‘Opio Kauai.