LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union award of $500 to Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i is a response to the open call from the group for its First Jobs Academy of Hale ‘Opio program.
“We are seeking mentors and employers willing to partner with us to provide an opportunity for the youth to grow,” states a Hale ‘Opio release that was available during the Tuesday presentation at the Hawai‘iUSA Lihu‘e Branch at Kukui Grove Center.
Proceeds from the presentation will go toward the First Jobs Academy program, a work-readiness program for youth and young adults.
The program, created for those between the ages of 16 and 24, helps young people looking to enhance their skills in order to enter the workforce successfully.
Open to all youth and young people across the island, referrals for the academy come to Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i from parents and youth directly, school counselors, teachers, court personnel, child-welfare workers and other community agencies.
The First Jobs Academy offers an opportunity for youth and young adults to gain work-readiness skills, learn about teamwork, financial literacy and a lot more, states the release.
“We are currently recruiting youth to create a cohort, but for some individuals we are able to do one-on-one sessions,” said Hale ‘Opio representatives.
“Life matters” is the Hawai‘iUSA credit union’s motto.
“It’s your life,” the Hale ‘Opio First Jobs Academy flier states. “We want to help you figure out what you want to do with it. The First Jobs Academy will prepare you to have a successful future by helping determine your goals and teaching you real life skills.”
For more information on the First Jobs Academy, call 808-245-2873, or visit the Hale ‘Opio website at www.haleopio.org.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
