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Good Beginnings Partnership for Hawaii's Keiki
Kalihi, O`ahu

Palena’ole ke aloha i ke keiki, He makana waiwai nui e loa’a ai
“When we give unconditional love to children, We give the most valuable gift we have”

Kalihi's goal is to create an environment in Kalihi that supports parents to be their child's first teacher by improving the social and economic conditions of parents. Their efforts are focused on:

• strengthening parenting skills,
• increasing the parents ability to advocate for safer neighborhood and housing conditions,
• supporting parents to become child care providers,
• expanding learning opportunities of young children, and
• helping parents take advantage of economic benefits provided to families with dependent children.

Kalihi is a low income, predominately immigrant urban community in Honolulu.  While there are many social service providers in Kalihi, the indicators of community well being are low and there is a lack of social connectedness between the varying neighborhoods. Kuhio Park Terrace public housing development, with a population of approximately 3,500 people makes up much of our PHK community. It has the lowest median income of any community with a concentrated population in the state of Hawaii, posing a challenge for families with young children. Hawaiian and Part Hawaiian children comprise 13% of the greater Kalihi community and 23% of the Kuhio Park Terrace and Kuhio Homes.

The PHK Kalihi community realizes that the involvement and participation of the residents, parents & caregivers and community agencies or programs is essential for the growth and well-being of this community.  PHK community efforts are resident driven.

Work of the community planning team is being expanded in the Kuhio Park Terrace/Kuhio Homes neighborhood by involving the whole community in a Talk Story for the Littlest Keiki.  Sponsored by PHK and co-sponsored by local resident associations, the Talk Story will combine many features of a community forum, interview, and exhibit of concerns.  It is an empowering process for gaining community input toward planning positive change in a community.

Other activities, which have already begun:

• As part of the Hawaii Asset Building Coalition, PHK is partnering with the Kuhio Homes residents and volunteers to provide simple tax preparation, which includes the Earned Income Tax Credit for qualifying families.
  
  
• Providing leadership development classes for parents of young children. This training will foster a grassroots network of parents who are involved in advocating for the needs of young children.
  
  
• Partnering with Ho'owaiwai to create a family resource folder to assist parents of young children.
  
  
• Partnering with Fern and Linapuni Elementary Schools with transition activities/Kamp for Pre-K to be ready for school in the fall.
  
  
• PHK staff  participate as partners in the Kuhio Community Action planning team to eliminate or reduce underage drinking in the community.
  
  
• Fostering community connections and identity between the cultures and neighborhoods in Kalihi through planning together and providing a series of
  activities.
  

For more information, please contact Amy Cardamone at acc@goodbeginnings.org.