Going Home Hawai’i April 2024 Newsletter
| Going Home Hawai`i Newsletter |
| A Message to the Community: The Power of Second Chances |
| Aloha kākou, We embrace the arrival of April and celebrate a significant milestone in our journey. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium, a testament to our enduring commitment to providing second chances to individuals who are justice-involved in Hawai`i County. Over these two decades, we have witnessed countless stories of resilience, transformation, and hope. From the first steps of reentry to the triumphant milestones of constant growth and self-discovery, our Consortium has been there, continuing in our mission. Our journey is not just about legal processes; it’s about healing. It is about recognizing that justice-involved individuals are not defined solely by their past actions. Like anyone else, they have dreams, fears, and aspirations. Our work extends beyond rehabilitation; it encompasses cultural practices that emphasize restoration, healing, and community well-being. In Hawai`i, our cultural diversity enriches our approach to second chances. We honor the wisdom of our Kūpuna, the resilience of our Keiki, and the interconnectedness of our `Ohana. Our commitment to second chances extends beyond legal entities; it embraces cultural practices that emphasize restoration, healing, and well-being. Together, we built bridges of understanding and work hard to replace stigma with empathy. We see families reunite and children find stability. Our partners—community leaders, local organizations, government, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers, volunteers, and advocates—have been the pillar of this journey. Their commitment has shaped lives and rewritten futures. As we look ahead, let’s continue to champion second chances. Let us recognize that redemption is not a solitary journey—it is a collective effort. When we lift each other up, and have faith in the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit, our community prospers. To our partners, volunteers, and advocates: You are the heartbeat of the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium. I am grateful for your unwavering commitment as we continue to create a community that thrives on compassion, understanding, and second chances. Mahalo nui loa, Les Estrella and the Going Home Hawai`i `Ohana |
| Welina me ke aloha, We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of the Going Home Hawai`i newsletter as we celebrate our Consortium’s 20th anniversary and National Second Chance month. It’s an honor to reflect on two decades of serving our community and providing vital re-entry services to those in need. The overall goal of the Consortium is to reduce recidivism on Hawai`i Island for justice-involved individuals. 20 Years of Impact Since our inception in 2004, The Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium has been at the forefront of re-entry services in our state. Over the past 20 years, some examples include:Collaborated with local businesses to offer job training and placement services, empowering individuals to build sustainable livelihoods.Advocated for policy changes and reforms to create a more equitable and just re-entry system in Hawai’i.Published two 5 Year Strategic Plan BookletsHosted a Faith-Based Re-Entry SummitEstablished the 501(c)3 Non-Profit, Going Home Hawai`iHosted two Meth ConferencesConvened the Returning Home ConferencePublished the Reintegration and The Journey Home BookletHosted our first Re-Entry & Restoration Summit which had over 300 attendeesImplemented the Strategic Road MapExpanded the Consortium to over 800 partnersWe are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made, thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters like you. We currently look forward to hosting an island-wide Sequential Intercept Map(SIM) Report this August. SIM reports detail how individuals with mental and substance abuse issues come into contact with and move through the criminal justice system. We also are steadily expanding the Consortium to a statewide coalition, allowing partner agencies a positive balance of independence and the impact provided with a united group front. National Second Chance Month April is National Second Chance month, a time to recognize the importance of giving individuals who have been incarcerated the opportunity to rebuild their lives. To read President Joe Bidenʻs proclamation of Second Chance Month here. This month, we will be hosting a series of events and initiatives, including: The Second Chance Sign Waving Event: Friday, April 19th from 4-6 PM at The Kamehameha Statue Going Home Hawai`i’s Monthly Consortium: Tuesday, April 9th, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM via Zoom |
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| Highlights & Updates |
| JLEAG Digital Sign Waving |
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| We are proud to kick-off our Justice Lived Experience Advisory Group (JLEAG) digital sign waving. This ongoing, positive digital messaging will allow community members with real justice-lived experience to share a message with the Hawai’i community. Digital Sign Waving is our way of using the power of social media and digital platforms to amplify voices, spread awareness, and mobilize action. Instead of waving physical signs, we’ll be waving digital flags through posts and shares across various online platforms. Our first round of signs are to celebrate National Second Chance month! Each JLEAG member shown was asked to write a sign for Second Chance month and to explain the meaning of their sign and how second chances benefit the community. Michelle Manalo (Top Left): Perfection does not exist. People make mistakes. Second chances benefit our community by reducing recidivism, encouraging family reunification, and allowing opportunity for a person to become a productive member of society. Michelle Kobayashi (Top Right): You have to go through the worst to get to the best. I believe I’m worth that second chance to live and build a beautiful and healthy life. With God All Things Are Possible! Zinah Loeb (Bottom Left): With each new day? Iʻm blessed with the opportunity to make a change for the better. It allows for an individual to reach their fullest potential turn, becoming a better community player. Ili Tolentino-Dunkin (Bottom Right): Learn to ask for help. Know who you are, what you are and be accountable to yourself. Courage to break the generational curse. |
| GHH Holds Domestic Violence Awareness Sign Waving |
 On Friday, March 1st, Going Home Hawai’i joined hands with partner agencies for the Domestic Violence Awareness Sign Waving & Vigil. As an organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted persons, we annually recognize the critical intersection between domestic violence and justice involvement. By raising awareness and offering support, we aim to break the cycle of violence and provide a path towards healing and empowerment for survivors. Our involvement underscores our commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities for all individuals, including those impacted by domestic violence. Together, we stand united in our efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for a future free from domestic violence. |
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| HIFUSE and Justice- Involved Homeless Project |
| On March 4th and 6th, we held our HIFUSE Virtual Kick-off to introduce the HIFUSE program design! With the guidance and collaboration of the community and, in particular, critical partners in the housing, homelessness, and health sectors, as well as justice system and law enforcement partners, the HIFUSE project design and data matching will bring the knowledge and resources of multiple sectors to best allocate public resources available. With generous support from the Hawai`i Community Foundation(HCF) and the County of Hawai’i Office of Housing and Community Development(OHCD), Going Home Hawai`i is launching an all-new program to connect people who are experiencing homelessness and are justice-involved to much-needed resources.HIFUSE will work with housing and justice partners countywide and statewide to connect and aggregate data to provide HIFUSE better insight into frequent use, establish new avenues of in-reach and outreach, and rely on the expertise and leadership of people with lived experience to launch this groundbreaking program in our community. |
| Consortium Meeting Updates |
| Each month, the Hawai`i Island Going Home Consortium holds a virtual meeting which includes a half hour Executive Committee meeting prior to the main Consortium meeting, committee breakout sessions and a guest speaker to share on an aspect of reentry and restoration, followed by a Q&A session. All videos are posted on our YouTube channel. Meetings are held via Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 9th from 11:30 AM-1:00PM HST https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87034448225?pwd=NklDZkJBcFQrcTA5Z2NLOHp5cERJZz09 Meeting ID: 870 3444 8225 Passcode: 764825 |
| A Special Mahalo… |
| To our Board of Directors for their dedication, guidance, and support. Les Estrella, President & CEO; Chair, Denise Pacheco, Vice Chair; Dr. Jamee Mahealani Miller, Secretary; Lilinoe Kauahikaua, Treasurer; Dr. C. Kimo Alameda; Director; Dr. Marilyn Brown |
| Copyright © 2019, Going Home Hawaii, All rights reserved. Our contact information is: 80 Pauahi Street, Suite 207 Hilo, Hawai’i 96720 Office: (808) 491-2437 Fax: (808) 498-0315 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. |
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