Successful Transitions
Successful transitions can mean many things to youth and families. At Project Ho‘omohala, successful transitions for youth and families are looked at as any development that is a positive evolvement. It could be graduating high school, learning to live independently, making new friendships, developing one–s own interests, learning to communicate more clearly, discovering positive ways to express oneself, and or seeking their own desires. At Project Ho‘omohala, we celebrate our youth and families for their empowered evolvements!
Positive life changing experiences at Project Ho‘omohala!
Youth Success
Misty’s Story
Hi,
My name is Misty, I’m 19 years old and I attend Honolulu Community College. Almost 2 years ago I found out
about Project Ho‘omohala and got a chance to meet everyone who works with the project. At that time I was still at Farrington High School and because I
had missed a lot of school, really needed help to catch up with some of my school work, because I really wanted to graduate. It was hard work, but Myra, my
Transition Specialist at Susannah Wesley and Alofa, my Youth Involvement Resource Coordinator at Wai Aka / HELE ON Young Adult Support Organization who works
for Project Ho‘omohala, sat down and talked with me and listened to what I wanted to try and do then and after I graduated. There is so much to think of and
I really needed some help with encouragement, motivation, perseverance, and getting my priorities straight. I was a little on the nerd side in school, but I like
to have fun. I’m creative, outgoing, and sociable, but I guess I’m a little shy too. When I got involved with Project Ho‘omohala I got a lot
of support that really helped me through my rough times. Since I’ve been involved with Project Ho‘omohala I’ve learned how to communicate
better with others, and I’ve learned more about mental health through Project Ho‘omohala I’ve become more involved with being in discussions
and having a voice. I’ve also gained knowledge of how I can help others with similar challenges.
Gernani is Such an Exceptional Person
He shares his experience and evolution through slam poetry. Check it out!
The Family Experience
The following is a letter from Lisa who is a parent at Project Ho‘omohala:
Dear Jonni,
I am writing this to you to let you know how important you’ve become to me. You have made such an impact on my life and
truly have become a lifesaver to me. I always believe there is a reason for everything in life whether we like it or not. You have become such a great mentor to
me and a true friend as well. Hawai‘i Family as Allies and Project Ho‘omohala are very lucky to have you. They would really lose out if you were not
there!! Thanks to you I have become involved with the Children’s Council Parent Support, Governing Council, and that’s just to name a few. Thanks to you
I am getting involved again and starting to have some hope again after everything I have been through the last give years. It still hurts but with your help and
guidance the pain has lessen some. You have given me laughter and help me regain some self-confidence in myself as well. I am blessed everyday that you have been
in my life and for this I will be forever grateful. There are not enough words to express my thanks to you! I am looking forward to keep working with you and
being your friend. Once again thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will be forever grateful to you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
God Bless you and your family as well.
Sincerely,
Lisa
P.S. I know you probably do not want me to do this but too bad. I am sending a copy of this to Hawaii Families as Allies and Project Ho‘omohala, and the Children’s Council because I sent them to know that you are doing a great job and what you have done for me.
© 2010. Center on Disability Studies. All rights reserved.
