Page 5 - MIdWeek Kauai - Nov 17, 2021

PROOF POSITIVE
Child & Family Service Offers Options For Kaua‘i Residents
By Novelyn Hinazumi, Director Nof Kaua‘i Programs, Child & Family Service (CFS)
Keiki Programs
Benefits Assistance
Additional Assistance
eed help in life? The Child & Family Service Family Centers are here
One of the Family Center’s lesser-known offerings is its keiki programs. For example, the Family Centers guide teens to learn tangible life skills like how to open a bank account, save for a car, or learn how to write a resume for your first job. The Family Centers also offer one- on-one counseling to enhance so- cial-emotional abilities, such as how to enhance communication or be a better listener.
Need help figuring out what benefits you qualify for or how to apply for them? Visit Nana’s House or Hale Ho‘omalu for as- sistance with completing the pa- perwork for SNAP, QUEST or other services. The Family Cen- ter staff are well-versed in gov- ernment assistance, and can help you better navigate the paper- work to apply for these programs.
Looking to put your best foot forward in your job search? Both Family Centers offer a huge treasure trove of services aimed at increasing financial literacy and preparing for employment. Building a resume, opening a bank account, interviewing prac- tice and skills, budgeting for life — these are all things both Fami- ly Centers can help with.
Clothing closets and food pan- tries are among the assistance of- fered at Nana’s House and Hale Ho‘omalu. All Garden Island res- idents are welcome to this array of resources and assistance when times are tough.
for you.
Both Nana’s House in Waimea
“If you are hesitant to ask for help, don’t be!” says Novelyn Hinazumi, director of Kaua‘i Programs.
and Hale Ho‘omalu in Kapa‘a of- fer a walk-in, one-stop location for a multitude of programs and assistance designed to strengthen Kaua‘i’s at-risk individuals and families.
Mental Health Services
Job And Life Skills
“The Centers serve as a place to come even if you don’t know what you need. Our experienced staff can help you determine the best services or programs for your unique situation, and guide you on the path to improve your life circumstances. People just need to stop by and say, ‘I need help.’ ”
Our experienced staff can help you determine the best services or programs for your unique situation.
NOVEMBER 17, 2021 KAUA‘I MIDWEEK 5
Last year alone, nearly 1,500 families took the first step toward enhancing their relationships and learning new skills to make life better. Here, the Family Centers welcome everyone from keiki to kūpuna, and serve as a safe place to get help. Anyone can come in for the free services or programs.
Other keiki programs include camps during fall, winter and spring break. Both Nana’s House and Hale Ho‘omalu offer a Head Start program to get younger kids ready for kindergarten. Group outings to mālama the ‘āina in- clude beach cleanups and visits to Kōke‘e to help keep Kaua‘i’s parks clean.
Now more than ever mental health is pushed to the limits. The Family Centers offer free counseling services to help nav- igate life challenges — whether it’s a personal issue, relationship problem, or even family counsel- ing. The experienced counselors and staff are here to help Kaua‘i residents on the road to fulfill- ment by providing them the tools needed to make life better.
To learn more about our Family Centers, please visit childandfamilyservice.org.