HI HOPES Initiative

HI HOPES Initiative The HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative helps young people — primarily those between ages 14 and 26 — make successful transitions from foster care to adulthood.

Initiative engages Youth Voice and Community Collaboration to improve the Child Welfare System in Hawai’i and improve the well-being of youth and young adults impacted by foster care. HI H.O.P.E.S stands “Hawai'i Helping Our People Envision Success”. HI H.O.P.E.S. works with public and private partners to improve policies and practices, promote youth engagement, apply evaluation and research, and

create community partners. creates opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes in permanence, education, employment, housing, health, financial capability, and social capital. Youth Leadership Boards provides the youth voice for HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative and Department of Human Services-Child Welfare Services (DHS-CWS). Youth Leadership Boards are comprised of current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 26 and is a statewide initiative with board on O’ahu, Kaua’i, Maui, West and East Hawaii. The role of the youth leadership boards are to educate others on the needs of transitioning foster youth, collaborate with community partners and advocate for improved outcomes.

✨ March 2026 HI H.O.P.E.S Youth Leadership Board Summit filled mind and body, What unfolded this weekend went far beyond...
04/02/2026

✨ March 2026 HI H.O.P.E.S Youth Leadership Board Summit filled mind and body, What unfolded this weekend went far beyond connection—it was rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and real growth.

As board members and advisors, we created space to be open with one another—sharing not just our strengths, but also our challenges, perspectives, and visions. Through that transparency, we strengthened trust and built a deeper sense of closeness that will continue to guide how we lead and support our youth.

Together, we grounded ourselves in the ʻāina of Kauaʻi 🌿—calling Camp Makanalani our home for the weekend, embracing the beauty around us, and allowing the land to hold space for reflection, healing, and intention.

From working in the loʻi to learning and growing side by side, every moment reminded us that leadership is not just about service—it’s about relationship, accountability, and showing up fully for one another.

We leave this summit more connected, more aligned, and more committed than ever—to each other, to our community, and to the purpose we carry forward.

04/02/2026

✨ March 2026 HI H.O.P.E.S Youth Leadership Board Summit filled our heart in ways we didn’t expect. This weekend was more than just connection—it was healing.
We deepened our bonds with one another while also grounding ourselves in the ʻāina of Kauaʻi 🌿 From calling Camp Makanalani home, to embracing the wildlife and breathtaking views, every moment felt intentional and sacred.
We honored our Hawaiian roots through working in the loʻi, learning, growing, and giving back—while also uplifting and inspiring every board advisor and member who showed up with open hearts.
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it. This is what community, culture, and purpose feel like. 💚💙
RootedAndRising

Join the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative at EPIC ʻOhana and help uplift youth voice across Hawaiʻi. We’re hiring for: HI H.O.P....
02/13/2026

Join the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative at EPIC ʻOhana and help uplift youth voice across Hawaiʻi. We’re hiring for:
HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialist (Maui): https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/route/position/15385/S3UE
Administrative Assistant (Oʻahu): https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/route/position/15161/V4ZJ
HI H.O.P.E.S. Specialist I (Statewide): https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/route/position/15547/G5JG
If you believe in leadership, connection, and creating real change with youth, we’d love to have you with us. Learn more about EPIC ʻOhana at https://www.epicohana.org/ and explore the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative at https://hihopes.org/

✨ 15 years. Countless voices. One powerful movement. From bold beginnings to lasting impact, HI H.O.P.E.S. has shown wha...
08/28/2025

✨ 15 years. Countless voices. One powerful movement. From bold beginnings to lasting impact, HI H.O.P.E.S. has shown what happens when youth lead with heart. 💛 On May 6, 2025, we gathered at the Japanese Cultural Center to celebrate our 15th anniversary—honoring the legacy and future of foster youth advocacy in Hawaiʻi. We’re deeply grateful to all our partners who joined us, both local and national, standing in solidarity and celebration of youth voice.

We paused. We reflected. Now we rise. 🌺 ✨HI H.O.P.E.S. is back—and we’re louder, prouder, and more rooted than ever. Fro...
08/26/2025

We paused. We reflected. Now we rise. 🌺 ✨HI H.O.P.E.S. is back—and we’re louder, prouder, and more rooted than ever. From Pilina Circles to sibling events, national convenings to legacy celebrations… youth voice is leading the way. 💬🌈 💰 $96K+ in matched assets 📍 521 youth served 👥 3,421 adults engaged 🎉 15 years of impact —and we’re just getting started. This isn’t just a comeback. It’s a movement.

Game night at the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board Summit was an absolute blast! 🎉 From the intense Minute to Win It...
02/20/2025

Game night at the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board Summit was an absolute blast! 🎉 From the intense Minute to Win It challenges hosted by our individual boards to the epic annual game of musical chairs, every moment was filled with laughter and bonding. We ended the night singing our hearts out at karaoke 🎤, sharing stories, and roasting s’mores by the fire! 🔥 It was incredible to connect with both new and familiar faces, creating unforgettable memories and strengthening our boards. 💙💚
 

Advocating for change! 🗣️✨ At our HI H.O.P.E.S. Annual Summit, we had the incredible opportunity to learn about legislat...
02/13/2025

Advocating for change! 🗣️✨ At our HI H.O.P.E.S. Annual Summit, we had the incredible opportunity to learn about legislative advocacy with Skadden Fellow Dana Matsunami. From understanding how a bill becomes a law to learning how to read a bill and submit testimony, we gained the tools to make an impact on child welfare policy this legislative session. 💙

✨The start of a new year often lends room for time to reflect on the lessons learned from years past, an assessment of w...
02/13/2025

✨The start of a new year often lends room for time to reflect on the lessons learned from years past, an assessment of where you’re currently at, and creation of the goals you have for the future. ✨

In like fashion, at the start of every year, the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative does just that by bringing Board Members from around the State to share their accomplishments, lessons learned, and hopes/goals for the upcoming year at our annual three-day HI H.O.P.E.S. Summit. During the Summit, Board Members participate in bonding activities, workshops, and Board Planning sessions to ground them in this work, so they have the fuel and fire to spark change in the foster care system in the years ahead.

This year, our Annual HI H.O.E.S. Summit was held last month from Friday, January 24th through Sunday, January 26th, at Camp Mokulēʻia on the North Shore of the island of Oʻahu. In honor of our 15-year anniversary, the theme of our Summit this year was “Leaving, Living, and Leading Our Legacy,” to pay tribute to the work done by our HI H.O.P.E.S. Legends of the past, the work currently being done by our current Board Members, and the goals, vision, and direction we collectively see for our future as an Initiative.

To kick us off on our journey into reflection for the weekend, our Board Members gathered for the evening opening session and reflected on the following questions:
1) What light do you carry with you for those who have left a legacy with the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board?
2) What light do you currently carry and hold as you lead your legacy?

During this session, we gained a lot of insight into the path paved by the HI H.O.P.E.S. Legends of the Past and the strengths of those currently serving on the Boards.

Stay tuned for more highlights of the Annual Summit Recap in the weeks ahead! We’ve got a ton to share with you and we hope you’ll do the same starting with today’s post! Feel free to answer the questions above in the comments section below 😊

2024: Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. Board Year in Review 🌟In 2024, they soared so high,Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. reaching the sky. Our...
02/08/2025

2024: Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. Board Year in Review 🌟

In 2024, they soared so high,
Kaua’i HI H.O.P.E.S. reaching the sky. Our Youth Leadership Board, so strong and true,
Supporting the community in all that we do. 🌺

Olympic Day brought joy and cheer. Young and old, we gathered near. Foster care youth and providers too,
A day of fun, education, and bonding grew. 🏅🎉

Imua Kākou turned ten last year, with Hale ‘Ōpio, we gave a cheer. A decade of growth, success in sight. Celebrating milestones, hearts so light. 🎂🎊

Winter Sibling Event was pure delight. Hot cocoa, gifts, and smiles so bright. Siblings united, families in tow,
At Kaua’i Community College, love did flow. ❄️🎁☕️

As we look ahead to 2025,
Our spirits are high, our dreams alive. Educating, advocating, collaborating too,
Together we’ll achieve, there’s so much to do. 🚀✨

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

✨ 2024: Year in Review! ✨This year, the East Hawaiʻi HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board worked tirelessly to create me...
02/06/2025

✨ 2024: Year in Review! ✨

This year, the East Hawaiʻi HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board worked tirelessly to create meaningful change and amplify the voices of foster youth. We were honored to host and collaborate on impactful events, including our Sibling Christmas Connection Event, Foster Care Awareness Month activities, transition ceremonies, and much more. As well as, celebrating milestones like Imua Kākou’s 10th Anniversary and meeting with incredible leaders like the First Lady, this year was filled with opportunities to educate, advocate, and collaborate to make a difference for our foster youth. Here’s to building on this momentum in 2025! 🌟

🌟 2024 Year in Review: Maui HI H.O.P.E.S. Board 🌟What an incredible year it’s been! From creating unforgettable experien...
02/05/2025

🌟 2024 Year in Review: Maui HI H.O.P.E.S. Board 🌟

What an incredible year it’s been! From creating unforgettable experiences, sharing knowledge, advocating, and even getting to know our First Lady, we’ve spread joy throughout the holidays and are so grateful for the memories made in 2024.

Here are a few highlights from the Maui board:
✨ Dream Day Magic ✨ During their annual Dream Day, Maui youth and young adults had an unforgettable adventure at Maalaea Ocean Center. They embarked on a scavenger hunt to learn about their Bill of Rights, enjoyed a delicious seaside lunch, and celebrated birthdays with a splash! 🎉🌊 The day wrapped up with a thrilling Catamaran cruise! 🚤  Each youth got the chance to captain the boat, sail out to sea, and bring home a special gift. The Maui board also gave away grand prizes, including an electric scooter, a hoverboard, and Amazon gift cards! 🎁💙

🎅🏼 Holiday Cheer 🎅🏼 To cap off a fantastic year, they hosted their 4th Annual Christmas Drive-Thru, spreading holiday cheer to 35-40 families. Gingerbread House kits, notebooks, pens, coloring supplies, and Christmas puzzles were handed out to bring a little holiday magic, Maui style! 🍪✨

Thank you to everyone who made this year so special. Together, we continue to empower and uplift our communities. Here’s to an even brighter 2025! 🌟

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In their quest to , , and , the West Hawai'i Board loves to as well.For West Hawai'i, 2024 was truly a year that sh...
01/29/2025

In their quest to , , and , the West Hawai'i Board loves to as well.

For West Hawai'i, 2024 was truly a year that showcased their creativity and their passion to provide unique opportunities for young people in foster care to interact, connect, play, and learn.

Huge mahalo to our collaborative 'ohana on the west side, including Lili'uokalani Trust, The Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services, Hennasphere, Apani Artistry, and the many members of our community that donated their time and input to making all our events a huge success!

1: Makahiki Festival in January 2024
2: Operation Graduation in May 2024
3: Imua Kākou 10-Year Anniversary Celebration in June 2024
4: Sibling Birthday Bash in June 2024
5: West Hawai'i HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board

We are looking forward to more innovation in 2025!

And you can help us by answering the following question: What is something youth in care (ages 14+) or those ages 18-26 would find helpful? (It could be an event, items, information--we are open to any and all ideas!)

Address

1130 N Nimitz Highway Suite C-230
Honolulu, HI
96817

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18087487052

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The HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative helps young people — primarily those between ages 14 and 26 — make successful transitions from foster care to adulthood. HI H.O.P.E.S stands “Hawai'i Helping Our People Envision Success”. HI H.O.P.E.S. works with public and private partners to improve policies and practices, promote youth engagement, apply evaluation and research, and create community partners. HI H.O.P.E.S. creates opportunities for young people to achieve positive outcomes in permanence, education, employment, housing, health, financial capability, and social capital.

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Boards provides the youth voice for HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative and Department of Human Services-Child Welfare Services (DHS-CWS). HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Boards are comprised of current and former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 26 and is a statewide initiative with board on O’ahu, Kaua’i, Maui, West and East Hawaii. The role of the youth leadership boards are to educate others on the needs of transitioning foster youth, collaborate with community partners and advocate for improved outcomes.