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‘apelila2011
www.oha.org/kwo | kwo@OHA.org
na t i v e hawaiian » new s | fea t u r e s | e v en t s
Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union and OHA partnered on a program to advance small-business dreams and education goals. Here are just a few of the success stories. By Melissa Moniz Tom and Beth Mehau just celebrated the first anniversary of their business, Mama’s House Thrift Store. “We were watching so many of our friends losing their jobs, their houses, their cars,” says Beth. “The faith in the calling became stronger than the fear.” Photos: John De Mello
On Hawai‘i Island, helping Hawaiian families
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t’s all adding up to building stronger fo and education – for the 20 Native Haw from Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union gram, known as the Office of Hawaiian A Accounts program. The success of the OHA IDA program has spr – it’s infectiously made its way through families been recognized nationwide. “At the time we started the OHA IDA there wa we knew of,” says Alycia Juvik, HFFCU’s Com “And because of the success of the program, o started in Native American counties throughout This model of success began with HFFCU’s serve the community and to remedy an increas financial hardship due to the economic crash, lac edge. HFFCU decided that Individual Development in breaking down barriers to asset-building and “Our CEO Laura Aguirre saw IDAs as an ap tainability, but after research we realized tha just the IDA and there needed to be a s that’s when we really complemen First Federal Community) Resou are able to provide them with fin mentorship, helping them come u ness plan.” As a Native Community Deve HFFCU has been serving the financi ian population on the Big Island s socioeconomic development in stru critical role in building financial rela Native Hawaiian community. With a plan in place, HFFCU reache Affairs for a grant that would provide fun approval, the OHA Individual Developm 20 Native Hawaiians assistance in achieving tion or small-business creation. “This is our first time that an organization be us,” says Juvik. “OHA took that leap and it’s families are thriving.” The program kicked off January 2009 and a ments were given six to 12 months to save $1,0 Each worked toward that goal by making financial education and financial counseling, development and much more. “Basically they tell us what their goal is and w want to be,” says Juvik. “If it’s for small busin business development, we help them write an ex We help them with marketing strategies. And th from the resource center while they’re still getti “For education we help them apply for fina providing them with support for their asset go process.” Upon achieving all of the requirements, thei for every $1 saved, giving them a credit of $5, for their goal. “It’s basically to seed their business or educa Through the program 10 Hawaiian-owned sma and 10 Native Hawaiians are receiving higher e