Palama Settlement Program Information CURRENT PALAMA SETTLEMENT PROGRAMS •
In-Community Treatment Program Since 1979, this program has worked with youth, ages 12-17, who are referred by the Family Court because they are adjudicated or are struggling in the standard school environment. The overall goal is to complete school (either by graduating from their home high school or getting their GED). In addition to education, we help students make wise and healthy lifestyle choices through alternative learning models including sports, camp, art and crafts.
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Neighborhood Development & Community Outreach Program This program provides a wide array of support services to low-income and/or immigrant populations living in the housing projects in our community. Many of those we help are part of the new immigrant wave from Micronesia including children, families and a large segment of homebound elderly. The goal is to work toward self-sufficiency. We assist with basic needs by distributing food and other goods to residents in the public housing projects and from individual visits to our food pantry. We help people navigate the complex state and local legal and human services systems, and help them understand and manage personal finances and savings. Through a partnership with Likelike Elementary School, American Savings Bank and the University of Hawaii, we have begun a children’s saving program. We also run a “Girls Circle” program to facilitate and promote girls resiliency and connection with relationships and peers. This gives girls the needed tools and resources so they can learn to build self-esteem, trust and relationships with others.
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Leland Blackfield Youth Activity Center In 1989, Mrs. Cecilia Blackfield established the Leland Blackfield Activity Center at Palama Settlement in memory of her son. This is an alternative setting for at-risk youth and community members to enhance their educational and social skills as well as have fun. Movie and popcorn night is held twice a month. The Center is a safe and nurturing place for kids who live in the Kalihi-Palama neighborhood.
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Henry and Colene Wong Computer Center The Henry and Colene Wong Foundation funded new computers for our center in 2009 and currently provides funds for an instructor who works to improve the skills of young people in our programs as well as members of our community. In addition, tax preparation services are offered to community members.
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Pakolea Program This program for youth, ages 7-17, uses a combination of socialization, academic, life skills and athletics to help youth set short and long-term plans that lead them to becoming productive adults. Participants spend time on homework and other educational activities as part of the program, as well as playing team sports such as
Pop Warner football and basketball in the Police Activity League (PAL). In partnership with Na Koa Football Booster Club, special outings to the University of Hawaii athletic facilities and opportunities to meet UH athletes are provided. •
Recreation Division Palama Settlement’s facilities, including the swimming pool, gym, ball courts and athletic field, provide a wide array of activities and sports for community members. On-Site Senior Citizen Program Community seniors enjoy many activities at Palama that promote healthy living. Activities include line dancing, mahjong and crafts.
Intramural and Sports We work with the surrounding schools and community to host various sports throughout the year including swimming, tag football, basketball, and volleyball.
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Pre-kindergarten ACE Program In partnership with the University of Hawaii Center for Disabilities Studies we provide a kindergarten readiness program in the summer for children who have not had the opportunity to attend preschool.
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Summer Enrichment Program We provide children in the community with a fun, structured and safe environment during the summer.
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Scholarships Thanks to Mrs. Cecilia Blackfield, her family, friends & ABC Stores with their generous annual gifts each year since 1999, the Blackfield and Friends Scholarship Program has provided over $136,000 in scholarship assistance to help more than 35 youths further their education. In addition, Hannah Cochrane, a dear friend of Mrs. Blackfield’s, also established a need-based scholarship fund to support post secondary education in the State of Hawaii.
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Annual Community Holiday Celebration Every year Palama Settlement hosts a holiday celebration for families and children in the community. The toys we receive from Toys for Tots and other donors are wrapped and given to every child ages 0 – 12 who attends. Other activities include a visit with Santa, entertainment and family door prizes consisting of food and household items. For more information, visit www.PalamaSettlement.org, call (808) 845-3945, or email info@palamasettlement.org
Palama Settlement is a non-profit corporation that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 99-0074140