by JoAnn Bishop Freed, Executive Director

Over the past two decades a wealth of research in the science of early development has led to widespread recognition that relationships are critical to development.

An infant’s strong, enduring relationship with a primary caregiver provides that infant with a sense of security and identity that is the foundation for a lifetime of relationships. Children’s development is affected by the quality of parent-child interactions, family and community child experiences and an environment that is healthy and safe. All learning takes place in the context of relationships and is critically affected by the quality of those relationships. FSSWH strives to achieve best practice in service delivery throughout its many programs by recognizing and nurturing the many relationships associated with child and family development.

Relationships-based organizations such as FSSWH are identified by their commitment to quality relationships-those characterized by trust, support and growth among and between staff, parents and children. These relationships form the foundation for all the work that’s done and for the way in which we do business. FSSWH provides a range of resources to support this relationship-based approach such as time for reflective supervision. FSSWH acknowledges that when we grow strong relationships with staff, we are helping them grow strong relationships with families as well. The organizational structure parallels and models this relationship-based direct service approach, including administration setting a tone that values and supports a deep level of teamwork, communication and problem-solving. The organization also secures funding to support the otherwise non-reimbursed time required for essential functions such as teamwork, planning, training and supervision.

Every relationship has the potential and power to enhance other associated relationships. Administrative support sets the tone for the quality of supervisor-practitioner relationships. Supervisory relationships can enhance both practitioner-practitioner relationships and practitioner-parent relationships. And all of these relationships, in turn, strengthen parent-child relationships. It is through these essential interrelated relationships that we create a web of support for our island’s families and children.
 

By Stone Wolfsong, Healthy Start

I recently watched a documentary about a theater director in Massachusetts who was presented with the opportunity of directing West Side Story using actual gang members from his community. At first he refused, not believing it was possible, but was later convinced to go ahead and use the grant money for this production. His worst fears were realized as he auditioned gang members who couldn’t sing, couldn’t dance, and certainly couldn’t act. Nevertheless, the director chose the best performers from the gangs and spent the next few weeks despairing about the lack of talent and potential in this group. In interviews, gang members shared feelings of hopelessness and apathy about their future.
And then something happened – the director began to see sparks of real talent in the group. He fanned the flames of their emerging skills; he worked overtime with each gang member; he found stipends to pay them for their time. In this process, the gang members discovered their own talents. The production of West Side Story to the community was a professional, lively musical presented by obviously talented, FORMER gang members.

In interviews afterward, the gang members shared how the experience had changed their lives. Several said they now had plans for the future. They felt, for the first time in their lives that they had some power and could create a better future for themselves. It was a heartwarming documentary about how the simple experience of having someone believe in you, can be life transforming.

What happens to families who participate in Healthy Start parallels the experience of the gang members in performing a musical for their community. The Massachusetts director used theatre production. Healthy Start uses the parent-child interaction. The director believed that these gang members had talent. Healthy Start Family Support Workers (FSWs) believe that all parents want to be good parents. They believe that motivation is fostered by a consistent focus on a family’s strengths. Like the director who insisted on assuring a professional, first-rate presentation, our FSWs believe that when you expect more, you get more.

Healthy Start is a strengths-based model that focuses on positive outcomes for children, responsive parent-child relationships, healthy family functioning, and establishing community connectedness to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our goal is that every child will grow up in an environment that includes a nurturing, responsive parent-child relationship, developmentally appropriate experiences, readiness to learn, and social support.

The relationship begins in the hospital or at the initial interview. During this “talk story” the Healthy Start Family Assessment Worker provides an open non-judgmental platform to assess the family’s need for support. Overburdened families qualify for Healthy Start services based on the outcomes of this interview. Families may accept or decline services.

The first few home visits are dedicated to getting to know the family. Once trust has been established and the family has articulated their goals and values, a formal process of setting these dreams and values down on paper begins – the Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP). Supporting the family in accomplishing their goals and uncovering each parent’s talents and strengths is the focus throughout the next two years of engagement.

FSWs accentuate the positive to increase a behavior that would benefit the child and family if it happened more often. Accentuating the positive builds parents’ self-esteem and brings their strengths and knowledge to light. Our FSWs also facilitate regular, systematic screening of children’s development starting at four months. The Ages and Stages Questionnaires involve the parents in observing and supporting their children’s development. Through the use of “Wondering Curiosity,” FSWs partner with parents to understand a child’s behavior and communications and help to discover the reasons behind the child’s behavior.

Healthy Start Family Support Workers never give up on a family. Time after time, when I ask FSWs what works with families, this is what they tell me. Our families learn that no matter what, our FSWs will continue to show up for visits, to support them, to bring ideas and curriculum and to connect them to other young parents in their community. Our FSWs are modeling a non-judgmental acceptance of families and a strong belief in their ability to be good parents that transfers to the way they raise their children.

If you know of an expectant mother who could benefit from Healthy Start services, please call Charlene at 334- 4121.
 

Pam Naumann, Youth Development

Youth Development has done many things to achieve our goal of creating a safe, stimulating place for youth in our community. Our Youth Service Center programs offer a variety of activities such as graphic arts, sports, career explorations, and youth leadership. This past summer we launched a performing arts component. In partnership with Kealakehe Intermediate School and The Aloha Teen Theatre, the youth produced and performed the play Aladdin, Jr. This endeavor provided an opportunity for youth to explore their potential and learn different aspects of the theatre such as set design, lights and sound, costumes, make-up, and choreography.
 

The youth put their hearts into Aladdin, Jr. and it really paid off with stellar performances. This musical thrilled audiences of all ages, captivating them with uplifting songs, comedic lines, and magnetic choreography. Our very own Jeff Gourley, Youth Development Specialist, directed the show. He devoted a lot of time and effort in offering this opportunity to our youth. Many had never been exposed to the theatre. During the seven weeks leading up to the performance, youth supported and bonded with one another. They helped fellow cast members memorize lines and learn dance steps. Even during off campus excursions, youth could be heard singing show tunes!

During one of our evening performances, I overheard a youth tell his parent, while pointing to the set, “I painted those windows!” I could see the pride in both the parent and child’s eyes. Another youth shared with me she had applied her own stage make-up and I could sense her feelings of accomplishment.

While this newly implemented program is teaching the youth many new skills and exposing them to the arts, it is also successful in empowering and raising their self-confidence. We look forward to their future productions!

We are grateful to Karen Makanui, costumer and grant coordinator, Kalena Makanui for her musical direction and Jill Rietow, our choreographer. This project could not have been pulled off without the support of our volunteers. This production was funded in part by the State of Hawaii, Office of Youth Services, Young Brothers LTD and the Hawaii Community Foundation’s West Hawaii Fund.

Kauila Ho, Fatherhood Initiative

The West Hawaii Fatherhood Initiative was invited by the Neighborhood Place of Kona, to participate with two of our fathers and their families in a family strengthening camping weekend on Maui. Our gracious hosts on Maui were Duke and Venus Rosetti Hill, the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Place of Wailuku. Together they brought over 20 years of experience in outdoor team building and family strengthening activities to our camping experience.

The activities started in West Hawaii two weeks prior to the Maui trip so that the families from FSSWH and the Neighborhood Place of Kona could have the opportunity to get to know each other through team building exercises before leaving the island. These took place at Papawai, the beautiful makai property of the Queen Liliu’okalani Trust in Kona. Throughout the active, fun-filled day, the four families formed a bond with one another that was the foundation for the extended excursion to Maui.

Our families flew from Kona, arrived at the Kahului Airport on the morning of August 17th and traveled east to Kahakuloa Valley. As we traveled on the winding road to the valley, the excitement and anticipation grew among all the members of the group. Finally reaching the access road to the valley, we traveled mauka crossing through the river three times on our way up the winding dirt road. We reached our destination and were greeted by Uncle Oliver--the konohiki (caretaker) of this property. He explained the significance of the valley to the ancient Hawaiians and shared his mana’o of the importance of preserving the lifestyle. We all helped unload and hand-carry all of our supplies and personal gear over a swinging foot bridge to our camp site about a quarter mile up from where the road ended. The family strengthening had begun, and everyone pitched in until all the supplies were transported to the camp site. The day was filled with group activities, continuing to build a strong bond within each family and within the group. Needless to say everyone was well worn out by the end of the first day.

Day two was equally eventful, beginning with everyone working in the taro patches - cleaning, replanting and harvesting. An imu was made and filled with food for the evening meal. A cultural hike into the back of the valley led by Uncle Oliver and poi- pounding were all included in the day’s activities. After this full day and a wonderful evening meal, the darkness and quietness of the valley lulled us all into a deep restful sleep.
 

Ellen O'kelly, Early Head Start

Children with parents who drop out of school are more likely to drop out of school themselves, according to a national study. Hoping to reduce such a domino effect, Kealakehe High School and Family Support Services of West Hawaii - in partnership with the State Department of Human Services - have opened a campus childcare program for teen parents.

The primary goal for the high school is to ensure that teen parents will continue with their education in order to graduate. The lack of quality childcare has been a major impediment for teens to finish their high school education.

Kealakehe was awarded funds this year to create the program as an extension of the State’s Graduation Reality and Dual Role Skills (GRADS) program. The partners hope the project will not only keep teens in school but will also instill good parenting skills. Early Head Start adds an additional level of quality to the center by providing comprehensive services to the families including nutrition awareness, health/dental resources, social services and a high quality environment with educational experiences for the babies.

Parents in the program must meet a set of standards such as arriving thirty minutes prior to the start of school to settle their child in as well as spending their lunch break in the classroom to help feed their baby. Teens will also observe the teachers and learn ways to engage with their child.

Early Head Start firmly believes that the parent is the child’s first teacher and along with FSSWH’s father coaches will provide guidance to the new moms and dads as they learn how to care for and build positive relationships with their infants.
 

Roxanne Benson, Youth Development

In July, six youth enrolled in Youth Development Division’s after-school program and youth advisory council attended the Anti-Tobacco Youth Summit.  This year the three day convention was held at the University of Hawaii on Oahu.  The youth were chaperoned by youth development specialists, Roxanne Benson and Henry Makuakane. 

This statewide event, sponsored by REAL, is a youth-led movement exposing the manipulation of the tobacco industry.  The idea that smoking is cool has been played up in movies and on television for years, but these participants got the message that smoking is bad.  The youth participated in hands on activities and workshops that showed them how to make their own choices, rebel through self-expression and take a stand against the tobacco industry. 

The REAL staff not only taught the youth about tobacco and its problems, but also had them focus on the other issues specific to their communities.  Some of the projects they chose to work on were:  Teen pregnancy, teen drug and alcohol use, graffiti, and rubbish in their school.  These exercises were designed to empower the youth to think on their own and give them the confidence to know that they can make a difference in their own communities. 

On the last day of the summit, the youth learned advocacy strategies to advance their position on second hand smoke.  They created anti-tobacco posters and headed for the state capitol to protest in front of the governor’s mansion.  Dressed in matching REAL shirts and hats, the youth rallied together making cell phone calls into Governor Lingle’s office asking her to sign the Second Hand Smoke Bill.  The governor signed the bill into law.  Local radio and news stations came out to interview the youth.  The youth felt valued because they were instrumental in making a difference!