Kōkua ‘Ohana

Gathering and supporting foster families and keiki in the Hawaiian community

One of the newest programs initiated by the Partners in Development Foundation, Kōkua ‘Ohana, is an innovative approach to foster care reform built around the notion of "families helping families." Currently, fifty two percent (1400) of children in foster care are native Hawaiian. Only half (686) are placed in homes who share their cultural background and heritage.

Kōkua ‘Ohana works with churches and community organizations within the Native Hawaiian community to recruit, train, and support foster families. By working hand-in-hand with the community, Partners in Development and the Kōkua ‘Ohana program hope to further the well being of Hawai‘i's vulnerable keiki and the Native Hawaiian population at large.

	Lora Perry Interim Program Director
Lora Perry is a Native Hawaiian who in the past has lived in the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homestead community. She has a Degree in Early Education and Human Resource Management. Her master's thesis was First Year Outcomes of a Native Hawaiian Family Education Program.

Monday, November 19, 2007
Presentation of Suitcases and Basic Necessities to Keiki in Foster Care
The Moms Offering Moms Support Club of East Honolulu, presented 41 travel-size suitcases, and the Kamehameha School’s Class of 2009 presented items from their Slipper & T-Shirt drive...

Saturday, November 17, 2007
National Adoption Day in Hawaii
November 17th was National Adoption Day, but here in Hawaii, it was extra special when 18 foster children were adopted into permanent families...

Monday, November 12, 2007
Personalized Hawaiian bracelets presented to 25 girls in foster care
Once again, Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry owner Patrick Breeden elected to present 25 girls in foster care with a personalized Hawaiian bracelet...