At RYSE, we often say that our work is rooted in community and recently, that truth was felt in a powerful way. Following a visit to our West Side programs and hales, the Ho’okahua Hawaiian Foundation made a transformational contribution of $150,000 to support RYSE’s mission to end youth homelessness on Oʻahu.

During their time on site, Foundation leadership had the opportunity to connect directly with our team, see our programs in action, and better understand the challenges, and possibilities facing the youth and young families we serve. What followed was immediate: a generous investment to help expand and sustain the work happening on the ground.

The Ho’okahua Hawaiian Foundation is dedicated to reducing homelessness by preventing the loss of Hawaiian-owned land, supporting access to housing, and strengthening employment pathways through training and job placement. Their work is deeply grounded in cultural values, community connection, and long-term stability for Native Hawaiian communities.

This gift comes at a critical time. As federal funding landscapes continue to shift, local investment plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring continuity of care.

Every dollar of this investment will remain on the West Side directly supporting the community it was inspired by. Funding will help sustain our drop-in center services, expand community-building and culturally grounded activities, and support Raphael House and the transitional services that help young people move toward long-term stability.

This is what community investing in community looks like resources staying where they are needed most, strengthening the systems of care that already exist and growing opportunities for youth and families to thrive.

More than anything, this moment reflects the power of community. When Hawaiʻi shows up for Hawaiʻi, real change happens.

We extend our deepest mahalo to Ho’okahua Hawaiian Foundation for their generosity, trust, and commitment to the youth of our islands.

Our work is rooted in community, and leaders like Kumu Mango Levi bring that to life.

As a minister, cultural practitioner, and community leader, he supports our youth through deep connection to culture, purpose, and place. Through weekly kapa-making sessions, he shares a rare traditional practice that builds patience, identity, and pride.

Beyond that, he shows up, leading community workdays, caring for ʻāina, uplifting kūpuna, and mentoring youth through life’s challenges. Through culture, service, and spirituality, he creates space for healing and growth.

His impact is not just seen, it’s felt. We’re deeply grateful for all he shares with our RYSE ʻohana and community. 

The lessons that stay with our youth often happen outside the classroom, and Kumu AK is a powerful example of that.

Showing up consistently, often seven days a week, he works alongside our West Side youth to build practical skills and a strong sense of purpose. Through kalo farming, restoration work, and food preparation, youth learn to care for themselves and their community.

These aren’t just skills, they’re pathways to independence, cultural connection, and future opportunity.

On March 6th, something lasting was completed at our Kawailoa Learning Center, a mural inside the Counseling Room, created not just for our youth, but with them.

What began as an Art Therapy & Mural Making workshop grew into a multi-week collaboration between RYSE youth and guest artist Zarian, a muralist and student at UH Mānoa who believes deeply in the healing power of art.

Zarian brought more than artistic skill, she brought her lived experience. Through sharing her own mental health journey and how art became a form of healing, she created a space where youth felt safe to open up and reflect on their own experiences.

The result is more than a mural, it’s a visual sanctuary.

The piece tells a story from mauka to makai, layered with meaning:

• A rainbow, representing inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ youth
• A beach scene, reflecting a place many youth identify as safe and grounding
• The ‘iwa bird, symbolizing guidance and the ability to navigate life’s challenges
• The honu, representing protection and endurance
• Native plants, grounding the space in place and identity

Hidden within the mural is something even more powerful, a clear gloss layer of artwork contributed by youth and staff, visible only at certain angles. A reminder that their voices are always present, even when unseen.

Throughout the process, youth showed up, brainstorming, painting, layering, and sharing. Many connected deeply to the experience, speaking openly about their own creative outlets like music, poetry, and tattoo art.

Now complete, the feedback has been simple but powerful:
“Wow, it’s beautiful.”
“It feels like a healing space.”

And that’s exactly what it is.

Mahalo to Zarian for sharing her story, her art, and her heart with our RYSE ʻohana. 💚

We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Carla Houser, has been named a Visionary Honoree by the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation at this year’s Vision Without Limits Gala: A Wickedly Gayla.

This recognition celebrates leaders creating meaningful change, and Carla embodies that through her unwavering commitment to youth, community, and belonging. Under her leadership, RYSE continues to grow as a place where young people are supported in crisis and empowered to build futures rooted in stability and hope.

The gala, held April 2, 2026, is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser supporting Pride365 programs. As part of this honor, Carla also shared her journey and work at RYSE through a featured interview.

We are honored to see her impact recognized and proud to stand alongside her as she continues to lead with purpose. 

We’ve seen the storms, and now we’re seeing the rebuilding. 💚

Mahalo to our Board Chair Martha and her Junior League ʻohana for joining RYSE and others at last weekend's Makaha beach clean up.

One community, working together.
Together, we all RYSE.

What does it actually cost to live in Hawaii?

Our paid internships @reusehawaii teach youth how to learn first hand from budgeting, to reading paychecks to understanding credit. Together we provide youth the opportunity to grow and thrive.

At RYSE, we don’t just talk about goals, we help make them a reality.

When one of our youth shared their dream of becoming a lifeguard, we put that into action, connecting them with local Hawaiʻi lifeguards for one-on-one mentorship.

They talked through the process, the intensity of the training, and what it truly takes to step into that role.

This is what it looks like to turn dreams into direction. Mahalo to our Hawaiʻi lifeguards, you’re heroes in more ways than one. 💚

As Executive Director of RYSE and Chair of the Planning & Housing Committee for Partners in Care’s Oʻahu Continuum of Care (CoC), Carla Houser works not only on the frontlines of youth homelessness, but also at the systems level helping shape housing strategy across the island. Each month, she’ll share a brief update on what’s happening in the CoC and what it means for our community.

Join a team dedicated to making a real impact in our community. At RYSE, we’re always looking for passionate, driven individuals who are ready to support and empower youth across Oʻahu.

If you’re looking for meaningful work where you can grow both personally and professionally, we’d love to hear from you.

Sent by Residential Youth Services & Empowerment

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