At RYSE, workforce development is about more than employment, it’s about helping young people build confidence, stability, and a future they can see for themselves.

 

Recently, eight RYSE youth began a 22-week paid workforce development internship with Reuse Hawaiʻi, (@reusehawaii) where they are gaining hands-on construction experience and earning industry certifications. Already, participants have completed their Class 3 Pallet Jack certification, with more skills and credentials to come.

 

But what’s happening goes far beyond technical training.

 

When asked what they’ve gained so far, youth shared growth in:
Persistence. Time management. Communication. Critical thinking. Adaptability. Trusting their instincts.

 

They’re learning to problem solve, work as a team, and show up with dedication, skills that will stay with them long after the program ends.

 

And outside of work? They’re still being young:
Spending time with ʻohana, playing basketball, making music, gaming, and just enjoying time with friends.

 

At the same time, RYSE continues to support youth in building real-life skills through programming like our financial literacy workshops, where youth recently tackled real-world scenarios like budgeting for daily expenses, understanding paychecks, managing credit, and navigating the true cost of living in Hawaiʻi.

 

Led by our Financial Literacy Counselor, Kari, the session blended practical tools with core values like kuleana and mālama, helping youth think critically about their choices while building independence.

 

Together, these experiences reflect what makes RYSE’s approach unique:
We’re not just preparing youth for jobs, we’re supporting their growth as individuals, decision-makers, and members of the community.

 

Adopt-a-Highway

 

Throwing it back to when our RYSE staff and youth took to Kalanianaʻole Highway (Route 72) to help care for the place we’re proud to call home. 🌿♻️

Giving back to our ʻāina is just one of the many ways our team and youth show up for the community. Together, we keep Hawaiʻi beautiful. 💚

 

We Wear Green Everyday

 

Looks like we came prepared for St. Patrick’s Day. 🍀

Lucky for us, RYSE green is our everyday uniform.

Showing up for youth, our community, our youth, and our ʻāina, one green shirt at a time. 💚

 

Learning by doing 💚

RYSE youth got hands-on experience practicing real-world healthcare skills at Pali Momi building confidence, exploring career paths, and stepping into something new.

Every skill learned is a step closer to what’s possible. Mahalo @hawaiipacifichealth for the continued partnership!

 

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.

Apply Here

Join Us! Together We All RYSE

Sent by Residential Youth Services & Empowerment

Click here to unsubscribe from this list