A generous $100,000 donation from Nareit Hawaiʻi is helping RYSE move forward with the transformation of Hale Koko, located in Honolulu's Makiki neighborhood, into a supportive home for teenagers and young adults who have aged out of Hawaiʻi's foster care system.

For young people transitioning out of foster care, the path to independence can be especially challenging. Many face adulthood without the family support systems, financial resources or stable housing that others may take for granted.

Hale Koko is being developed to help bridge that gap. More than simply a place to live, the home will provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can build essential life skills, access educational and employment resources, and receive individualized guidance as they work toward greater independence.

Mahalo to Nareit Hawaiʻi for recognizing the importance of this work and investing in the young people who will one day call Hale Koko home. This generous support is helping create a place of belonging, opportunity and hope for what comes next.

RYSE was honored to be selected as the featured charity for the Hawaiʻi CCIM Chapter's 2026 Golf Tournament, held October 2 at Pearl at Kalauao.

The annual tournament brought together members of Hawaiʻi's commercial real estate community, business leaders and supporters for a day of golf, networking and giving back. We are incredibly grateful to CCIM Hawaiʻi for choosing to spotlight RYSE and the important work being done to support young people experiencing homelessness across our islands.

Community partnerships like this help us extend our reach, build awareness and strengthen the network of support surrounding Hawaiʻi's youth. They also remind us of the incredible impact that can happen when local businesses and organizations come together around a shared commitment to their community.

A heartfelt mahalo to the Hawaiʻi CCIM Chapter, tournament organizers, sponsors, golfers and everyone who contributed to making this event possible. Thank you for investing in our mission and helping create brighter futures for Hawaiʻi's young people.

RYSE recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeō, our youth resource center in Waiʻanae, marking an important milestone in our commitment to meeting young people where they are and providing the resources, guidance and support they need to thrive.

Over the past year, Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeō has become much more than a place to access essential services. For young people in the community, it offers a welcoming space to enjoy a meal, take a shower, wash clothes, connect with caring staff and receive assistance navigating housing, education and employment opportunities. Just as importantly, it provides a safe place to gather, build relationships and feel a sense of belonging.

The center's name reflects the heart of its mission. Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeō represents a well-filled ʻumeke, or calabash, symbolizing nourishment as well as a vessel for knowledge, guidance and the tools needed to move toward greater self-sufficiency.

Throughout its first year, young people have played an important role in shaping the space and making it their own. From learning and connecting with one another to expressing their creativity, their contributions have helped bring the center to life. One especially meaningful project is a mural honoring the moʻolelo of Kaiona, known for guiding people to safety, connecting the space to the history, culture and spirit of Waiʻanae.

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt mahalo to the staff, community partners, supporters and, most importantly, the young people who have helped make Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeō a place of opportunity, connection and aloha.

One year in, Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeō continues to embody the meaning behind its name: a vessel filled with nourishment, knowledge, culture and support, helping young people build brighter futures.

A little culture, connection and adventure in Koʻolauloa. 🌿💚

Our youth spent Saturday at the Annual Kalo & ʻAwa Festival at Waimea Valley, and it was such a good day! They hiked to Waimea Falls, tried their hand at kāpala and kuʻi kalo, made traditional ʻawa strainers, sampled different varieties of kalo, and got to learn from mahiʻai and kumu who shared their ʻike along the way.

Sometimes you just need a day on the water.

Our shelter youth spent the day out in Waikiki with Kinai `Eha, trading the usual routine for some sunshine, ocean air and a catamaran ride. It was a beautiful day to get out, have some fun and enjoy each other's company. 

Big mahalo to Kinai `Eha

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.

This November, we're celebrating the everyday Super Heroes who help make RYSE's mission possible.

From the people working behind the scenes to those lending their time, resources and hearts, our community is filled with individuals making an extraordinary difference in the lives of Hawaiʻi's young people.

Throughout November, we'll be shining a spotlight on the people and acts of kindness that remind us what it means to be a Super Hero. And the good news is, YOU can be one too!

Stay tuned for Super Heroes of RYSE, coming this November!

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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