Welcome to the Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP) Program Series. Each month, we’ll highlight a different NPP program to give you a closer look at our initiatives and services. This month, we shine the spotlight on the Family Resource Center (FRC). The FRC is the heart of the mission of the work that NPP does. NPP was originally founded as a Family Resource Center in response to the high rates of child removal in Hawaiʻi County by Child Welfare Services.
A Mission to Strengthen Families
The Family Resource Center is more than just a service provider—it’s a vital asset for families in need, offering support to overcome barriers to a stable home life.
Our programs are designed to address the root causes of child abuse and neglect, such as lack of housing, insufficient hygiene resources, and gaps in parenting skills. The goal is not only to provide temporary relief but to empower families with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive long-term.
All our services are delivered using a compassionate, holistic, strength-based, and trauma-informed model.
Our team supports members in achieving their goals, such as securing stable housing, enhancing parenting knowledge and skills, and accessing tangible goods to alleviate financial burdens.
Our dedicated team of professionals understands the unique challenges faced by our community because many have lived through similar experiences themselves, and have deep personal ties to the Hawaiʻi Island community.
This shared understanding allows us to deliver services in a personalized way, ensuring every family that walks through our doors feels supported and connected.
The People Behind the Mission
Anashe is our Director of Family Programs at NPP. She oversees operations of the FRC and the Hale ʻIki Family Assessment Center. Angie, our FRC Program Coordinator, plays a crucial role in leading the FRC team and developing family support programs. Her job duties include developing family support programs, leading and supervising FRC staff, ensuring timely and compliant reporting, and networking with community service providers.
Angie describes the work at NPP as fulfilling: “Working at NPP fills my cup. The work that we do each day, giving back to our community with our efforts in strengthening families with the hope of creating a nurturing environment for the children, gives me great fulfillment. Collaborating with and learning from everyone in all roles within our organization also gives me great joy; we work with some AMAZING people!”
Our Impact in Fiscal Year 2023-2024
- Through the Ohana Homelessness Prevention Support Program, 73 families achieved stable living conditions.
- Through our Parenting Education Supports, 30 families increased their knowledge of parenting and child development.
- While offering Basic Needs Assistance, we distributed 1,713 packs of diapers and pull-ups to families in need.
Voices from the Community
The true measure of the Family Resource Center’s impact can be seen in the stories of the families we serve. Here are five member testimonials that highlight the support, connection, and hope provided by the FRC:
Member 1: “A Great Big THANK YOU!”
“I like the workers, Justi and Matt, who were assigned to me. They both went above and beyond to help with my needs and concerns. They are kind, considerate, and understanding of my situation. Very helpful! Satisfaction 100%! Matt and Justi both deserve a great big THANK YOU for their dedication. A job well done. There should be more workers like them!”
Member 2: “Saved Our Lives”
“What I really like about Neighborhood Place of Puna is in the name itself. I’m someone from Puna—of Puna—all my life, and here, my little ones and I are being provided services and resources to help us navigate through our time of homelessness and transition into a more stable lifestyle. This place has saved my family’s lives, giving us a chance to rest, regroup, and hope for a better and safer future. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the love, compassion, and care shown to me and my children. I can’t put into more words how happy I am to be back home in Puna.”
Member 3: “A Compassionate Support System”
“The compassion shown and the time given to me and my children has made all the difference.”
Member 4: “Help When It’s Needed Most”
“Having someone to talk to and help look for housing was invaluable. It gave me hope and the feeling that I wasn’t stuck, that there is help out there.”
Member 5: “One Step Closer to Home”
“I’d just like to thank Neighborhood Place of Puna and Jackie for being a support and light for me and my children during this time. Coming to the shelter here in HPP brought tears to my eyes—to know we were home in Puna and one step closer to finding a place for us.”
Get Connected
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by the Family Resource Center, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help, and together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities. Membership is FREE for families with minor children in Hawaiʻi County.
Benefits include access to emergency supplies like diapers, wipes, hygiene supplies, parenting supports including coaching, classes, informal talk-story sessions, special events and activities, as well as guidance for families experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.
Moving Forward Together
The Family Resource Center is committed to empowering families by addressing their immediate needs while also focusing on long-term stability.
We are here to support families, regardless of income level — whether it’s providing parenting education, distributing essential items, or connecting families to resources that pave the path to a better future.
Your family’s success is our mission. Together, we can continue to create a nurturing and resilient community in Puna.
