Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 12, 1 December 1993 — Ka nūhou mai Alu Like [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Ka nūhou mai Alu Like

Nezvs from Alu Like

(presented by Ka Wai Ola O OHA and Alu Like as a public service)

ALU LIKE

Programs for Hawai'i's kupuna and 'opio

Elderly Services Project Growing old is nevereasy. It's e\ en harder if you are lonely and in poor health. Combatting these two problems, and using culture to enrich the lives of kūpuna, is the goal of Alu Like's Elderly Service Project. The project has six sites across the state. They serve meals, provide nutrition education and carry out cultural programs for elderly Hawaiians in the eommunity. "We're trying to enhanee and

enrich the lives of elderly Hawaiians," explains Loretta Beralas, Elderly Services Project administrator, "by preserving and restoring their health, selfrespect, and cultural identity." Kūpuna eat meals together, givmg them a ehanee both to get out of their homes and talk story with other kūpuna. Alu Like provides transportation for those who can't get to the site by themselves. Beralas says, "The program helps people begin to feel better about themselves. They ean

make new friends and there's always a lot of laughter and fun. It is a service that is appreciated." Sites have a 30-day menu whieh always includes some Hawaiian food. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday to Friday. Sites are closed on holidays. Cultural activities are the most popular part of the program. Alu Like invites experts in hula, storytelling, Hawaiian language, and singing to educate kūpuna about their past and their culture. "We use both elderly and young people who are experts in their craft," explains Beralas, "to talk to and teach kūpuna." Other site activities include health assessments, health education, referrals to medical services and monthly field trips to places of historical and cultural interest. Says Beralas, "Many participants tell me they wish the program had started a long time ago. They feel their health has

improved and they have more energy to do things." To be eligible, individuals must be Hawaiian and over 60 years old with a birth certificate for verifieaīion. A nonHawaiian ean attend if he or she is married

to a Hawaiian and goes to the activities with that person. There is no charge for the service, although a voluntary donation is accepted. The Elderly Services Project began in 1990 with federal funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. It has one site eaeh on Maui, the Big Island, Moloka'i and O'ahu and two sites on Kaua'i. continued on page 18

Site locations are: 0'ahu-Seventh Dav Adventist church in Waimānalo (8473868), Big Island-Māla'e Puka O Kalani church in Keaukaha (885-4700), Kaua'i-Anahola Hawaiian Home Lands Clubhouse, and Waimea PIantation Cottages (245-8545), Maui-Paukūkalo Hawaiian Home Lands Community Association Center (242-9774).

Business classes for Hawaiians

With determination, a solid business idea, and a plan, Hawaiians ean leam the rewards of starting a business of their very own. The mission of the Alu Like Entrepreneurship Training Program is to increase the number of Hawaiians in business. Business preparation is what the program offers the Hawaiian community. Classes are 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings for seven weeks and cover the subjects of Business Attitude, Marketing, Organization, Fūtancial Management and Business Planning. The next training program begins on Jan. 18. For applications and further information eall 524-1225. Space is limited.

Kūpuna taking part in Elderly Service Project.

Alu Like elderly and youth services

from page 13 Moloka'i Youth Center As important as providing for old folks is making sure the young grow up in a healthy environment. The Moloka'i Youth Center tries to do this by providing a plaee for youth to interact in a positive environment. around their peers, but free of the negative distractions found elsewhere. Says Rachel Kamakana, Moloka'i Youth Center administrator, "Our goal is to help kids. We want to support them, bolster

their self-esteem, and allow them to contribute to the eommunity." The center offers leadership courses, recreational activities, tutoring, art and crafts and field trips. MYC is federally-funded with matching funds from the county. Alu Like hopes to expand center activities early next year when they move into a new building in Kaunakakai. For more information eontact Alu Like's Moloka'i Island Center at 553-5393.