Ho’ōla Nā Pua
Children are not for sale - they deserve a bright future.
In partnership with Hoʻōla Nā Pua
Ho‘ōla Nā Pua is committed to the prevention of sex trafficking and providing care for children who have been exploited.
People ask us why we do this work. Lives are in danger. Learn more about how we support youth and young adults at hoolanapua.org.
Starfish
The Starfish Mentoring Program provides care to children who have been exploited by matching them with a trusted adult to engage them in meaningful activities that guide youth toward self-efficacy and empowered living. The long term goal is to be a part of the collaborative effort to reduce victimization/ revictimization and support healthy social reintegration.
Mentees are at-risk, vulnerable and/or commercially sexually exploited youth between 11-24 years of age. We serve male, female, and LGBTQ+ youth, regardless of level of disclosure.
Through this program, mentors meet youth in their community, including those placed in foster care or in a facility. Mentoring is complementary and supplementary to services youth may already receive, such as counseling. Mentors provide a consistent and healthy relationship that remains with youth throughout their journey of healing.
Benefits of Becoming a Mentor
According to the National Mentoring Resource Center, creative activities and rapport-building exercises are healthy and positive experiences that combat complex trauma. These activities encourage trust and engagement, resulting in significant improvements:
- Positive future orientation
- Intentional self-regulation
- Positive self-perception and self-worth
- Increased self-competence
Are You Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Attend over 30 hours of training on issues and continued monthly training and supervision.
- Ability to meet mentee anywhere on the island. (Activities include hikes, beach days, museum visits, sharing of a meal or snack. Policies & Procedures apply to planned activities.)
- Required to meet with mentee at least two (2) hours a week, for a minimum of one (1) year. (Overall scheduling is developed collaboratively with the mentor, mentee, and the youth’s guardian and/or treatment team. Mentors are requested to keep in touch with their youth if they go off-island via phone, email, or videoconference.)
To learn more about becoming a mentor or to refer a youth to our program contact:
Starfish Mentoring Program Manager: 808.222.1872 | starfish@hoolanapua.org
