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.
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.
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:
REQUIREMENTS:
Starfish Mentoring Program Manager: 808.222.1872 | starfish@hoolanapua.org