Child & Family Service | 2018 V.1 Newsletter

How CFS Family Centers Strengthen Local Communities

Supporting individuals and families is what the Child & Family Service Family Centers are all about – a place where people can receive basic necessities such as food, and clothing, and also receive counseling and community resources when they are in need of help. This was true for Lani who learned about CFS Ewa Family Center when she moved to Ewa Beach two years ago. An elderly woman of Native Hawaiian descent, Lani was living on a limited income and struggled to make ends meet every month. Visiting the Ewa Family Center made a significant difference in her quality of life and peace of mind.

“The only thing I knew about CFS is that they helped families that experienced abuse and although I wasn’t one of those families, I found out there were other services here that could help me,” says Lani.

One of the many programs offered at the Ewa Family Center is a financial literacy education workshop that teaches people how to budget wisely and save money. Lani was motivated to save $1,000 in eight weeks and used it to purchase a burial plot and tombstone.

“Getting those things were a huge relief for me because I was worried about burdening my family after I was gone, so getting the plot and tombstone provided me with a wonderful peace of mind,” says Lani.

Along with these financial workshops, the Family Centers offer information and referral services, employment preparation, parenting education and relationship counseling – all tailored to meet the immediate needs of at-risk individuals and families. The Ewa Family Center also offers a food pantry and clothing closet, where participants like Lani can take home supplies such as toiletries, soap and other daily necessities donated from CVS Health/Longs Drugs and other local businesses and stores. “When you’re on a limited income, things like spaghetti or canned vegetables come in handy, so I really appreciated those services too,” says Lani.

She also adds that she was impressed with the CFS staff’s aloha spirit and professionalism. “I’m a senior citizen living on social security, so I appreciated the courtesy and the respect. I never felt like I was less than anyone else for asking for help,” says Lani.

The goal of the Family Centers is to strengthen people, like Lani, so they can live successfully in the community. Since receiving help and support from CFS, Lani is thriving and has made sure to let her community – family, friends and other seniors – know about her experiences. “I never knew that these programs existed at CFS, and they have been a huge blessing in my life,” says Lani. “I know some seniors who don’t have enough for every meal, and I believe that if they learned about CFS, it would be a wonderful help to them.”

CFS Ewa Family Center

91-1841 Ft. Weaver Rd., Ewa Beach, HI 96706
808.681.3500
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Foodbank Donations:
Wednesday, 2 – 4 pm

Donation Center (by appointment only):
Thursday, 1 pm – 4 pm
Friday, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

grant_mahalo
Mahalo to supporters of the CFS Ewa Family Center:
• American Savings Bank
• American Savings Bank – Hawaii Curling Club Hui
• Bowers + Kubota
• CVS Health / Longs Drugs
• Honolulu Myohoji Mission
• The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation