Community Bright Spot #1: Partners in Development Foundation, Kohala

Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, communities across the island have risen to the occasion to support one another. In Kohala, Partners in Development Foundation lives up to its name, working closely with other organizations, schools, churches, community groups, politicians, and businesses to meet community needs and build toward a better future.

A basic need important to Hawaii’s culture is feeding one another. In March, April, and May, Partners in Development Foundation helped to distribute a portion of ~9,000 “Keiki Care Packs” of snacks, masks, and activities for students in all grade levels with the intention to feed and uplift. The island-wide Keiki Care Pack effort was spearheaded by District 4 Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, with funding in Kohala provided in part by District 9 Councilman Tim Richards, Dixie Adams of North Kohala Student Cultural Enrichment Program and a number of Kohala residents. Packs were assembled by Connect Point Church in Hilo, delivered by  Liliuokalani  Trust, and distributed using spaces provided by Kohala public schools with assistance from Complex Area Superintendent Janette Snelling and Principals Amy Stafford and Hannah Loyola. Representatives of North Kohala Community Resource Center, Partners in Development Foundation and other volunteers provided many hours coordinating to ensure that interested families could make it to pick up their packs.

As the unusual fourth semester of school ended, priorities shifted toward feeding families, not just students. The Food Basket, Kohala High’s culinary department, The Big Island Giving Tree, North Kohala Community Resource Center, various churches, local farmers and community members continue to work together to provide food for everyone that might be in need.

Now as the new school year begins, the need for school supplies is also being met with help from the Hamakua Health Center and people in the community helping to donate and distribute. The next issue to tackle is technology access, and plans are already in motion. In partnership with Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, Vibrant Hawaii, the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, and  Liliuokalani  Trust, Partners in Development Foundation is helping to bring mobile units for children and families to use at county parks.

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By featuring all these collective efforts including people from within the Kohala area and island-wide, we hope you feel inspired to work together and find ways to serve if you are able. There are many opportunities to join in ongoing efforts during and after this crisis has passed. One such opportunity will be at the future Kohala Resilience Hub which will be started in partnership with Vibrant Hawaii. This hub will be a place where community members can come and access resources, gather, and take classes. If you are interested in teaching a small class or workshop related to sustainable or resilient life skills, email Community School Manager  Ross Pagat at rpagat@pidfoundation.org.