November 2024 Newsletter

MAUI RECOVERY SPOTLIGHT

Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and A‘ali‘i Alliance Partner to Help Families Impacted by Maui Wildfires

Commit to Keiki's Maui Recovery Spotlight Series highlights local organizations and nonprofits dedicated to supporting Maui’s youngest keiki and their families affected by the devastating wildfires last year. This month, we’re showcasing the collaborative efforts of Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and A‘ali‘i Alliance, who have come together to present ‘Ohana Days—four community gatherings in West Maui that offered culturally-based early learning and family engagement activities for families with children under five years old. Held from April to September 2024, these events provided a safe, nurturing space for families to connect, heal, and strengthen bonds. Each gathering served about 50 families and 200 individuals, featuring hands-on activities that promote early childhood development and family resilience.

During each ‘Ohana Days event, families received Aloha at Home ‘Ohana Toolkits provided by A‘ali‘i Alliance. These toolkits were thoughtfully designed to support positive parenting and strengthen family bonds, featuring activities rooted in Aloha Values. Each toolkit included resources for families to use at home, practical tips for nurturing strong parent-child relationships, and information about community services available in West Maui. In 2024, a total of 250 toolkits were distributed, intended to help families navigate the potential developmental and learning challenges facing young keiki as a result of the wildfires.

In response to the continued need, Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and A‘ali‘i Alliance plan to expand their efforts in 2025 by hosting 10 ‘Ohana Days events and distributing 500 Aloha at Home ‘Ohana Toolkits. These initiatives will continue to provide culturally grounded support, helping Maui’s youngest residents and their families as they continue to rebuild and recover.

Mahalo to Keiki O Ka ‘Āina and A‘ali‘i Alliance for their unwavering commitment to West Maui families, fostering resilience and hope for a brighter future for the next generation.

DID YOU KNOW?

On Oahu, more than half (55-72%) of registered voters believed it is the government’s role to ensure quality, provide funding, set expectations, and regulate a publicly funded childcare system.

Curious about what else our community is saying? Click here to read Commit to Keiki's polling results from September 2024

A Commitment to Hawai‘i’s Keiki Post-Election

As the 2024 election season concludes, we reflect on the outcomes and the opportunities ahead. We extend our congratulations to all the newly elected and re-elected officials who will serve Hawai‘i and our nation in the years to come. With new leadership comes an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to building a brighter future for Hawai‘i’s youngest children and their families.

As advocates for early childcare and learning, early childhood mental health, and family violence prevention, we remain steadfast in ensuring these critical issues stay at the forefront of policy discussions. Together, let’s continue to hold our leaders accountable and work collaboratively to create a supportive and equitable foundation for all keiki and families across our islands.

Leading up to the General Election, Commit to Keiki was honored to host two Hawai‘i Island mayoral candidate forms on Oct. 14, providing a platform for us to learn about their visions and positions on programs supporting our youngest children. These discussions underscored their commitment to shaping a brighter future for Hawai‘i’s keiki and families.

We congratulate Dr. Kimo Alameda on his election as Hawai‘i County’s new Mayor. We look forward to partnering with him to expand opportunities for early childhood development, strengthen support systems for families, and champion initiatives that ensure a brighter, more equitable future for our youngest keiki.

At the same time, we extend our deepest mahalo to Mayor Mitch Roth for his steadfast commitment to supporting Hawai‘i Island’s keiki during his tenure. Mayor Roth championed initiatives that built capacity for early childhood development, including increasing both the quantity and quality of the early childhood workforce. He supported pilot programs driven by community needs and facilitated collaboration across sectors to enhance the lives of Hawai‘i County's youngest keiki and their families.

We are grateful for the efforts of both leaders and remain committed to advancing meaningful change for Hawai‘i’s children and families.

A SEASON OF GRATITUDE

As we prepare to gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, Commit to Keiki would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude. We are truly thankful for the state and county leaders, elected officials, partners, and steering committee members who continue to stand with us in support of Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families. Your dedication fuels the progress we’ve made together.

This season of gratitude reminds us of the power of community, compassion, and shared purpose. Mahalo for being an invaluable part of our journey. We look forward to continuing this important work together in the new year. Wishing you and your ‘ohana a warm and joyful Thanksgiving.

STRENGTHENING PARENT-CHILD BONDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is a special time for families to slow down, reconnect, and create cherished memories. At Commit to Keiki, we believe that strong parent-child bonds are essential to the well-being and development of Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki. Taking time to bond with your children not only strengthens your relationship, but also supports their emotional and mental health.

Here are a few simple activities to enjoy with your keiki during the holiday break:

Create a Holiday Tradition: Whether it’s baking cookies, crafting handmade ornaments, or reading a favorite holiday story together, traditions help build a sense of security and belonging.
Explore Nature Together: Hawai‘i’s natural beauty is a perfect backdrop for family time. Consider a beach day, a hike on a family-friendly trail, or even a stroll through your neighborhood to enjoy festive decorations.
Share Stories: The holidays are a great time to share stories from your family’s history. Talking about loved ones, past celebrations, or cultural traditions can help keiki feel more connected to their roots.
Practice Mindfulness and Gratitude: Encourage your children to reflect on what they are grateful for this year. Whether through drawing, writing, or simply talking, it’s a wonderful way to cultivate a positive mindset.
Give Back Together: Teaching your children the joy of giving can be a fulfilling family experience. Consider volunteering, making holiday cards for neighbors, or donating to a local cause.

This holiday season, we invite you to take a pause, embrace the moments of joy, and nurture the bonds that matter most. Mahalo for your continued support of Commit to Keiki, and we wish you and your ‘ohana a happy and healthy holiday season.