News & Events

Cash Grants for Up to $1,000 for Current and Former Foster Youth 

Current and Former Foster Youth are disproportionally being affected by COVID-19. Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, is giving away $1 Billion in response to the pandemic. So far he has given away $236 million. Think of Us is a small nonprofit and does not typically provide this type of support.

What is this and what can a current or former foster youth possibly get?

• This is an application for an opportunity to apply for a one-time micro cash grant of up to $1000 and an email with resources related to your needs. 

What will happen when this fund run out of money?

• We Will Go Above and Beyond - We will share the needs of applicants with additional donors, advocates and other stakeholders who we think can take action to solve your needs. We won't share any of the youth's personal information. If there are resources that they can provide, we will circle right back to you.

How does this work? 

• Eligibility: Current and former foster youth 14 through 29 who have spent at least one day in foster care after their 14th birthday are eligible to apply for up to $1,000 
• Cash Use: This grant is super flexible. We believe that youth know best what they need.
• Getting the Funds: The funds will be delivered via western union, venmo, cashapp, zelle or what what might work best for the youth.
• Deadline and Award: November 18, 2020 is the deadline to apply. Cash Grant will be awarded by December 1st, 2020.

Apply Here

'Ohana is Forever Conference is going VIRTUAL

Aloha!

Are you between the ages of 14 and under 27?

Do you fit one of these categories?

·         I am currently in foster care

·         I turned 18 while in foster care

·         After my 16^th birthday, I was adopted or entered/legal guardianship

(Not sure?  Call 1-844-588-4682 and leave a message with your name and we’ll get back to you)

If YES, you're invited!  We are excited to announce that our annual 'Ohana is Forever Conference is going VIRTUAL on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 9:30am-12pm!

This year’s theme is “2020 Vision: A Fresh Start". Join current and former foster youth and local service providers for inspirational speakers, a workshop just for young people and live entertainment by Johnny Suite. Youth/young adults are also eligible for special giveaways!

Virtual Conference Details

• Friday, July 17, 2020
• 9:30 a.m. - Opening Remarks 
• 9:45 a.m. - Conference begins
• 12:00 p.m. - Conference ends

***The first 90 current and former youth in foster care, who register for and participate in the conference, will receive new Samsung Galaxy (8” Wi-Fi 32GB) tablets.  If the you need the tablet in order to easily participate in the conference program, which will include breakouts for the youth, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make our best effort to get the table to you before the conference date.*** 

PLEASE REGISTER BY JULY 3 (Click on link below to register):

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OIF2020-youth

For those of you who register for the conference, we will send you the link to join the conference online before July 17.

Contact Faye Kimura at  fayek@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 382-7976 if you have any questions. 

This event is principally funded by the Hawai‘i Court Improvement Program and the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation; supported by the Hawai‘i Department of Human Services,  EPIC ?Ohana, Family Programs Hawaii, and First Circuit Family Court; and coordinated by the William S. Richardson School of Law

FALL 2020 ETV 

May 1, 2020 -  SHAKATown open to receive ETV Applications 

August 14, 2020 - Last day to file a completed application,["completed" means application information and ALL the required documents]. 

September 25, 2020 – ETV benefit checks issued on or about this date

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year for full-time students and up to $2,500 for part-time students.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed !

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• AGE: 18 through 25
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a kin at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Filed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension/ probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Manaiakalani Scholarship is now available for the 2019-2020 Academic Year

Eligibility - potential students must meet the following criteria

• Hawai'i resident that will attend UH Maui College
• Demonstrate financial need and barriers/challenges keeping you from attending college
• First time college student or minimal college experience (1 semester maximum)
• Enroll in a minimum of 6 credits, including a mandatory cohort class in Fall 2019

Go to the Manaiakalani website - http://manaiakalani.weebly.com 

University of Hawaii Common Scholarship Application Deadline March 1st

https://youtu.be/cEn0wz6Uhzw

NEWS ! ! Education and Training Voucher [ETV] changes for Fall 2018 Session

New Federal law:

• increases upper age limit for ETV from 21 to 26; and
•  limits total length of participation to five [5] years.

Young adult does NOT need to receive ETV when 21 in order to be eligible until age 26!

If you need money for school and think you meet the eligibility requirements, complete an application for ETV.

Spring 2017 ETV

Nov 1, 2016 -  Applications opened 

December 15, 2016  Last day for applications, including submission of ALL required documents. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

Fall 2016 ETV

May 1, 2016 -  Applications opened 

August 19, 2016  Last day for applications, including submission of ALL required documents. 

Awards based on need – up to $5,000.00 per year.

You can file an ETV application even if you participate in another DHS program, like Imua Kakou (Extended Foster Care)! and Extended Assistance (AA/PA)! or Higher Ed ! 

Not sure if you might be eligible? File an application and DHS will figure out if you are eligible.

Basic eligibility criteria: 

• AGE: 18 – 21 [& up to 23, if Youth received an ETV when 21]
  • Aged / transitioned out of DHS Foster Care at 18 or older
  • Adopted at age 16 or older
  • Legal guardianship to a relative at age 16 or older
  • Attending an accredited institution of higher education
  • Making satisfactory progress [“C” or better] – specifically not on FAFSA academic suspension / probation
  • Budget is reasonable and for allowable cost of attendance

 ShakaTown will be down for maintenance tomorrow (Thursday 12-31-15) morning from 7am to 8am HST.  

Higher Education and ETV Applications are NOW Open for Spring 2016

• 12/31/2015 - Last day for ETV applications. All ETV applications and all required documentation must be completed by this date.

Watch this video on DHS' new program called Imua Kakou. Log into ShakaTown to Apply Now.

UH Maui College Software Development Center (The tech support department for ShakaTown) is currently seeking applicants for their Fall 2014 Internship Program.  For more information about this internship please go to intern.dhshawaii.net

ETV applications for Fall 2014 are now available.

• 08/15/2014 - Last day for applications. All applications and all required documentation must be completed by this date.
• During the week of 09/22/2014,  ETV benefits will be issued.

EPIC’s E Makua Ana Youth Circle Program serves current and former foster youth in Hawai‘i who are transitioning out of the foster care system, into adulthood. The program provides a group process for youth to celebrate their emancipation from foster care and to assist them in planning for their independence.

For more information click here

http://studentaid.ed.gov/

www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth/more/contacts

www.statevoucher.org/

www.childwelfare.gov/fostercaremonth

www.nrcyd.ou.edu/state-pages/search

Higher education and ETV applicants must apply for FAFSA and at least two (2) other scholarship/grants. 

The Hawaii Community Foundation is a good place to start. From the Foundation’s webpage:  In 2011, [the Hawaii Community Foundation (including The Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Scholarship Program) distributed more than $4.6 million to deserving students, making it the third largest private provider of post-secondary scholarships in the state.

Hawaii Community Foundations Scholarships: (http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org//scholarships/how-apply-scholarships):

NEW EARLY DEADLINE: Start early!
Submit your application by January 31, 2014 and HCF will review it to ensure that all required supplementary materials are properly submitted (i.e. SAR and grade transcript).  HCF will notify you if your supplementary documents are not acceptable and you will have an opportunity to make any necessary revisions. Please note that you must resubmit by the final deadline to be considered for scholarships.

The FINAL DEADLINE to submit your complete the online application is 4:00 p.m. (HST) on Thursday, February 20, 2014.

If you have questions, please email HCF Scholarships or call
808-566-5570 (or toll-free from neighbor islands: 1-888-731-3863).

ShakaTown will be down on Saturday January 4, 2014 from 5:00am to 4:00pm. 

HAWAII'S ROBERT PONO HEANU-TOYAMA, NANGLAR NOY WORACHIT, & GERNANI YUTOB RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

FosterClub works and learns from countless young people from the foster care system who are true inspirations. These young leaders have persevered through challenging circumstances and are now finding different ways to give back to their community and disprove negative stereotypes about  young people in foster care. On November 22th, 2013 it was announced that Robert Pono Heanu-Toyama, Nanglar Noy Worachit,  & Gernani Yutob were  selected as one of FosterClub’s 100 Outstanding Young Leaders of 2013.

Congratulations to Robert Pono Heanu-Toyama!!

Congratulations to Nanglar Noy Worachit!!

Congratulations to Gernani Yutob!!

The Spring 2014 Higher Ed and ETV Applications are Now being Accepted

The ETV application period for the Fall 2013 academic session will close at midnight on August 15, 2013.

No ETV applications will be accepted after that point.

Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation Scholarship Deadline for Fall 2013

The spring deadline (for fall scholarship awards) has been moved up to February 22, 2013.

For more information go to http://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/scholarships/additional-scholarships

FALL 2012 ETV awards are being finalized.

Change in issuance schedule: 

Benefits will be issued during the week of September 24, 2012. 

All benefits will be issued by September 28, 2012.

ETV Applications for Fall 2012 are now Closed! 

You can still apply for Higher Education!!

The Higher Education/Education Training Voucher(ETV) Application for Fall 2012 is now Open!!

6/28/2012:  ETV award allocations announced

7/1/2012 - 8/15/2012:  ETV applications completed & submitted by youth

8/15/2012:  Last day for youth to complete ETV applications and submit all required documentation

9/10-15/2012:  ETV awards will be issued.  ETV awards will not be issued prior to those dates.