Mission Trip to Hawai'i 2012

The Diocese joyfully announces its annual Mission Trip to Hawai’i from August 19-30, 2012 under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Serapion.

Previous participants outlined what they did in this trip:

We serve homeless families on O’ahu in many ways. We involve ourselves in programs such as a parent-child participatory preschool for at-risk families near coastal beach parks and homeless families living at beach parks. Families also receive canned and dried goods as well as educational and social services.We volunteer with a parent-child participatory preschool that provides services at two family shelters on the Leeward Coast. The two-hour-a-day, two-day-a-week program provides pre- and post-testing, portfolio assessment, referrals for health and developmental needs through community partners, parenting classes and education. Adult educational services include goal-setting and budgeting, vocational training, job placement and GED preparation.We have the opportunity to volunteer at a four-hour-a-day, four-day-a-week comprehensive Family Education Service. Parents interact with their child for the first two hours of the program, then participate in various adult education and life skills programs while their children receive an intensive, developmentally appropriate education through preschool teachers and assistants.With children ages 6-17, we participate in after-school, intersession, and summer break programs. These programs include academic tutoring, support service counseling, and activities that promote the Hawaiian culture that are geared to build self-esteem.We volunteer at urban shelters as well, making food and speaking words of comfort to those who live there.

Those interested in this wonderful opportunity may download the flyer and information form.