A Place For Youths To Turn

By Punky Pletan-Cross
Wednesday - November 16, 2011 Share

E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS

By Punky Pletan-Cross,
CEO, Hale Kipa Inc.

Three years ago, following an expansion to their Waipahu home, Tereza and George Miranda became foster parents to a Hawaii child in need. They have since assisted nearly a dozen youths in Hale Kipa’s foster care program, ranging from 13 to 17 years old.

Hale Kipa is a private nonprofit organization founded by concerned community members in 1970 to better the lives of at-risk children and youths in Hawaii through shelter, support, commitment and advocacy.

Tereza, 48, a certified nursing assistant, and George, 47, a carpenter, wrote to Hale Kipa following a recommendation from a friend to see how they could help.

“I wanted to share our home with these children,” says Tereza, who was recently honored with a Service Award at Hale Kipa’s annual meeting that recognized foster families. “They need a home, and they need our love, care and patience. It is so rewarding.”

The Mirandas, who are also parents of four biological children ages 18 to 27, are among a dedicated group of community members and employees involved with Hale Kipa who help Hawaii’s at-risk youths become productive members of the community.

George and Tereza Miranda. Photo courtesy of The Limtiaco Company

In addition to our foster care program, Hale Kipa provides prevention and intervention services, shelter and residential homes and outreach that have collectively served more than 40,000 youths many of whom are homeless or runaways, status offenders, pregnant teens and those who otherwise have nowhere else to turn. Our services are provided at no cost, making them entirely dependent on public and private support.

This is a very trying time for all of us, and for those who are typically in need of Hale Kipa’s services, it can be particularly so. It is because of wonderful foster parents like the Mirandas that Hale Kipa can continue to serve.

Contact us for more information on how you can help. Write us at Hale Kipa Inc. 615 Pi’ikoi St., Suite 203, Honolulu, HI 96814; call us at 5891829; or email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.