Trauma to Transformation, Incarceration to Independence

Aloha Kākou - Mahalo for Visiting Our Site!

Pūʻā Foundation

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit created in 1996. Driving ‘Trauma to Transformation’ programs for justice-involved women, girls & their families, especially, Hawaiians. We are also proud stewards of the Punahoa Heritage Forest.

Recovering from trauma can be challenging, but recovery is possible. Our strategy to support women & girls, especially Native Hawaiians is:

1) we start inside the prison or facility pre-transition, then connect resources post-transition - creating a seamless continuum of care;

2) we have established key strategic public/private, faith-based & community partnerships, &;

3) we incorporate peer support as a key trauma-informed care element - See more about our Peer Support Kōkua Project

Background: We’ve been working with the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) since 2007; we were on the leadership team for the Trauma Informed Care Initiative at WCCC - 2011 & 2012; we led the Trauma Informed Care Initiative at Family Court, involving Kapolei Juvenile Detention Center, Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility & Home Maluhia Shelter - 2013; we’ve been working at the Federal Detention Center since 2016.

POMAIKAI - Mana Wahine ʻEhā 2024

Hulo - Hulo - Mana Wahine ʻEhā 2024 - Pomaikai Loa! Over 100 participants spent time together at the 4th female empowerment conference for all that focused on trauma, healing, & justice at the Aulani - 1/9 to 1/11/24. We are thankful to everyone who came together to make the event such a success. Mahalo to our Kumu Hula panelists & moderator, Kupuna panelists & moderator, workshop facilitators, sponsors, contributors, partners, volunteers, planning committee, board & staff - TEAMWORK - MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

The aspiration of the Mana Wahine Gathering is to strengthen the capacity of those who attend, and enhance the wellness of each participant. Striving for that dream to work - feedback from participants included comments such as, “it was magical”; “I felt empowered, refreshed, rejuvenated”; “This year it went to an even higher level” - based on the reactions - aspiration actualized!

 Together We Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

In Service for Community Impact.

 

Our vision is through pū’ā, the process of feeding, nourishing, and strengthening, there will be the emergence of enlightened communities and society. To help in the passing from one to another generation the nourishment of our ancestral dignity from which we revitalize our national consciousness. Through such acts of humanity, new life springs forth. So shall it be with the Hawaiian people. 

We engage in community organizing, capacity building and training, connecting resources to need in an aligned, strategic and comprehensive way striving to reduce recidivism and end the over-representation of Native Hawaiian women incarcerated.

 Pūʻā Foundation Celebrated 25 Years in 2021

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“With the support from Pūʻā Foundation, we have been able to serve women in our Hawaiian communities better than ever.”

— Roberta J., United Church of Christ Board Member