FROM JUDITH'S DESK
Every day I see youth workers going the extra mile. You are all unsung heroes. But this month, I would like to honor someone who is truly extraordinary.
Cynthia Chiang is a health educator for Planned Parenthood, an interviewer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and a worker at Kauai Kunama Dairy. She is also a taiko drummer.
And, in September 2014, Cynthia Chiang donated a kidney to a total stranger.
I’m a blood donor, and I’ll donate my organs when I die. But the courage and compassion that it takes to give a kidney to someone you’ve never even met is truly amazing.
Cynthia is modest about it. “One of the values that I hold dear is sharing the wealth and sharing good health. . . . Any opportunity to help another person is such a blessing. I feel stronger because of it. . . . I’m no saint . . I just try my best to do good.”
Cynthia’s new mission is getting more people to donate. So I’m taking this opportunity to help her spread the word.
Cynthia – I will always respect and honor you. And mahalo nui loa to each of you who make the world a little better place day by day.
Cynthia’s statements are quoted from Midweek; April 22, 2015 p. 19.
RESOURCES
WHAT IS AN HOUR OF VOLUNTEER TIME WORTH?
Independent Sector announced on April 14 that the 2014 estimate for the value of a volunteer hour is $23.07 - a 52-cent increase from 2013, up 2.3 percent from the previous year. In Hawaii, the estimate is $23.14 an hour, up 4.4 percent from 2013. The value of volunteer time provides one way to measure the impact millions of individuals make with each hour they dedicate to making a difference.
FOSTER CARE: HOW DOES HAWAII FARE COMPARED TO OTHER STATES?
#1 – Highest percentage of foster children placed with relatives.
#2 – Lowest rate of recurrence of abuse within 6 months.
#7 – Stability of placements while in foster care.
Data from a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
FREE COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID GUIDE
Hawaii Youth Services Network is giving away free copies of Paying for College Without Going Broke. This guide tells you:
- How to calculate what colleges will expect you to pay;
- Steps that increase your chances of receiving aid;
- Long- and short-term ways to lower college costs;
- How to compare aid offers;
- Strategies for divorced or single parents and independent students;
- The most costly mistakes parents and students make when applying for aid.
We gave away copies at our membership/networking meeting on May 14 and have about 10 copies remaining.
To request copies, contact Maricel Lumagui at maricel@hysn.org or call her at 531-2198 ext. 1.
Restrictions:
- You must give the books to youth to keep as their personal property.
- You must pick up the books at the HYSN office.
TRAINING
INTERGENERATIONAL ACTION ON A GLOBAL SCALE
Two days of TED-style talks focusing on intergenerational action
Check out our full conference schedule that includes poster and roundtable sessions like:
- At-risk Youth and Frail Elders for Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit | presenter: Toni Sexton
- Macro to Micro: 'Localizing' international intergenerational concepts through grass-roots, cross-sector partnerships | presenters: Lisa Lipsey, Georgonne Grotey and Brynn Viale
- Intergenerational Impact Around the World: Success Stories from Japan, New Zealand, Ecuador, & Switzerland | presenters: Takeo Ogawa, Kay Saville-Smith, Bev James and Simone DeVore
- At our upcoming conference, Intergenerational Action on a Global Scale, Generations United will honor individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the field. They will be recognized at our Awards Luncheon on Thurs., July 23, and other conference venues. Learn more
WHEN:
Wednesday July 22, 2015 at 5:00 PM HST
-to-
Friday July 24, 2015 at 4:00 PM HST
(pre-conference activities start at 10:00 AM on July 21)
Where
Hawaii Convention Center
1801 Kalakaua Ave
INSIDE HYSN
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
July 16, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Airport Hotel
Featured Speaker: Colin Kippen
"What's Happening With Homelessness in Hawaii"