Important Dates

January 1, 2015 New Year’s Day

January 21, 2015 Board Meeting

January 19, 2015 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

February 16, 2015 Presidents’ Day

March 18, 2015 Board Meeting

March 26, 2015 Prince Kuhio Day

Programs for adults with disabilities

Job assessment, placement, coaching and long-term support Adult day program through Medicaid Waiver Program

Internal employment through grounds and custodial services

For more information about our programs and services visit our website at www.kalimaomaui.org or contact us at 808-244-5502

KA LIMA O MAUI

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Seth DeLeon - President Cindi Pojas Smith - Vice-President

Alexa Higashi - Secretary

Shaun Thayer- Treasurer Patricia Blackburn - Tracey Dorheim, MD

Diane Haynes-Woodburn - Charles Head Jimmy Jones - David Jorgensen Wayne Maeda - Hans Riecke

Lydia Sheets - Larry Stubblefield Susan Sutherland

Ka Lima O Maui is a private Not-For-Profit organization founded in 1955 serving adults with disabilities and/or who are economically disadvantaged. Our mission is to "Enhance Lives Through Self-Reliance" through employment program and living skills.

Walaʽau

(Talk Story)

“Enhancing Lives Through Self-Reliance” Since 1955

January 2015

Wala’au is published quarterly by Ka Lima O Maui

The cover picture and story belongs to our very own Juan Granados and the “Sugar Cane Restaurant”. Juan first came to Ka Lima O Maui for services the begin-ning of 2013. Juan Granados partici-pated in the How to Succeed at Work classes beginning in September of 2013. After com-pleting a short work experience

assignment in April of 2014, he quickly found permanent em-ployment with the Sugar Cane Restaurant in Lahaina. Juan started working on June 21, 2014 as their dishwasher but has progressed to doing all kinds of different jobs. Owner “Phillippe” and Juan’s coworkers rave on the talents of Juan and his great personality. If you are ever in Lahaina town, do stop by the “Sugar Cane Restaurant” and say hello to Juan, Phillipe and the staff. Congratulations Juan!

From the Executive Director

Chantal Ratte

New Service Contracts

This past quarter we want to thank the following businesses for giving us the opportunity to serve them:

Kealoha Residence

Kauhaahaa Residence

Stellar Women’s Health

Brown Residence

Island Air Word from the Executive Director

We had so much to celebrate and be thankful for this past quarter, I could selfishly fill this entire newsletter with my narrative but photos are some-times worth a thousand words so make sure you scan our newsletter. What stands out to me however was our 3rd Annual Job Fair for persons with disabilities where 30 employers gathered at the Wailuku Communi-ty Center to meet an eager pool of workers they might not have other-wise thought of. The event was a huge success. I continue to hear suc-cess stories as a result of this event and that is music to my ears. Con-gratulations to all of our staff who worked so hard to put this event to-gether, especially Erin and Scott who both relocated to the mainland pri-or to the Job Fair but continued to help remotely.

We welcomed Lydia Sheets and Hans Riecke to our Board of Directors. Lydia is a retired Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor that has worked closely with Ka Lima O Maui for many years. Her hands on experience with our programs will be invaluable. Hans is a long standing Maui ar-chitect that has earned the respect of his peers and the community through hard work and exemplary designs. His expertise is already com-ing in handy in assisting with our capital project.

And last but certainly not least, Governor Abercrombie released the funds for our State of Hawaii Grant in Aid allowing us to move forward with Phase I of our Capital Project; the renovation of our multi-purpose building that houses our Medicaid Wavier Program. Construction will hopefully begin in late spring of 2015.

On behalf of our staff, board and clients, I would like to wish you a Hap-py and Healthy New Year.

Congratulations to the following for staying healthy during the past quarter!!!

Perfect Attendance

Honor Roll

Roland’s Team

Joseph Keanini Jonathan Hosaka

Kleint Flores

Nancy’s Team

William Kaahanui Sam Cabalo

Robin’s Team

Brian Bantilan

Conrad Domingo

Crystal Nunes

Hoku Bailey

Keoni Wilson

Ed’s Team

Kepano Panela

Jonathan Hosaka

Lucy’s Team

Karl Pastor Edward Kanoho

Marsha Rocha

Gail’s Team

Leroy Miranda

Maria Cavan

Giovanni Awai

Norma’s Team

Jason Sugahara

Rosemary Manini Dean Ireland

Margie Calpito

Aaron’s Team

Elmer Baluran

Jayson Harris

Joemar Dichoso

James Santiago

Anthony Silva

Kamaile’s Team

Alan Bantilan

Jay’s Team

Jonathan Hosaka

December 22, 2014 marked the end of a 32 year career for Joe Keanini. Joe started working for Ka Lima O Maui on July 9, 1982. Prior to his re-tirement, he worked in the Grounds Service Contracts Crew that maintains the YMCA, Cameron Center, Army Reserve, Job Corp, HC&S, Wailea Pualani Estates and the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center. Joe remembers the “good old days” when Ka Lima was

located by Hoaloha Park in Kahului. He first worked in the Plant Nursery tending to the potted plants with his friend Les Ribao (retired) and remembers when the Thrift Store was still open. Throughout his career, Joe was a hard-working and dependable em-ployee. He came to work with a smile and always gave his 100%. Even when things didn’t go as planned I remember Joe shrugging his shoulders and saying “oh well…..nobody’s perfect”! It was hard not to step back and realize the truth in his words. His positive attitude and willingness to help out anyone in need will be missed. These days Joe spends his time working at his home in Kula and making improvements to his pasture. Joe remains a regular sight at Ka Lima. Sally, his wife of 35 years still works in our Kihei Grounds crew and Joe drives her to work at 4:00 a.m each morn-ing….so much for sleeping in after retirement!

Good Luck Joe, enjoy your retirement!

Joseph Keanini’s Retirement Submitted by Dan Honma

Birthdays

Kamaile Kimokeo October 1

Margie Calpito October 10

Kasey Palau October 12

Kleint Flores October 13

Leroy Miranda October 13

Pache Brittian October 17

Birgitte Simonsen October 21

Karl Pastor October 21

Jason Sugahara October 22

Sharon Ferrell October 24

Wade Balinbin October 26

Clyde Kaea October 29

David Lynch October 30

Conrad Domingo November 1

Daniel Honma November 1

Esther Yap November 7

Claudia Rosenbaum November 9

Juan Martinez November 13

Aida Domingo November 19

Brandon DeCambra November 20

Nancy Edelhertz November 20

Brian Bantilan December 14

Romeo Visitacion December 15

Aaron Kaawa December 19

Elmer Baluran December 22

Clyde Kaea a very soft spoken man, called in-quiring about employment at Ka Lima O Maui leading to an interview on October 20, 2014 Clyde became part of the Ka Lima O Maui Ohana on November 25, 2014. He works part-time in Ed Rita’s grounds crew in Kulamalu. Congratulations!

Travis Hehn attended Ka Lima O Maui’s 2014 Job Fair which led him to employment. Travis was subsequently hired in Jay Reyes Kihei grounds crew on November 25, 2014. Travis is a steady worker, who notices where work is required and takes pride in his ac-complishments. Keep up the good work!

Roxanne Higa, a participant in Ka Lima O Maui’s Waiver Program, that opened doors toward employment for this young lady. She was interviewed on October 16, 2014 and seeing the potential Roxanne had she was hired part-time being placed in southside custodial crew on December 11, 2014.

WEINBERG PROGRAM

LOOK WHO’S WORKING

Submitted by Pam Kahae

Brice Murayama visited Ka Lima O Maui’s Job Fair in 2014 and placed an ap-plication for employment. This is a young and diligent man. He is observant, takes direction well and asks questions for clari-fication. Brice was hired on December 1, 2014 fulltime as a grounds worker.

Arlena Tallant was hired on October 7, 2014. She was assigned to the South janitorial crew. Arlena’s personal strengths are great attention to detail, a good listener and very focused. Welcome to the Ka Lima O Maui’s ohana and congratulations on achieving a fulltime posi-tion as of November 20, 2014.

Nanea Awai was offered employment at Ka Lima O Maui on October 16, 2014. She came aboard as a part-time worker assigned to Gail’s Central janitorial crew and her motivation to work got her cross-trained on the HC & S crew. Nanea’s personal strengths are taking directions very well, great attention to detail and well developed janitorial skills.” Mahalo Nui Loa for your hard work and welcome!

Juan Martinez was referred to Ka Lima O Maui by a relative. He did not hesitate for a moment to come into the office for his interview. Juan is a fulltime student at Maui High School but was open to work on the weekends and school holidays. This made Juan a prime candidate for hire here and quickly was offered employment. Juan’s first day was November 15, 2014. Juan always gives a com-plete effort to every task and understands the re-

quirement of the finished project. He is an excellent mower. Wel-come!

WEINBERG PROGRAM

LOOK WHO’S WORKING

Submitted by Pam Kahae

Welcome to Ka Lima O Maui Tashana Kelly was hired on Novem-ber 10, 2014 as our new Marketing/Job Developer. Upon recently mov-ing back to Hawaii after LA, Tashana feels grateful to have found a job at Ka Lima O Maui. She got her Mar-keting degree at Azusa Pacific Uni-versity in 2012 and is happy to apply it to such a great cause. At 26 years

old she is looking forward to her growth and career back in Maui and loves spending her time with family and at the beautiful beach-es. Welcome!

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has awarded Ka Lima a $50,000 annual operating grant renewable for 3 years to provide workforce development for persons with disabilities. We are ex-tremely excited at the prospect of recruiting our own clients for this program and really customizing our delivery of service to them.

To help us deliver this new service, Nilsa Ruiz was hired on Octo-ber 7, 2014. She moved to Maui 8 years ago from New York City where she was employed by the City University of New York as a Spanish teacher. She started working for herself, operating a small cleaning business, where she takes care of vacation rentals, an office in Kahului and a couple of private residences. Nilsa says “although this job helped me financially, I was becoming isolated from my community, and started to explore options to fix this problem. In October 2014, I was looking for a part-time job and Ka Lima O Maui was looking for a part-time Workforce Recruiter. When I went online to learn more about the organization, I was immediately inspired by Ka Lima’s mission and longtime history. I feel very fortunate to be part of Ka Lima’s ohana. Every day I’m grateful for the opportunity to work and learn, and to be of service to my community.” Wel-come!

Ka Lima’s 59th Annual Meeting and Luncheon

November 21, 2014

Ambassador Award

Diane Haynes Woodburn

Staff of the Year Keri Pasion-Salas

Employer of the Year The Dunes at Maui Lani

Golf Course

Job Placement of the Year David Rodriguez

Grounds Employee of the Year Matthew Wanderscheid

Custodial Employee of the Year Maria Cavan

Waiver Participant of the Year Travis Urayanza

Contractor of the Year Lokahi Pacific

Natalie Daluyen is a persis-tent young mother that in-formed us that she wanted to work and would work. Na-talie was offered an on call position at Ka Lima O Maui as a laundry worker and to hopefully one day be able to work up to a janitorial crew. Natalie’s hire date was De-cember 18, 2014.

Palani Rocha came to Ka Lima O Maui through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office. Prior to receiving his referral Palani called the office to intro-duce himself and let us know that he will be working for us soon. He called occasionally in-quiring if we got his referral. Fi-nally the day came that I called Palani and the rest is history. Palani is working for Ka Lima O Maui just like he said he would. He was hired December 19, 2014 and works at HC&S in a janitorial crew. Congratulations!

Ka Lima O Maui started employment services for Vavega Tialino in the beginning of 2014. Vavega has learned that patience does pay off. Vavega was offered employment as a dishwasher at the Sugar Cane Restaurant (Our cover story from the employer side). He was hired just days before Christmas on 12/22/14. What a Christmas present!

Look Who’s Working

By Pam Kahae

Wadell Calahan was brought on board to work in one of Ka Li-ma O Maui’s grounds crew on October 1, 2014. Wadell tries hard to keep a good attitude and be an inspiration to others while en-during through the work day. He has been out of work due to a pre-existing health condition but hopefully he will get well soon and back to work.

Meeja Gaza is a very excited lady. She interviewed for a janitorial position at Ka Lima O Maui and was offered em-ployment on November 12, 2014. Con-gratulations! She works part-time but not a day goes by when she doesn’t remind everyone that she likes to work. She has worked in two different janitorial crews to date but her favorite crew to work in is the Kahului Airport crew (TSA).

Employers Needed

We would like the opportunity to work for your company

Juan Wun - Stock person or cashier Harlan Nakanishi - Office worker

Stacey Roberts - Craft store

If you can offer employment to these individuals Call Pam Kahae at 244-5502

Look Who’s Working

By Pam Kahae

The fall 2014 How to Succeed at Work group completed the class-room portion of their course during Thanksgiving week. The four participants began their search for work experience sites with most finding assignments by January. The one exception was Desiree Esperanza who transitioned from classroom to permanent employ-ment without the work experience stage. Desiree submitted many job applications and received offers from Whole Foods and from Ross Stores. She accepted part time positions with both stores and worked both locations temporarily until she was able to make a de-cision about which was the best match for her. She then chose to dedicate her time fully to the Ross location. Chester Santos –Bras recently began grounds maintenance work at the humane Society and Warren Pladera will soon be starting his work experience as-signment at Safeway. The next How to Succeed at Work Class will begin in February. Applications are currently being received with an expectation of accepting 6 students. The classes will run through April followed by six weeks of Work Experience. All students who successfully complete classes will be assisted with finding perma-nent positions.

In November we had our 59th annual meeting with plenty of turkey and stuffing to enjoy. Close to 150 people joined us for the event featuring Guest Speaker Keith Regan, Managing Director County of Maui and Debbie Wanderscheid, consumer parent. Eight awards were also given at the Annual Meeting to show recognition for those who greatly contributed to Ka Lima O Maui and its mission. See photos on opposite page.

The Christmas holiday party was also a great success, with Saren-to’s on the Beach restaurant hosting another beautiful atmosphere with ono grinds and good cheer. Games were played and gift prizes won, with even a photo booth of props. One particular game had everyone in stiches; it was a fun sing-along to the 12 days of Christ-mas local-pidgin style…everyone shouted with glee when it came to their line of the song. It was a very exciting and wonderful time. A huge Mahalo to Sarento’s on the Beach for their generosity and welcoming smiles.

Vocational & Work Adjustment Training Program

By John DeBlasio

Happenings Around Ka Lima

As 2014 came to an end, the holidays kept us excited and busy. In October we cele-brated Halloween with creativity. Partici-pants decorated the building with art work with some making their own Halloween costumes. We were treated to a Halloween party and dance at Easter Seals where par-ticipants had a blast!

Staff member Aida Corpuz gave birth to baby Cameron! Con-gratulations Ron and Aida

November was highlighted with celebrating Travis Urayanza’s accomplishments, as he was honored as the Waiver Participant of the year at the Annual Meeting.

December was festive and we celebrated the holiday with many activities. We did holiday arts and crafts, baking, and the Salva-tion Army’s Adopt a Kettle. The Adopt a Kettle activity has been a favorite for the participants, they enjoyed ringing bells and get-ting donations for the Salvation Army. Participants also made “Claudia’s” famous sugar cookies, cutting and decorating. This has become a tradition that the group look forward to every year. This year the participants created a very memorable 12 days of Christmas performance. Participants made their own props that represented their day and we all sang the “local style” 12 days of Christmas and several other carols. It was a great performance!

Eva Ejano, started waiver services in De-cember, she enjoys sports, drawing, reading, listening to music and loves the San Francisco 49ers! Welcome Eva!

Waiver

Submitted by Keri Pasion-Salas

3rd Annual Job Fair

October 28, 2014

Ka Lima O Maui hosted their annual Halloween Dance on Friday, October 24, 2014 inviting neighboring agencies. The night consisted of music by DJ Jamie Park, a potluck dinner and Halloween trivia. Clients danced the night away to some frightful music and enjoyed the company of others. Halloween 2015 is in the works and is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2015. So mark your calen-dars as this year’s event is going to be spooktacular. See you there.

Thank you Seabury Hall for inviting us to the Fall Ball. Our clients love to dance and they did the evening of Friday, November 14, 2014. (back row) Ryan Behn, Anthony Louis, Buddy Naawa, Bran-don DeCambra, John K, Joe Keanini, Eugene Perreira, Jayson Har-ris, Eben Hooey & Hoku Bailey (front row) William Koa, Margie Calpito, Jason Sugahara, Loretta Harris, Crystal Nunes, Gertrude Akuna, Wade Balinbin, Fae Torres & Sally Keanini

HUI Club News

By Barbara Kim-Cugal

Waiver

Submitted by Keri Pasion-Salas

We ended December with our new year’s toast and we also did a burn-ing bowl activity, where we all wrote something that we wanted to be rid of then we threw them in the hibachi.

2014 was a great year and we look forward to 2015!!!

On October 29th 2014, Ranae Ganske –Cerizo, a Conservationist with the NRCS and Jennifer Hi-gashino, a Biologist with Maui Nui, USFWS held an educational field trip at the Kanaha Beach NRCS Wetland Reserve. Along with Ka Lima O Maui staff, there were members from the County of Maui Parks Dept. and the Commu-

nity Workday Program present. Ranae outlined the long term conser-vation plan for Kanaha Beach and explained the importance of main-taining the wetlands. Over the years, the installation of fencing and the diligent removal of invasive plant species have resulted in the recovery of many acres of wetland areas. Jennifer pointed out areas of sensitive wetlands that bordered the recreational areas at Kanaha and identified the various native species that were growing in the areas. There is approximately 75 acres within the conservation area. Pictured is Billy Tagay of Ka Lima O Maui and Jennifer Higashino of the USFWS inspect a wetlands pond.

Kanaha Beach Park Wetlands

Submitted by Dan Honma

Clients’ Christmas Party 2014