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Peer Tutoring

Strength & Leadership

VOPIN January 2025 Newsletter

Talofa, Hafa Adai, Aloha, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Bula, Kia ora, Ia orana, Kumusta, Ran annim, and Hello, VOPIN Family!

As we embark on another exciting year, we hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits, ready to embrace the growth and sense of community that defines us at Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN). This month, we are particularly eager to share an important update and invite you to engage more with our mission.

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Olympic Community of Health (OCH) to serve the Kitsap community. Olympic Connect, led by the OCH, will be a valuable resource, assisting and guiding the community in addressing social needs such as housing, food insecurity, and healthcare. In collaboration with Olympic Connect, VOPIN's Care Coordination will serve as a bridge and deliver trauma-informed and culturally sensitive case management, recognizing each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Their role includes assessing individual needs and connecting clients with essential services such as housing, food assistance, childcare, transportation, job training, etc. Care Navigators also provide ongoing support and maintain communication with clients, monitor their progress, and document the outcomes. VOPIN is committed to building stronger communities by enhancing their well-being outcomes.

Be Excited and Be Involved:

Enrollment: If you or someone you know requires Care Coordination services, we encourage you to enroll as a client with VOPIN. Our Care Coordination team will collaborate with you to identify the services you need to thrive and become an active member of the community. 

Volunteerism & Mentorship: As our initiatives grow, so does our need for passionate and dedicated volunteers. Whether you want to mentor a student, assist with event planning, or share your professional skills, your contributions are invaluable. The time you spend with a student or young adult can have a significant impact on their life. Our children face numerous challenges, and sometimes, they simply need someone to talk to. That could be you!

Please visit our website to express your interest and let us know how you wish to make a difference in our community!

Donate: Your financial contributions support our programs that positively impact the lives of Pacific Islander students and their families. The success and opportunities for a brighter future for our youth begin with your generous gift. Thank you for making a difference!

Stay Connected: Visit our website and Facebook page to learn about the latest happenings and share VOPIN with your friends and family. Your active involvement is vital to our collective success and helps raise awareness and necessary funds.

Program Highlights

Navigating Education (NE) Program: VOPIN's NE has expanded and now serves Mountain View Middle School (MVMS). NE offers tutoring, social-emotional, mentoring, and culturally relevant education support for our students at BHS and MVMS. Getting involved in tutoring or mentoring can have a lasting impact on a child's life because it takes a village to raise children! You can visit our website to become a volunteer and share your interest with us. 

Fetu Tai'ala Internship Program: VOPIN's internship program is part of our Youth and Young Adults Services department. This program allows our interns to grow as leaders and develop skills for their dream futures.

Family Services Department: The VOPIN Care Coordination program will be the link and services provider for our Kitsap youth and families. As mentioned above, the collaboration between VOPIN and OCH Community Connect will establish a type of system of care for our community members. Please stay tuned by visiting our website and Facebook page for further details. 

 

Fa'afetai tele, Si Yu'os ma'ase, Mahalo, Salamat po, Kilisou, Nga mihi, and Thank you—we are grateful for your continuous support and participation in VOPIN. Let's maintain this momentum as we strive toward a brighter future for our children and community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The VOPIN Team