Talofa, Hafa Adai, Aloha, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Bula, Kia ora, Kumusta, Ran annim, and Hello to our Dear VOPIN community!
This month has been a true roller coaster—marked by moments of profound joy and sobering reminders of the challenges that remain. As we reflect on June, one truth stands firm: through every high and low, it is our community that grounds us, strengthens us, and propels us forward.
Amid growing hardship, the widening gap between wealth and poverty weighs heavily—especially on our most marginalized communities. The obstacles can feel overwhelming. Yet in the face of adversity, unity remains our greatest strength. When we stand together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
We also celebrated the remarkable achievements of students and families across Kitsap County and throughout our state. Graduation season brought both joy and bittersweet farewells, as families prepare to send their loved ones off to college, the military, overseas opportunities, and new pathways toward the future. In every goodbye, there is hope—and in every new beginning, the promise of something greater.
VOPIN remains steadfast in our commitment to serve children and their families by providing high-quality, culturally responsive services and resources aimed at eliminating educational and opportunity inequities. We act as a vital bridge—strengthening relationships among students, families, schools, and the broader community.
As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the resilience of our youth and the strength of our community. Together, we are building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, every voice is heard, and every family feels seen, valued, and supported.
A Story of Survival and Determination: Aniya Clark
Aniya Joy Clark is a remarkable young woman of Filipino and African American heritage, born in Yokosuka, Japan, while her family was stationed overseas. Her journey is one marked by strength, survival, and the quiet courage to keep moving forward. Her father, currently deployed to the Middle East, has served his country with dedication, as have her siblings—her brother Keion, a 2023 Bremerton High School graduate and VOPIN’s first scholarship recipient, is in training with the U.S. Air Force and will soon join the Space Force. Her older sister is also proudly serving in the Air Force.
Before arriving in Washington State, Aniya attended ninth grade in Jacksonville, Florida, where she endured a traumatic experience: surviving gun violence at school. She shared, “Life was different after that. Though I’d faced frightening moments before, this was the first time I felt terror. School no longer felt safe, and that feeling soon followed me everywhere I went. Returning to school felt almost impossible—it was a constant reminder of my experiences.”
In the middle of 10th grade, her father received new military orders, relocating the family to Bremerton, Washington. But the trauma from Jacksonville followed her. “Everything upset me, especially school,” she wrote. “I isolated myself from everyone, sitting alone, not speaking to anyone, and letting my grades slip. The future felt meaningless.”
It was her brother Keion who gently encouraged her to check out VOPIN’s Navigating Education program. I remember the first time I saw Aniya—she was sitting quietly in the school counselor’s office, tucked in the corner with her nose buried in a book, as if trying to disappear from the world. When she attended her first after-school session, she kept her head down and remained focused on her book. The same happened during her second visit. Aniya was present, but still very much hidden—guarded, uncertain, and healing.
Having worked with the King County Juvenile Justice for over twenty-five years, I recognized that what Aniya needed most was social-emotional support—and the kind of developmental relationships that create a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose. Over time, through patient and honest conversations, Aniya began to regain her confidence. I saw a spark return, and with it, the opportunity to invite her to step into a new role—one that would require courage, empathy, and leadership.
She accepted the challenge!
Aniya began tutoring her peers, many of whom faced complex challenges of their own. “Most of the students I tutored faced a wide variety of issues that impacted their grades,” she shared. “Some struggled with English, others were balancing jobs, or missing school often. But over time, I saw something powerful—students began improving. Their grades started rising, and they were retaining more information because they finally understood the material.”
In helping others, Aniya began to heal. What once felt like a meaningless future gradually transformed into a path filled with purpose, connection, and hope. Through VOPIN’s Navigating Education Internship Program, she began to uncover her potential—learning about leadership, gaining confidence in public spaces, and engaging deeply with her community.
As an intern on VOPIN’s Board of Directors, Aniya became a powerful voice for youth—bringing insight, authenticity, and lived experience to the table. In her leadership role, she stepped up with confidence and clarity. When tasked with creating a youth-led project to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she met the challenge with passion, creativity, and determination.
Aniya’s presence reminded us all: when young people are empowered, they don’t just find their voice—they become catalysts for change. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others earned her national recognition—receiving the prestigious National African American Recognition Award from the College Board Association. A well-deserved honor for a young leader on the rise.
One day during her tutoring session, Aniya came up to me and said, “I’m thinking about running for Student Body President of Olympic College.” Without hesitation, I replied, “Just do it. The worst they can say is no!”
She ran—and she won!
Aniya was elected as the 2024–2025 Student Body President of Olympic College, a testament to her growth, resilience, and unwavering determination. Her journey with VOPIN equipped her with the confidence, knowledge, and leadership experience to step boldly into this new role.
Aniya’s simultaneous graduation from Bremerton High School and completion of an Associate of Arts degree from Olympic College is nothing short of extraordinary. Her academic excellence, resilience, and leadership were further recognized when she was awarded VOPIN’s 2024–2025 Scholarship Award of $1,000. This fall, Aniya will attend George Washington University, where she plans to pursue a career in politics—a fitting path for a young woman already making a difference in her community.
Through it all, Aniya has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience. As the Executive Director of VOPIN, I couldn’t be prouder of everything she has achieved. Aniya is not only a leader—she is a powerful source of inspiration for her peers, her community, and the generations to come.
Saying goodbye and watching Aniya leave for college is a bittersweet moment. But we know she’s ready. Aniya understands that VOPIN will always be her home away from home. On behalf of the entire VOPIN family, we wish her all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter in her life. "Alofa tele atu, ma fa'amanuia atu le Atua ia te oe ~ We Love You and God Bless You!"
Help Fuel Dreams Through Education!
Since launching VOPIN’s Navigating Education program, we’ve supported approximately 175 Pasefika and other youth at Mt. View Middle School and Bremerton High School. The growing demand for our services continues to stretch our capacity, as every student comes with a unique story and set of challenges.
Unfortunately, the shifting landscape of government funding and policy has deeply impacted nonprofits nationwide. Like many organizations, we’re struggling to maintain the same level of services without the critical resources needed to support our community—especially our children and youth.
Due to funding constraints, we were forced to make difficult decisions, including laying off staff and postponing our summer program. These setbacks weigh heavily on our mission, but they also strengthen our resolve to advocate, adapt, and continue showing up for those who need us most.
We’re asking for your support. If you believe in the power of education, equity, and community, please consider making a donation to VOPIN. Every dollar makes a difference—and helps ensure that no young person is left behind. Together, we can keep this vital work moving forward.
Be The Reason a Student Thrives!
Empower Dreams, One Student at Time!
Make a lasting impact on our youth with just a $10 monthly gift
This isn’t just a donation—it’s a powerful investment in their dreams, aspirations, and future success.
With your support, we can elevate our Navigating Education program and ignite a sense of purpose, pride, and possibility in our students. Your contribution helps them stay on track, overcome barriers, and build a future filled with hope.
Together, united in our commitment to Pasefika youth, we celebrate their voices, their journeys, and their potential—with deep gratitude and unwavering belief in what they can achieve.
Join us—because their future begins with you.
Fa'afetai tele, Mahalo, Si Yu'os Ma'ase, Salamat, Malo-e-lelei, Kinisou, Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Sulang, and Thank you!
Support Education, Change the Future
Community Power
Community Power is the idea that when people in a community come together, they can create real, lasting change — for themselves, for their neighborhoods, and for future generations.
Olympic Connect is a free service that links community members with vital resources—helping guide individuals and families toward greater stability, opportunity, and long-term success.
We kindly ask that you share this with your networks—friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone in your community. Someone you know might be looking for help today, and your simple act of sharing could open the door to life-changing support.
Olympic Connect: Get Connected
At Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN), we remain committed to the well-being and success of our Pasefika (Pacific Islander) communities.
Olympic Connect is a regional Community Care hub serving Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap counties. This collaborative initiative aims to build a coordinated and accessible care network to better address essential needs such as housing, food security, education, and healthcare.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out directly to our Care Navigator:
Phone: 360-712-2247
Email: nica@vopin.org
Thank you for being a cherished member of our VOPIN family. Together, we will continue building stronger communities and brighter futures.
Other Ways to Donate
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- Reduce taxes* on capital gains while deducting the fair market value of gifted stock held for more than one year.
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* Capital gains tax and NII tax rates range from 18.8% to 37.1%, depending on your income and locality. Donate through DonateStock
King County employees: Donate through the King County Employee Giving Program
Washington State employees: Donate through the Washington State Combined Drive
