Athena Bite-Aken Kane, a mother of two young children under the age of three, was initially a participant in the Hoʻāla Program a few years ago. After reconnecting with Hoʻāla at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Pediatrics event in 2024, Athena returned for assistance, hoping to secure early education opportunities for her keiki.
Athena submitted applications for her two children to attend a program by PACT, with the support of a Hoʻāla’s Outreach Specialist. About a month later, Athena received the exciting news that both children had been accepted into an early learning program for the new school year.
Together Athena and the Outreach Specialist worked together ensuring that all necessary Child Care Subsidy and First To Work documentation was properly submitted to secure financial support. As a result of these efforts, Athena’s children were awarded a total of $32,556 in subsidies to attend PACTʻs Program at Kamaʻāina Kids in Māʻili.
Reflecting on her experience, Athena expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you so much for all of your help. I wouldn’t have been able to go through all of this and get them into school without you. Now I can focus on working more to provide for my family. I’m going to refer everyone to you!”
Her story doesn’t stop there. Inspired by her positive experience, Athena referred three other families to the Hoʻāla Program. Through the ongoing support of Hoʻāla, Athena has not only secured a brighter future for her children but also extended the same opportunity to others in her community.
