The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division announced the launch of “Pathway of Hope,” a new statewide initiative designed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, homelessness and drug addiction for individuals and families.
The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division announced the launch of “Pathway of Hope,” a new statewide initiative designed to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, homelessness and drug addiction for individuals and families.
“We aim to bring lasting changes to participants’ lives by focusing on three pillars of change: jobs, housing and a new community of support and accountability,” said Maj. John Chamness, divisional leader of the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. “Research indicates that an addicted or homeless person’s ability to make lasting changes in their lives is greatly enhanced by providing services that focus on removing barriers for these three pillars.
“Our experience shows us that families and individuals often face a repeating cycle of recidivism – where they move from crisis to crisis and remain vulnerable. By successfully offering a targeted set of services, rooted in strengths-based case management, we will help more families and individuals truly break the cycle of crisis and achieve stability.”
A professional team of case managers, with varying backgrounds and expertise similar to life coaches, will guide clients through a process of change that will focus on possibilities rather than problems. They will assist clients with identifying and finding solutions to the barriers that get in their way, such as: lack of job experience; bad employment history; legal issues; lack of housing; unhealthy friends; financial problems; mental health issues; feeling hopeless, etc.
In doing so, clients will find jobs, pay rent, and find support and accountability as they move forward through the process.
Pathway of Hope is initially being offered to existing clients who are selected as they transition from the Salvation Army’s addiction programs on Oahu, including Family Treatment Services, Addiction Treatment Services and Adult Rehabilitation Center. Several case managers already have been hired and a small number of clients are now participating in Pathway of Hope.
Pathway of Hope is a separate initiative from The Salvation Army’s addiction programs in Hawaii including Family Treatment Services, Adult Treatment Services and Adult Rehabilitation Center. Those programs will continue, as will all other community outreach programs statewide.
Pathway of Hope will work in tandem with the other programs, providing services as part of an effective continuum of care and support. The Salvation Army is considering developing clean-and-sober living houses where clients could reside while receiving Pathway of Hope services. Those plans will be reviewed and solidified in the coming months.
To help support Pathway of Hope, please contact the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division at 808-988-2136 or visit www.hawaii.salvationarmy.org.