Ho‘oikaika ‘Ohana (HO‘O) serves Native Hawaiian families who have suffered the harm of domestic violence. Over a 9-month period, survivors, their keiki (children) and ‘ohana attend weekly group sessions. Together, they mend relationships through mo’olelo (talkstory) and cultural practices, such as lei-making, planting and pounding kalo (taro), chanting and dancing hula.
HO‘O was developed in response to the unfortunate reality that Native Hawaiians are the highest ethnic group receiving DVAC legal and advocacy services. The program honors the need for programs and services that are built on Native Hawaiian values and practices, to better support survivors and their families towards healing and rebuilding. The program cultivates a survivor-defined environment in which, aided by staff, they can share, encourage, and heal with one another towards peace.
Our program’s goal is captured in our name:
Ho‘oikaika ‘Ohana.
Ho‘o means to strive toward…
Ikaika means strong…
‘Ohana means family…
We are striving to help strengthen families toward peace.
PARTICIPATING IN HO‘O
Native Hawaiian survivors who participate in the HO‘O program have generally moved beyond their crisis. They are ready to focus on healing and promoting their long-term health, stability, personal growth, cultural connections, and family harmony.
Groups are held across Oahu, in safe and peaceful locations.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the HO‘O program, please contact us.
ABOUT THE HO’O CURRICULUM
The HO‘O Curriculum was developed by a Hui (group) of community leaders, content experts, cultural navigators, and survivors, to be in aligned with community and family safety. The program combines the Complex Trauma Model of Dr. Carole Warshaw with traditional Hawaiian values that reflect harmony, balance, healing and positive parenting.
THE THREE PHASES OF HO’O
The program divided into 3 phases, each named after the colors of the lehua (blossoms) of the Native ohiʻa tree. As the ohiʻa tree is the first to emerge after a lava flow, it represents resilience and the strong cultural connection Native Hawaiians have to their ‘aina (land).
Phase 1, Lehua ‘apane (Red Lehua blossom): Using tools such as the Lōkahi Wheel and a Moon Phase Journal, survivors build relationships and explore shared goals such as personal strength, understanding, and equality.
Phase 2, Lehua mamo (Yellow Lehua blossom): Survivors participate in weekly meetings with members of their extended ‘ohana to deepen understanding and healing. Survivors and their ‘ohana have the opportunity to heal in the presence of one another, and gain skills for the way forward when new challenges arise. The survivors and their ‘ohana also engage in activities consistent with the cultural identity of the family.
Phase 3, Lehua mamo ‘o ‘a ‘alani (Orange-red Lehua blossom): Survivors and their keiki work together to heal and re-establish strong communication, in addition to continuing with group and ‘ohana meetings. In this phase, survivors and their children come together to make na mea Hawai’i (Hawaiian things) like lauhala (pandanus leaf) bracelets, Hawaiian quilts, lei hulu (feather leis), and haku lei (braided, woven leis). By engaging in creative activities together, survivors and their keiki have safe opportunities to make decisions that have positive results and outcomes.
Once survivors have completed the HO‘O program, they participate in a ho‘ike (celebration) in honor of their strength, dedication and perseverance. Survivors’ keiki and ‘ohana, Hui members, HO‘O staff and DVAC management attend the celebration. During this powerful gathering, survivors share personal statements of achievement and celebrate with food, flowers, traditional dress, music and dance.