Gathering Places
Gathering Places
Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, sometimes known as Lanakila Crafts, is perhaps best known for its craft fairs every November. One of our work-training divisions produces craft items that are sold throughout Hawaii and in some parts of the mainland. But the craft side of our business represents just 9 percent of our nonprofit's operations. The majority of our work-training opportunities are located off site, primarily on military bases, and include a food-service operation, grounds maintenance, custodial work and shelf-stocking. Lanakila offers more
than Meals on WheelsAt Lanakila, our mission is to provide programs and services to adults with cognitive, physical, social or age-related challenges that build and support higher levels of independence and an improved quality of life. While most people who receive services through Lanakila are supported by government programs, Lanakila is able to serve them through self-referrals, provided they meet some eligibility requirements.
Our three basic programs are Workforce Development, Adult Day Services and Meals on Wheels. Each program provides participants with opportunities and access to resources that support active community living. In Adult Day Services, individuals participate in life-skill training groups that focus on personal development, home management, recreation and leisure, education, getting around in the community and work readiness. Individuals identify which skill training most closely meets their priorities; goals are set based on the practical value the skill development will have on achieving their goals.
Our Workforce Development program focuses on work skill development and providing work experiences while actively employed by Lanakila. The goal is to assist people with disabilities in developing marketable skills that allow them to enter and retain employment in the community and earn a living wage. Training areas include food service, grounds maintenance, shelf-stocking, custodial work, sewing and assembly work.
Often thought of as a separate organization, Lanakila's Meals on Wheels program delivers close to 1,000 meals each day to seniors across the island, adding up to more than 238,000 meals a year. Access to meals delivered to their doorsteps is sometimes the key service that allows people to continue living in their own homes.
But meals are just one component of Lanakila's MOW Program. Often the personal visit by one of our 200-plus volunteer meal deliverers is the participant's only regular contact with the community. Our staff and volunteers often are the first ones to notice changes in their health. Because most current participants are seniors who are more susceptible to life-threatening conditions, timely intervention is critical. Our volunteers are a constant bridge between MOW's participants and other needed health and community services.
Lanakila's Group Dining program serves more than 900 seniors at 40 locations throughout Oahu. As with our home delivery program, the meal is only one component of the service. Each site offers the client the opportunity to socialize with peers and to participate in exercise, recreational and educational activities.
Whether it's a meal or the need to learn how to live more independently in the community, Lanakila has a broad range of services for adults with cognitive, physical, social or age-related challenges.
For more information about whether any of our programs or services can meet your needs, please call us at 531-0555 and ask for Debbie Kim Morikawa.
Laura K.M. Colbert is president of the Lanakila Rehabilitation Center.