About

Help for those in crisis

RESILIENCE PROJECT PURPOSE

The Kaua`i Resilience Project is a bold community initiative to build our young people’s ability to overcome adversity and successfully navigate life’s challenges so they can lead enriched, fulfilled and purposeful lives.

 

There is a quiet crisis among our island youth. 9% of Kaua`i high school students attempted suicide last year. 28% of our young people reported feeling sad or worthless for extended periods of time.

 

We want to change that.

OVERALL PROJECT GOALS

To increase community protective factors around our youth

To build youth resilience and increase their life skills

To reduce youth suicide and suicide attempts

WHAT WE DISCOVERED

Over the course of six months, we convened multiple youth groups in high schools, middle schools and after school settings; we reviewed the latest research and best practices for building youth resilience; we interviewed experts in the field; we spoke to school principals and counselors; and we met with Kaua`i leaders.

 


As a result of this research, we discovered some fundamental truths that will help our young people thrive.

  • Kaua`i needs to build more protective factors around our youth.

  • Our young people need to learn more life skills and social-emotional tools in school.

  • Our young people need to spend less time on social media and digital devices.

  • Every young person needs access to after school programs or activities, without barriers such as tuition, fees or transportation.

  • Our young people need safe and fun places to gather on evenings and week-ends.

WHAT ARE PROTECTIVE FACTORS?

The Search Institute identifies 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to become more resilient and to succeed.

 

These include positive relationships and opportunities in their families, schools, and communities as well as their inner social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments. By increasing these protective factors, we will increase a young person’s resilience.

 

At the same time, we will decrease negative behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use, bullying, truancy and unprotected sex.

For more information on protective factors

SMALL CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Kaua`i shows up to help when our people are in need. Our young people need us right now. Everyone can take a little time to acknowledge our teens and pre-teens, to simply say hello, to reach out a hand, to be there when they need someone to talk to. We are asking for your help to do exactly that.

In addition, our young people need constructive things to do. Kaua`i’s rural lifestyle can be boring, without enough activities to stimulate and engage our young minds. You can help by looking around your community. Are there enough after-school programs? Are there safe places to gather? Can your community group or place of worship host a game night for teens once a month? Do you have a skill with which you can mentor a teen ?

 


With everyone’s help, we can surround our teens and pre-teens with what they need.

KAUA`I’S KIDS ARE YOUR KIDS

In the upcoming months, our project members will be taking this message to every neighborhood on Kaua`i.

 

We will be asking for your ideas on how best to help youth in your neighborhood. And we will be asking you to help your local teens and pre-teens. This help can come from individuals, your town, your place of worship, your service organization or youth group.

 

Let’s help our kids.

Click here to read our community action plan !

WHO WE ARE

Chair:

Members

Photo Credit: Steve Munch, Latitudes Fine Art