Root & Rise Hawaiʻi October 2023 Newsletter |
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“The world is such-and-such or so-and-so only because we tell ourselves that that is the way it is.” – Carlos Castañeda (writer, anthropologist) |
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Every day we live out our own narratives and make our own histories. We play roles within our families or communities, making sense of our identity through this process. Freeing ourselves momentarily from our deeply rooted stories can be profoundly therapeutic, revitalizing, and fun. This idea, in alignment with the transition from fall to winter, underpins our seasonal mask-making workshops. Mahalo Janice and her afterschool program in Kona and our friends at Mental Health Kōkua & Kona Paradise Club for allowing us to share this art together. Your imagination and self-expression are limitless and inspiring! |
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The Art of Making Lau Lau |
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To reflect our community’s roots and approach to wellbeing, our “Art of Making Lau Lau” workshop on October 12th offered the practice of preparing lau lau (meat wrapped in ti and taro leaves, then steamed). While talking story, sharing personal experiences, and working with our hands, we all felt grounded as ʻohana. |
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This workshop was made possible by lau lau-lover and kumu Lester Gebin, who shared his technique, traditions, and wild pig meat and ti leaf harvested from the land we gathered upon. |
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An extra mahalo to Adaptations and Ben who shared their beautiful taro leaves, and to staff and participants from Kona Paradise Club, Steadfast Housing, and Adult Mental Health Division - Dept. of Health. Above left: Ben, Lester, and kalo leaf Above right: Big smile, working hands To left: The process underway |
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Mahalo Nui to Our Funders |
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With deep gratitude for the recent support of Councilmember Michelle Galimba and our Seed Circle members, we are ecstatic to announce generous contributions from local funders: Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (Health & Wellness Seed Grant) and an anonymous South Kona philanthropist. This means more therapeutic, integrative offerings for underserved Hawaiʻi island communities who aspire to mental health wellness. |
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We cannot MAHALO our supporters enough! Want to help fuel Root & Rise programs too? Make a one-time donation, any amount via Paypal or Venmo (@rootandrisehawaii) Become a sustaining Seed Circle member & make a recurring donation, any amount
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As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible using our EIN 92-152416! |
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Seeking Board Members! Are you passionate about mental health wellbeing and have the motivation, background, and means to help effect change? You could be our newest addition to our Board of Directors! We are currently seeking a Secretary and at least 1 additional Board Member. Ideal candidates have skills and/or professional experience in any of the following areas: Non-profit administration & strategic planning Fundraising & grant-writing Community action & public service Communications & web development Financial management Business law
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These voluntary, 2-year term positions require attending quarterly meetings (via Zoom), occasional pop-up meetings, and about 10 hours annually (which may increase as we build capacity). Familiarity with Google Drive is a plus.
If you are interested, please reach out via email to info@rootandrisehawaii.org or call 617-543-8065.
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A Vision in the Works: Supportive, Affordable Housing Affordable housing with therapeutic services would provide people with severe mental health challenges the opportunity to work toward personal goals and enhance their quality of life. Moreover, therapeutic and affordable housing continues to be a necessity for our community. Since Root & Rise’s inception, creating supportive housing options—uniquely guided by our core values—has gained momentum as we actively seek a housing location and funding to support this initial phase. If you would like to be involved in bringing this vision to life, please reach out - info@rootandrisehawaii.org. We welcome thought-partnerships, grant opportunities, and housing or property leads. |
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November Workshop: Join us! |
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Mahalo nui loa for your support! |
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