2024 Community Impact
From Our CEO and Board Chair
Throughout 2024, we’ve been so grateful for the support that has enabled Easterseals Hawaii to continue making profound differences in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. With this responsibility in mind, our goals remain addressing critical service gaps and expanding our reach to meet the evolving needs of our community.
One of the most significant trends we observe is the increasing longevity of adults with I/DD. Thanks to advancements in healthcare and supportive legislation, individuals are living longer, healthier lives. Projections indicate that the number of kupuna with I/DD over the age of 60 will nearly double by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive, lifelong support. Considering that 1 in 6 children are currently being diagnosed with a developmental disability, we remain strong in our goal to provide a continuum of care across the lifespan, ensuring individuals and families receive the support they need at every stage of life.
We’ve made significant strides through our focus on:
- Lifelong Services: Offering support from birth through adulthood and into older age.
- Individualized Care: Tailoring our services to meet the unique goals, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs of each client and their family.
- Family-Centered Support: Providing broad support to families, including stress reduction resources, burnout prevention strategies, and caregiver/family coaching.
To put that in context, last year we provided just over 286,000 hours of service to over 2,000 families. That translates to about 780 hours of care, treatment and support every single day during the year.
We remained committed to innovation and expansion, strengthening partnerships with our funders like the Department of Health, HMSA and Kaiser, and launching diagnostic services to broaden access to crucial support. These efforts, among many more, are designed to meet families where they are and provide the resources they need to thrive. Our customer satisfaction scores have held steady year over year compared to 2023 and average 4.5 out of 5, reflecting the value and impact of our services on individuals and families. We sincerely value our relationships in the community and thank you for your continued belief in ESH.
Our growth in 2024 has been underpinned by our dedicated, highly skilled, and exceptional teams. In the last year, we onboarded 50 new team members, and we’re proud to say that Easterseals Hawaii has more than 200 people delivering and supporting care – we expect that number to grow by the end of the year. As our employee base grows, so too does our ability to deliver services to more people who need them.
We look forward to 2025 with equal measures of excitement and determination. This year, as part of our continued commitment to serving the I/DD community, our focus will be on:
- Executing with excellence
- Continuing to cultivate healthy and high-performing teams
- Scaling for impact
- Advocating for what we believe in
We could not have done this without you – your generosity and partnership are key to our success. We invite you to read on and learn more about the impact we are making together.
Your Generosity in Action
The work we do across the Islands is made possible thanks to our generous supporters, and reflects the impact the community has in making the world a more equitable place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Just as our clients and families choose their path, you’ve also chosen yours – one of giving and inclusion.
Together, we can close the gaps in service for families throughout their lifespans to provide the kind of care they need.
Every dollar raised stays in Hawaii in support of our participants.
What We Do
Hawaii has been committed to serving children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Annually, we provide over 286,000 hours of direct service, benefiting individuals and families throughout the state. We’re creating a more equitable world so people with developmental disabilities can choose their path. We do this by reimagining how care and support can be better connected to fill gaps in human services across an individual’s lifespan.
Autism Services
Everyone is unique. That’s why individuals and families at Easterseals Hawaii receive customized services to meet their personal needs. A care team is assigned to each client and is responsible for creating and implementing their individual treatment plans.
Early Intervention
We support families in the fostering of a rich, nurturing environment for development and prioritize strengthening relationships between children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. Our goal at Easterseals Hawaii is to provide each child with the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that may be.
Adult Services
We find that our participants thrive when they are provided with experiences that align with their interests and goals. Independence and confidence are increased when there are opportunities for meaningful participation and interactions in our community.
Early Intervention
What We Do
Our Early Intervention (EI) programs support children from birth to age 3 in meeting important milestones to help them get set up for success throughout their lives. Using a personalized approach coupled with evidence-based research, each child in our program receives individualized treatment from highly skilled practitioners in their home or in one of our centers.
Caregivers are a fundamental part of each session and receive coaching on how to engage with their loved one in a way that matches their development. Through play, skills can be mastered for both the client and the caregiver – tips and support turn playtime into therapy and form a toolbox that families can utilize anytime, anywhere!
What We Accomplished
In 2024, we offered 3 different sessions of our inclusive preschool pilot program, which provided educational fun for keiki in the Kapolei area during school breaks – allowing families to have childcare focused on learning and peer interactions without disrupting their work schedules and home routines. What really made this program unique was that it welcomed both neurodiverse and neurotypical children to play together, learn together and grow together!
We also achieved a combined customer satisfaction score of 4.69 out of 5 for our program from our semi-annual surveys of client families. This score reflects the quality of our services and the positive impact we’re having on the individuals and families we serve.
“I love to watch how toddlers react to new experiences – it’s amazing to see how they develop their personalities. It’s always special to see children and parents bonding and growing together.”
– Iwalani, Program Manager
Meet Izen and Cylie
When Cylie reached out to Easterseals Hawaii to start Early Intervention for her son Izen in 2023, they helped her and her family in more ways than they expected. As a naturally curious kid, Izen’s care team fostered an environment where he could develop his foundational skills. He learned to take things apart, enjoyed listening to songs, and before he graduated, he made a ton of progress in following directions and holding his mother’s hand – important skills not only for safety, but for family bonding as well. Izen has since transitioned into Autism Services, where he continues to thrive and make progress. Read more about his journey in the Autism Services section!
When Cylie reached out to Easterseals Hawaii to start Early Intervention for her son Izen in 2023, they helped her and her family in more ways than they expected. As a naturally curious kid, Izen’s care team fostered an environment where he could develop his foundational skills. He learned to take things apart, enjoyed listening to songs, and before he graduated, he made a ton of progress in following directions and holding his mother’s hand – important skills not only for safety, but for family bonding as well. Izen has since transitioned into Autism Services, where he continues to thrive and make progress. Read more about his journey in the Autism Services section!
Adult Services
What We Do
With support and opportunity, adults with I/DD can find fulfillment in their communities as active participants building friendships, improving their life skills and joining the workforce. Easterseals Hawaii’s Adult Day Health (ADH) programs provide the support needed for adults with I/DD to be participating members of their communities, continue increasing self-determination and seek joy in the act of living fully. Through individual and community learning and personal living skills development, our participants can gain the skills to help them reach their goals.
Participants can also seek support in workforce development by enrolling in our Employment Services – part of our adult programming. For those with goals of securing employment, our team assesses their strengths and interests, then connects them with local businesses here in Hawaii. And for businesses looking to tap into an eager workforce, our team also provides training for employees and management in a move we believe only strengthens Hawaii’s diverse economy.
What We Accomplished
Throughout 2024, our participants engaged in the community on a daily basis – supported by our team of direct support professionals. From delivering meals to the elderly through Meals on Wheels, to volunteering at a local church’s food bank, to visiting with patients at a long-term care facility each week, we continued to make positive, tangible impacts within our communities across the Islands.
As part of our Art for All fundraiser event, participants from nearly all of our program locations across the Islands provided handmade art for the showcase. As part of the celebration, several participants from our Green Street location performed a special hula for the guests in attendance, reinforcing how self-expression and creativity are foundational in all of us.
Meet Bennett and his mom, Katie!
Bennett has been with Easterseals Hawaii for 25 years, where he leads a very positive and happy life thanks to a loving family and great experiences with his friends and care team at his program. His mom, Katie, brought him in when he was 13 years old for after school services, and today he is thriving as a participant in the Adult Day Health program. While Katie is now “the happiest retiree in Honolulu” she attributes her ability to have a fulfilling 40-year career to the support she received from Easterseals Hawaii over the years.
Watch their video to hear their full story of 25 years with Easterseals Hawaii!
“Adult Day Health is a huge part of our participants’ lives and I’m proud to support them in their pursuit of living their best life.”
– Robin, Direct Support Professional
Autism Services
What We Do
A common treatment option for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a scientific discipline focusing on meaningful changes in behavior through the analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of social and other environmental modifications.
We offer center-based and in-home ABA services in both 1:1 and group settings, interest-based Social Skills Groups, as well as Caregiver-Led ABA services to coach caregivers in the principles of ABA to empower them with expertise in their loved one’s treatment. Proven to be highly effective and flexible, these treatment models support families with busy schedules or those looking to work on goals outside of standard session times.
What We Accomplished
In October, we opened a new treatment space at our Napuakea center in Kapolei. This new space was designed to host group services, like our Social Skills Groups and morning circle time, and has been very well received by our clients. They’ve appreciated the environment, which was designed to foster play, exploration and socialization.
Another big milestone this past August was the launch of our Diagnostic Evaluation services, which allow families to seek and receive assessments for diagnosis – bringing much-needed relief to caregivers in need of support. Psychologists at our clinic are now conducting assessments, and families who have received evaluations have shared their satisfaction both with us and online!
What We Accomplished
In October, we opened a new treatment space at our Napuakea center in Kapolei. This new space was designed to host group services, like our Social Skills Groups and morning circle time, and has been very well received by our clients. They’ve appreciated the environment, which was designed to foster play, exploration and socialization.
Another big milestone this past August was the launch of our Diagnostic Evaluation services, which allow families to seek and receive assessments for diagnosis – bringing much-needed relief to caregivers in need of support. Psychologists at our clinic are now conducting assessments, and families who have received evaluations have shared their satisfaction both with us and online!
We’re extending services to the Windward side of Oahu by year’s end, focusing on in-home and community-based support, with plans to expand further in 2026!
“The new treatment space in the Napuakea clinic is a great place to create opportunities for peer interaction and socialization skills for more families. I’m thrilled to be part of its launch!”
– Almendra, Clinical Manager
Meet Izen
This past year, Izen has made progress in treatment, especially in his communication. “He talks more, can guide us with hand gestures when he wants something, learned to drink from a cup and say the alphabet and numbers,” says his mom Cylie. Not only has the team helped Izen, but the whole family has gained a lot of knowledge and confidence when it comes to his diagnosis, treatment and development. “I’m so grateful for all the help from the ESH team. They are very family oriented and give 100% when it comes to the children attending their program. I feel very blessed for having Easterseals Hawaii in our lives.”
This past year, Izen has made progress in treatment, especially in his communication. “He talks more, can guide us with hand gestures when he wants something, learned to drink from a cup and say the alphabet and numbers,” says his mom Cylie. Not only has the team helped Izen, but the whole family has gained a lot of knowledge and confidence when it comes to his diagnosis, treatment and development. “I’m so grateful for all the help from the ESH team. They are very family oriented and give 100% when it comes to the children attending their program. I feel very blessed for having Easterseals Hawaii in our lives.”
Achievement & Performance
Art for All Fundraiser & Art Show
Our art show held in November at Capitol Modern, Hawaii State Art Museum, was a triumph! Nearly $100,000 was raised during the evening that featured artwork from across our programs and a special hula performance from four of our Adult Services participants. Learn more by reading here!
Eggs ‘n Things Fundraiser
Through the month of May, all Eggs ‘n Things locations on Oahu hosted a fundraiser for Easterseals Hawaii that brought in $6,500 in support of our services and programs. Our long partnership with Eggs ‘n Things continues to be one we treasure. Interested in hosting a restaurant fundraiser with us? Let us know!
Inclusive Preschool Program
One of the ways we’re continuously innovating our programs was the development of an inclusive preschool program that welcomed keiki ages 3-6 in Kapolei to learn, explore and have fun! Designed for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children to play together, the program exemplifies the power of inclusion and being bold.
Diagnostic Evaluations
Rolling out our Diagnostic Evaluation services was a huge effort that aims to help more families get the diagnoses and treatment they need to reach their goals, like increasing communication or reducing challenging behaviors. Since launching, we’ve seen momentous growth in requests for evaluations!
Our Impact
Every day we worked together in 2024, we reached more individuals and families:
Over 2,000
individuals and families served annually
161 total
total practitioners delivering care
Over 286,000
total hours of service provided to individuals and families
11
Diagnostic Evaluations performed since launch
4.54
Client Satisfaction score for 2024
(out of 5)
Over 53,000
visits to our website for information
Your Giving
Our most generous gift this year was a bequest in the amount of
$100,000
from a long-time donor to support the keiki in ESH services
of fundraising dollars
supported Adult Services
of fundraising dollars
supported Early Intervention
A Big Mahalo to Our Supporters This Year!
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Our Board in Action
Adriann Gin
Secretary
Alex Lim
Board of Directors
Amy Corbisier
Board of Directors
Chad Asato
Vice Chair
Danielle Yafuso
Chair
Doug Chin
Board of Directors
Jim Ernest
Board of Directors
John Stinson
Board of Directors
Kellie Arakaki-Kodama
Board of Directors
Marty Hodgett
Board of Directors
Terri Fujii
Treasurer
Donate
Now that you’ve learned about our impact in 2024, you can be part of our impact in 2025! Join us by donating, sharing our social media posts, and attending our fundraisers throughout the year.
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