Go to homepage

Theory of Change

Theory of Change

Creating change on a scale needed to break the cycle of poverty necessitates improvements at all levels of the ecosystem—from the immediate environment where an individual lives with ‘ohana, to the larger context of school, church, and community, and the still larger arena that encompasses the state, the nation, and the world.

It is only by understanding complex, dynamic social issues across all of these dimensions that we can identify and act on opportunities that offer the greatest impact. It is only by working closely with others across the system that we can create change that is sustainable.

Our Challenges

Native Hawaiian children and their ‘ohana are overrepresented in the justice, child welfare, special education, and healthcare systems. Their needs are simply not being served. We believe that by directing our resources to individuals who are the most vulnerable—those who are chronically placed at-risk by their bleak circumstances—we're enabling them to create better lives and consider bigger dreams. By uplifting the most disadvantaged among us, the welfare of our whole community will improve.

Living in Poverty

1 in 3 young Hawaiian children live at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline for Hawaiʻi.

Access Barriers

2 of 3 Native Hawaiian households with children under age 5 do not have a livable income.

Child Welfare

48% of children in foster care are Native Hawaiian.

Juvenile Justice

Approximately 700 Native Hawaiian Youth were arrested for status offenses in 2019, 2/3 of those were for running away. 

School Attendance

18% of Native Hawaiian public school students were chronically absent in the 2019-20 school year.

Early Parenting

8.2% of Native Hawaiian girls ages 15-19 gave birth in 2019.

Our Working Theory of Change

Watch this short video to understand the inner workings of our Theory of Change and how we plan to make an impact in the lives of our kamali‘i.

Show Transcript
download this video

Community Informational Session

The following video presentation of our 2016/17 community informational sessions provides an introduction to our collaborative work with community partners.

Show Transcript
download this video

Partner With Us

For more information about partnering with the trust, please reach out to our Strategic Initiatives (engagement) at Ltcollaborations@onipaa.org