Lanakila Pacific Re-opens Job Training Center for Mentally Challenged Adults

Lanakila Pacific's President Marian Tsuji, TLC Participants and Staff

The phase II renovations included much needed repairs including accessible restrooms, larger classroom spaces and a kitchen with TLC signature purple cabinets and fixtures. On October 28th, Lanakila TLC, a program of Lanakila Pacific, participated in a ribbon cutting and blessing for phase II of the Wahiawa Center's renovation.

When fully operational, this renovation will allow Lanakila TLC to more than double the number of people served at the Wahiawa Center. In addition, Lanakila will be able to offer unique activities to people with disabilities at the Wahiawa site, such as the computer and internet resource room and food garden. These new services will be available to any of the 450 participants enrolled in the Lanakila programs, as well as the general community.

Plans for the next phase of construction were also unveiled including the addition of an arts studio, computer resource room and food growing facility. This massive

TLC participants expressing their creativity by making arts and crafts

undertaking will eventually produce lettuce and other produce for Lanakila Kitchen. It is a staple in developing low-cost, nutritious items for Lanakila Meals on Wheels, Hawaii's largest meal provider for seniors.

Lanakila Pacific is a unique Hawaii-based non-profit organization. They offer programs and social enterprises that build independence for thousands of people with challenged lives.

Honolulu Field Office Community Planning and Development Director, Mark Chandler attended the blessing ceremony. HUD provided $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding and an additional $192,000 in Economic Development Initiative and Special Purpose Grant funding for the $1.2 million project.

Learn more about Lanakila Pacific (http://www.lanakilapacific.org/home.asp)

Content Archived: October 18, 2013