Past Events
April is Month of the Young Child
 MEO's Head Start Wailuku B children and staff attending a Proclamation signing with Mayor Alan Arakawa for April - Month of the Young Child on Tuesday, April 10. |
County of Maui, Underage Drinking Prevention. Be A Jerk Sticker Shock at Minit Stop, Pukalani!
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Want to thank Minit Stop for stepping up to be the first store chain in Maui County to participate in this campaign. Long's Drugs, Pukalani also signed up as we sticker-ed their store April 18. Truly amazing community we live in. And of course, thanks Menehune Water for being a partner to the cause from the get go! And great to have Anheuser-Bush, Budweiser to sign up and show up at all the activities to support the underage drinking prevention campaign. Thanks Department of Police for providing community support and Department of Liquor Control who has sent investigators to each event to provide educational support. Thanks Department of Housing and Human Concerns for taking this campaign on and for caring about our youth! Thanks Department of Health, ADAD. The idea came to us from the City and County of Honolulu. So amazing these connections! What a great community we live in! The true stars are the kids from Maui Economic Opportunity who participate, make a difference! |
"The Power of Story For Children and Adults"
| "The Power of Story For Children and Adults" will be the topic of Tuesday's Mental Health America Brown Bag Lunch, beginning at noon at Maui Economic Opportunity. Elizabeth Brandon, a licensed marriage and family therapist, will be the speaker at the event in Classroom No. 1 at MEO, 99 Mahalani St. The free program is being presented in partnership with MEO Headstart in April, the Month of the Young Child. It is open to the public. Continuing education units are available through the National Council on Family Relations. For more information, call 242-6461. |
Maui DUI Prevention Meeting Calls on Community to "Be A Jerk"
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More than 60 community members showed up for a town hall meeting in Kula Tuesday, March 28, focused on underage drinking prevention. Organizers and partners in the event said it provided an opportunity for the community to speak openly about their concerns and feelings among their peers and family members. “It might sound a little strange to tell people to Be A Jerk, but the idea is we want adults to be a jerk and not provide alcohol to minors,” said MEO Underage Drinking Prevention program coordinator, Nicole Schroeter. Life / Career Skills Workshop
 Ka Wili Pu Program and the assistants of Underage Drinking Prevention Program staff provided and hosted a life/career skills workshop & recruitment presentation for the students at Baldwin High School 9th & 10th graders who were selected by their counselors to attend on Thursday, February 23, 2012 during 2nd period. |
Job / Resource Fair
 Despite the ominous weather forecast for potential flooding in Maui County due lingering effects of a week-long storm system, the job and resource fair was a success. With eight (8) employers participating and over 50 attendees visiting this event, everyone was in good spirits. All potential candidates came with an optimistic attitude and all expressed their eagerness to meet with the representatives. Having hearing of this job/resource fair in advance, some came prepared with resumes in hand, talked at length with the employers and completed applications at this event. |
Head Start Girls Day Tea Party
 MEO's Head Start program held a Girl’s Day Tea Party on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Participants included mothers of MEO Head Start children residing on Maui. The purpose of this event was to promote relaxation and stress prevention techniques. Mothers in attendance enjoyed massage, manicures, and a selection of finger foods and flavorful teas. Additional activities included jewelry making with shells and beads, and Easter art with Ben Franklin staff. Mothers enjoyed networking with each other as they took time to relax and unwind. Mahalo to the participants and to community volunteers from Aloha School of Massage Therapy, manicurist Sheri and Ben Franklin Craft store for providing services for this event. |
Lanai Volunteer Luncheon
 Over 40 individuals were recognized at the MEO Lanai Volunteer Luncheon on February 28 on Lanai. MEO executive staff Lyn McNeff, Debbie Cabebe and George Reioux traveled to the beautiful island to say “Mahalo” to all of the volunteers. Branch Manager Doreen Pascua coordinated the event, arranging for a Mexican feast. Attendees were entertained by a volunteer group of Kupuna who played the ukulele, sang and danced hula. “It was wonderful to celebrate with the Lanai community. They are a very welcoming and giving group.”, said CEO McNeff. |
Molokai Volunteer Luncheon
 CEO Lyn McNeff and CPO Debbie Cabebe traveled to Molokai on Thursday, February 23, 2012 to honor the many MEO Molokai Volunteers. Branch Director Yolanda Reyes and staff organized the event honoring the 40 plus volunteers. Pictured: - group photo of those in attendance, - volunteer Dorothy Nihoa with Lyn McNeff |
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Benefactor and Volunteers of the Year
  MEO recognized its Benefactor and Volunteer of the Year at a luncheon celebration held at the MEO Family Center in Wailuku on February 14, 2012. Gailene Wong accepted the Benefactor of the Year award on behalf of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. The Foundation contributed 1 million 25 thousand dollars to help with the completion of MEO’s Vineyard Street facility. The building is officially called the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Residential Training Center. The Volunteer of the Year was awarded to two individuals, a first for MEO. Stephen Groff has volunteered numerous hours assisting with maintenance and repair work to various MEO facilities, saving the agency thousands of dollars. Kevin Yoshida volunteers his time assisting the MEO Business Development Center as the Chair of the board committee. Kevin shares his financial expertise with staff supporting program initiatives in business planning and development and micro lending. Mahalo to Stephen and Kevin and all of the 600 plus MEO volunteers; we couldn’t do it without you. |
Underage Drinking Prevention - Town Hall Meeting
 WAILUKU - A town hall meeting to help prevent underage drinking will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Maui Economic Opportunity meeting rooms at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.Members of MEO's Youth Action Committee project will speak about the prevention of underage drinking. The county's Department of Housing and Human Concerns is holding the meeting with the Communities Mobilizing Change on Alcohol Program. Both are seeking youth groups from around the county to coordinate and launch community projects during alcohol awareness month in April. Grant funding of up to $2,000 is available for youth groups with qualified projects. A light dinner will be served during the meeting. Those planning to participate should contact Yuki Lei Sugimura, the community organizer for the Communities Mobilizing Change on Alcohol Coalition. She can be reached at 878-1888 or via email at yukilei.sugimura@gmail.com. |
 LA FIESTA HISPANAFebruary 11th – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Maui Mall Join us for a great day of entertainment, good food, and crafts for purchase, too!
Mr. Cesar Gaxiola will emcee the event and there will be lots of entertainment including, Net Peraza, Maui Ramba, Hui Lanakila and Smile Brazil; delicious food such as quesadillas, kettlecorn, Maui Kazowie and shave ice, empanadas, Pastele plate and more. There will also be arts and crafts and nonprofit informational booths such as MEO, University of Hawaii, Maui International Language Group, Maui WIC, the Hawaii USA Credit Union, Baldwin High School Project Graduation, and the American Cancer Society. For more information call Leonardo Sequeira at MEO Enlace Hispano at 249-2993, or Cynda Hearn at the Maui Mall at 344-4220. Se les invita al evento “La Fiesta Hispana” en el Maui Mall, Sábado, Febrero 11, 2012, de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. Tendremos música con Neto Peraza, Maui Ramba, Hui Lanakila y Smile Brazil; comidas deliciosas como quesadillas, kettle corn, Maui Kazowie, shave ice, empanadas, platos de Pasteles, pupusas de El Salvador, Menudo, Tacos y mucho más. Tendremos también vendedores de arte y artesanía, organizaciones sin fines lucrativos con información gratis para la comunidad, como el MEO, la Universidad de Hawaii, el Grupo de Lenguaje International de Maui, el programa de Maui WIC, la Credit Union de Maui USA, Proyecto Graduación de la Escuela Baldwin High, La Asociación Americana de Cancer y otras. Para mas información llamar a Leonardo Sequeira al MEO, Enlace Hispano, al 249-2993 o con Cynda Hearn, en el Maui Mall al 344-4220.
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MEO Head Start applications taken
| WAILUKU - Maui Economic Opportunity Head Start will accept applications starting Wednesday for the 2012-13 school year. Head Start is a federal program that provides free early childhood development services to families that meet the selection criteria. Children born in 2008 and 2009 are eligible for enrollment. Applications are to be completed between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weekdays in the MEO Family Center, 99 Mahalani St. For more information, contact MEO Early Childhood Services department at 249-2988. (complete article) |
Maui Non-Profit Director's Association
 2/09/2012 - The Maui Non-Profit Directors’ Association welcomed Governor Neal Abercrombie today at the MEO Family Center during its monthly directors meeting. The Governor said that he supports nonprofits and the relationship between government and non-profits should be integrated. He also stated that there is a public perception that non-profits receive too much government funding, but the reality is non-profits perform many services that government must provide for the community and they can do it cheaper and more efficiently. |
Hale Mahaolu Elua's 28th Annual Mochi Tsuki & Chinese New Year Celebration
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On Thursday, January 26, MEO CEO Lyn McNeff and CPO Debbie Cabebe participated in Hale Mahaolu Elua’s 28th Annual Mochi Tsuki & Chinese New Year Celebration. CEO McNeff was one of the celebrities invited to be a mochi “pounder”. Over 150 seniors, community members, partners and local officials participated. This is the 28th year that Hale Maholu has hosted this event. This year they celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Pictured: Left: Eileen Miranda of Hale Mahaolu and MEO Board member; Center: Deborah Arendale of Office on Aging, Kathy Louis of Hale Mahaolu and MEO board member with MEO CEO Lyn McNeff; Right: MEO CEO Lyn McNeff pounding mochi.
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Maui Rakuen Club New Year Celebration
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 Maui Rakuen Club's first meeting of the year on January 12, 2012 was a day of good fun, lots of delicious food and engaging fellowship. Held at the Wailuku Hongwanji Mission, Maui Minyo Kai dancers performed 3 Japanese dances, and seniors showed they can still "kick it and shake it" by their dance moves. One of the joys of the monthly meetings is the presence of Mrs. Teruko Fujimoto (pictured). She is an inspiration to all club members. At age 102, she is still able to join in and participate in the clubs' activities. Best wishes to Mrs Fujimoto and to all the Seniors for a wonderful "Year of the Dragon". |
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Legislative Visits
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| MEO and Hale Mahalou, along with four members of the Senior Planning and Coordinating Council, spent the day on Oahu on January 4 meeting with legislators to educate them about agency programs and funding needs for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. We are all fortunate to have a dedicated group of legislators making up the Maui delegation. | ||
Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea
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1/01/2012 - MEO Head Start, our 'Ohana Strengthening Program, and Kahi Kamali'i Infant Toddler Center are extremely grateful to our community partners. All year long, we get support for projects and activities, and we are especially thankful during the holiday season.
Thanks to these groups, each child in our programs received something special for Christmas. We received donations of gifts, Christmas trees, household goods, food and goodies to distribute to children and families.Thank you to the following for all the good that you do: Rotary Clubs of Kahului, The Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Kula Catholic Community, Lokahi Giving Project, Catholic Charities, Kiwanis Club, Wailea Community Association, Old Lahaina Luau, Sheraton Maui, Secret Santa and his Elf Jackie Agpaoa.
A child smiled because of you! MEO Early Childhood Services staff. |
The (Rotary) Reason for the Season
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| Annual Christmas Party held Friday, December 16 at Wailuku A Homeless Shelter Head Start PreSchool, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kahului. Joel (Santa) said it Monday...the absolutely uncontainable joy these kids show when they get attention from Santa, get to sit on his lap, open a present to find it's what they asked Santa for...the smiles that transform them in that instant...it's just about the best moment we can witness. To see the face of someone who we really make a difference to (and it's not about the toys, you know?). Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! |
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Core Four Business Planning Graduation
 12/21/2011 - MEO Business Development Center (MEO BDC) graduated twenty five (25) students from its Core Four Business Planning course on December 20, 2011. At the graduation, the soon-to-be entrepreneurs were able to talk with Maui business bankers who had volunteered their time to review the students’ business plans and provide additional guidance in operating a successful business. The graduating students received a Certificate of Achievement and a congratulations dinner. Call 249-2990 or view complete article. |
Core Four Business Planning Classes
| 10/07/2011 - The Core Four Business Planning Classes cover how to write a business plan and everything you need to know to start, fix, and grow your business. New this year is the addition of one-on-one free credit counseling with BDC staff and thanks to the sponsorship of the Administration for Native Americans, through the Best Ke Kahua Project, tuition will be waived and a small meal will be served. Call 249-2990 or view complete article. |
Accessible Transportation Coalition
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| Planning is under way to improve access to public transportation for people with disabilities on the island of Maui. Maui Island was among 10 communities from throughout the U.S. selected to participate in the Accessible Transportation Coalitions Initiative offered by Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA). Maui was chosen through a competitive application process facilitated by MEO. (complete article). | |||
Male Music Night Event
 Male Music Night offers Head Start children and males in their lives the opportunity to create and enjoy a magical musical night. Dads, grandpas, brothers, and uncles join the children for some good food and musical tunes. Male music night promotes male involvement in the child's education and home life with the goal of enriching relationships and quality time between dads (or males) and children. |
