At Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, we believe that every person has inherent dignity and worth—and that lasting change happens when we walk alongside people with compassion, persistence, and trust. Even when programs evolve or conclude, the impact of that care continues long after.
Aunty Donna’s story began in 2019, when she was living in a makeshift plywood shelter that barely withstood the heavy rains and flooding in Wahiawā. Housing instability was her daily reality, and trusting systems—or people—did not come easily.
That changed when she entered the Villages of Mai‘ili, a Catholic Charities Hawai‘i residential program that, at the time, provided housing paired with intensive support services. While the Villages of Mai‘ili program has since ended, the values and approach that shaped Aunty Donna’s journey remain central to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s mission today.
Building trust took time. According to her former caseworker, Kanoe, Aunty Donna was “a tough cookie” at first—guarded, hesitant, and unsure if the support would last. Through patience and consistency, however, a strong relationship formed. Staff remained committed through challenges, believing in her potential and refusing to give up.
That commitment paid off. Aunty Donna eventually transitioned into permanent housing in Wahiawā and began rebuilding her sense of stability and self-worth. Along the way, she developed healthier coping skills, including journaling to manage stress and emotions, and started to see herself differently—confident, capable, and worthy.
“I appreciate all you folks do for us, especially for me!!” Aunty Donna shared. “It brought the holiday feeling and the spirit right deep down in my heart, and I haven’t felt this good in a long time! I was even smiling from ear to ear without teeth! Ugh! What was I thinking?”
One of the moments staff remember most vividly came after Aunty Donna was referred to Ke Ola Mamo for dentures. When she received them, she returned to the office beaming—smiling proudly so everyone could see her new teeth. It was a joyful milestone that symbolized just how far she had come.
For Aunty Donna, the experience went far beyond housing. She found community, dignity, and a sense of belonging—especially during moments like the holidays, when staff-created gatherings brought residents together to share meals, music, and connection.
Most recently, Aunty Donna expressed a strong desire to give back, volunteering where possible and offering to share her story so others might understand the impact of compassionate, mission-driven support.
While the Villages of Mai‘ili program has concluded, stories like Aunty Donna’s continue to reflect the heart of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s work: meeting people where they are, building trust, and helping them move from crisis to stability—at their own pace.
In 2025 alone, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i provided housing and safety to 10,644 families and individuals across the islands, helping neighbors like Aunty Donna move from crisis to stability—one life, one family, and one story at a time.
Mahalo, Aunty Donna, for trusting us with your journey—and for reminding us that the impact of compassion lasts far beyond any single program.
