At 17, Darren’s future once felt uncertain.
After becoming involved in drug court, he faced a difficult reality—he couldn’t return home because of ongoing family conflict. Like many youth navigating complex systems, Darren had already lived in several residential programs. But instead of finding stability, he often felt stuck. The structure was too rigid, the expectations overwhelming, and he never had the opportunity to develop the independence he needed to succeed.
Everything began to change when he entered the Horizons Independent Living Program at Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.
For the past four months, Darren has found something different at Horizons—not just a place to stay, but a place to move forward. With the right balance of guidance, accountability, and independence, he has begun to thrive.
Today, Darren works full-time as a dishwasher in a busy restaurant kitchen, where he’s earning a steady paycheck and building confidence. During the week, he attends GED classes, determined to finish his education. He’s also saving money for his next step—moving into Horizons 2 when he turns 18, where he’ll continue building the skills and stability needed for independent living.
The difference, Darren says, is that Horizons believed in him. Instead of controlling every aspect of his life, the program gave him the support he needed while trusting him to make responsible choices.
Sadly, Darren’s story is not unique.
Each year in Hawaiʻi, approximately 60 to 70 young people age out of the foster care system. At any given time, between 900 and 1,200 children are living in out-of-home placements across the state. When these youth turn 18, many suddenly lose the support systems they have relied on for years. Without safe housing, guidance, and life skills, too many face homelessness, unemployment, or become trapped in cycles of instability.
Horizons is one of the few programs in Hawaiʻi specifically designed to help these young adults bridge the gap between foster care and independent adulthood.
Through safe housing, intensive case management, life skills training, employment support, and educational coaching, Horizons gives young adults the opportunity to build the confidence and skills they need to succeed—not just survive.
Today, Darren’s story is one of hope instead of uncertainty.
He’s working. He’s learning. He’s saving for his future. Most importantly, he believes in himself.
Your generosity makes stories like Darren’s possible. Every gift helps provide a safe place to call home, caring mentors, and the support young adults need to build independent, successful lives.
Together, we can help Hawaiʻi’s youth turn uncertainty into opportunity—and a second chance into a lifetime of possibility.
