MEDIA RELEASE

The Office of Community Services (OCS) has announced opening celebrations that will take place at four Immigrant Resource Centers on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Kauai.

The Centers will serve as multicultural navigators, connecting immigrants to resources, services and opportunities to participate fully in the economic, civic, social and cultural life of Hawaii.

“These Immigrant Resource Centers will facilitate and enhance the development, delivery and coordination of effective programs as we renew our investment in people and programs,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie. “They are going to help immigrants achieve and maintain greater economic self-sufficiency and integration into the Aloha State.”

“The restoration of state-funded, comprehensive services for Hawaii’s immigrant communities comes after two decades of gaps in services to individuals and communities marginalized by poverty and lack of language access to needed resources and services,” said OCS Executive Director Mila Kaahanui. “In recognition of this milestone, we invite the public to join the state celebrating the restoration of services to immigrant communities.”

The celebrations are scheduled as follows:

* Hilo
1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
Catholic Charities Hawaii
62 Kinoole St.
Hilo, HI 96720

* KALIHI
11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Parents and Children Together (PACT)
Kuhio Park Terrace Family Center
1485 Linapuni St., Suite 103
Honolulu, HI 96819

* EWA BEACH
11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8
Child and Family Service Center
91-1841 Fort Weaver Road
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

* Lihue
1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Child and Family Service Family Center
Hale Hoomalu
4-1112 Kuhio Highway
Kapaa, HI 96746

For further information, call the Office of Community Services at (808) 586-8675.