Lanakila Pacific Paid Work Experience Program Makes a Difference

Lanakila Pacific and Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union Strengthen Ties

Meet Chloe, a participant of Lanakila Pacific who—through their Employment Services, Pad Work Experience Program—hopes to find a job that will allow her to express her artistic talents. With hard work and determination, Chloe successfully landed a paid internship at Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union in its Marketing Department assisting with creating graphic assets for digital and print collateral, among other things.

Lanakila Pacific’s Employment Services prepare individuals with disabilities for jobs that interest and suit them. The goal is to help them overcome challenges towards employment – whatever they may be. Beyond offering classes preparing individuals entering the workforce, Lanakila Pacific’s Employment Services works one-on-one for tailored guidance so participants may confidently start their career and gain independence.

“This internship with Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is important to Lanakila Pacific’s Paid Work Experience Program,” says Employment Services Manager, David Comfort. “It’s helping to break the barriers of stigmatism around disabilities that inhibit individuals with disabilities from entering the workforce and becoming less dependent on social services.”

As a participant-centered program, Lanakila Pacific continually seeks more business partners in a variety of industries to help match participants’ unique skillsets and diverse career interests. This partnership with Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union perfectly suits Chloe and her goals.

“Chloe is certified through `Olelo Community Media, so we thought she would be perfect to help with our video projects,” says Marketing Manager, Travis Uchino. “Through the interview process, we learned about her digital artwork and recognized a potential for her to help with other design projects.”

This opportunity has allowed Chloe to express her creativity in a professional setting, which enables her to develop her communication skills including receiving feedback. "I’m still getting used to receiving different types of feedback," Chloe says. At Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union, she continues to exercise the soft skills learned from her Employment Services job coach that are required to work alongside people with differing communication styles.

Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union encourages other local businesses to consider partnering with Lanakila Pacific Employment Services. It is a relationship that began quite by accident. “We are always looking to support local businesses and organizations and when we learned Lanakila Pacific does printing, we had them print tote bags for us,” says Uchino.

That relationship further developed as Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union’s Community Relations Officer, Amber Milsap, conducted financial literacy sessions at Lanakila Pacific and learned of the Paid Work Experience Program. “Chloe attended my classes at Lanakila and she has been a Godsend. Coming at a time when our staffing has been impacted by situations beyond our control, Chloe has exceeded our expectations—demonstrating a talent and ability for producing marketing materials.”

This is Lanakila Pacific’s first placement within a financial institution. Other business partners include Kualoa Ranch, Island Popper, Hawaiian Pie Company, Maunalani Nursing and Rehab Center, Uniqlo, Podmore, Bishop Museum, and many others.