April 28 Meeting: Building Stronger Communities

Click here to listen.

Kat Brady is Coordinator of the Community Alliance on Prisons, a community initiative working on developing effective interventions for Hawaii’s offenders and to improve the quality of justice in Hawaii.

Program notes:

“How do we want people to return home after incarceration,” Kat Brady, Coordinator of Community Alliance on Prisons asked at last month’s Kokua Council meeting.

Ninety-seven percent of incarcerated individuals will be released someday. But prisons are dangerous places that create violence and drug use. The data show that there are three elements necessary for successful reentry: 1) strong positive relationships; 2) meaningful work; and 3) a safe place to live. The 2007 Community Safety Act (Hawaii’s Reentry Law) lays this important foundation. Sadly, Governor Lingle has not released one dime of the funding to implement this policy to date.

What can the community do to help those coming home? 1) create a welcoming environment for those who have paid their debt to society; 2) forgive people their trespasses and bring them into the fold as contributing community members; and 3) become a mentor to someone.

Your experience and aloha will make all the difference to that individual and to the entire community. Contact Kat Brady at: (808) 533-3454 or communityallianceonprisons@hotmail.com

    Kokua Council member Psychologist Diane Stowell who leads a re-entry  group for prisoners stated: “It is the most satisfying experience I have ever had to  see the changes as we go along.”

April 28 Program: Building Stronger Communities

We have an important program and an interesting lunch for you this month: 

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church
Nuuanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd.
Ample parking - driveway off Nuuanu Ave.

11:30    Luncheon: “Mom’s Love - Middle East Cuisine" by Husamuddin Akras, Salad,  $5.00 donation

11:45    Welcome, Introductions and remarks, Larry Geller, President

12:00    Program: Kat Brady: Building Stronger Communities addressing the need to assist people in rebuilding their lives, restoring their ohana, and revitalizing their communities - how far we've come and how long we have to go still yet.  Brady serves as Coordinator of the Community Alliance on Prisons, a community initiative working on developing effective interventions for Hawaii’s offenders and to improve the quality of justice in Hawaii. She also works to increase public participation into reforming public policy. Her areas of focus include environmental, cultural, gender, juvenile and social justice issues.

1:00      Adjourn

Crossword Puzzle 1

Ok, all you crossword puzzle fans. Try this on-line crossword puzzle.

Click here for the online version.

or

Click here for a printable version.

It's not so tough, but if you need it, click here for the answers.