Who We Are

Residential Youth Services & Empowerment

Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE), a 501(c)(3) operates an access center where Hawai‘i’s street youth are assessed and referred to appropriate support services. Youth ages 14-24 have access to a safe temporary living space specifically designed to address their unique needs. The access center offers coordinated programs and services to build a path towards reintegration into mainstream society.

Our Mission and Our Vision

Mission

To provide a continuum of support and services that empowers Hawaii’s street youth to move beyond homelessness.

Vision

We envision a community where there is no youth homelessness.

Our Results

Since RYSE opened its doors in June 2018, we have continued to strive towards achieving our mission of eradicating youth homelessness in Hawaii and empowering young people to build a foundation for life-long well-being.

2024 achievements:

  • Provided 118 youth utilized the drop in services with 44 transitioning to beds in the Access Center 
  • RYSE staff spent a combined 383 days in  the community providing outreach services
  • 58 youth enrolled in GED programs, college or school in moving towards their education goals 
  • 72 justice involved youth received support services through RYSE’s Diverson program 
  • Behavioral Health services were provided to 2,009 youth through counseling and care coordination 

Our Leadership Team

Executive Director

Carla Houser

STAFF

Administrative

Executive Assistant: Jacquie Francisco

Director of Administration: Liz Hamasu

Director of Communications: Jaclyn Hawse

Director of Finance: Kim Nakamura

On-Site

Shelter Site Managers: Mahea Raymond & Momi Sonoda

Facility & Fleet Manager: Kahanu Ahpuck

Cultural Liaison: Stone Perez

Housing

Director of Housing: Ana Eykel

Program Manager for ‘Apapane & The Makiki Project: Monique Hasegawa-Ilae

Program Manager for Hale’iwa & Raphael House: DJ Bailey

Program Manager for Manu O Ku & Rycroft Shared Living: Charisse Kupahu

 

Behavioral Health

 Behavioral Health Program Manager: Andre Fraticelli

Outreach & Diverson

Outreach & Diverson Program Manager: Nick Thompson

Empowerment

Director of Empowerment: Sylvia Carter

Empowerment Program Manager: Becky Klein