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.
2023 achievements:
- Provided 21,681 nights of safe sleep for homeless youth aged 18-24
- Interacted with 444 unduplicated youth living unsheltered
- Supported 1,864 youth in moving towards their education & employment goals
- Participated in 105 court hearings to advocate for youth
- Conducted 2,716 one-on-one client meetings to advance behavioral health counseling and care coordination
Our Leadership Team
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