Planting the Seeds of Change
It all began with Violet Kam, a young local woman with the compassion and persistence to create programs to help people recovering from debilitating illness.
In1939, decades before the term “social enterprise” was coined, Violet established a center right on Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 6 to not only help people recuperate from tuberculosis, but to help them learn, work and contribute to the community.
Without this supportive environment, many of the people served would not have been able to make a living. What Violet did was create a place for them to recover, and also a business that could employ them and provide opportunities for independence, self-worth and dignity. This is the genius of what is today known as “social enterprise” -- to operate like a business in order to help fund and in turn ensure social services.
The Plot Broadens
We have been many things to many people, from Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, to Lanakila Crafts, to Lanakila Group Dining. However, none of these names conveyed the wide array of services provided.
In 2008 we chose a new name to better reflect our organization. The name Lanakila Pacific expresses the tremendous growth Lanakila has experienced since our founding and our vision to extend services beyond Oahu’s borders to help communities across the Pacific.
Along the years, Lanakila Pacific has grown from one solitary program, into a family of distinct programs and social enterprises that build life skills, which in turn support our greater community in immeasurable ways. It has evolved by empowering those with challenged lives to not only gain personal independence, but to also be a part of a greater cause, a larger effort. We all work to contribute to the community and towards self-sufficiency.
