Tauloa “Mona” Pouso’o began working in Lanakila’s Food Service Training Program. Speech limitations, ineffective communication and other “barriers” made it difficult for Mona and his family to believe that he could one day work competitively. This is where Lanakila Worforce Resources came in. Through getting to know Mona, we were able to help him identify his strengths and interests. We were also able to assist him in developing an individualized plan with benchmarks to track and measure his movement towards his ultimate goal: competitive employment. We are happy to report that Mona has been competitively employed at Red Lobster Waikiki for nearly two years.

Michael Green, former Grounds Maintenance Trainee, has been employed at Green Thumb, Inc. for over a year. Like Mona, Michael did not for see a future in competitive employment. Lanakila was able to help him in developing the confidence and knowledge he needed to realize he did not have to rely on government assistance for the rest of his life. His work ethic and motivation was inspiring to other Lanakila Workforce Resources’ Trainees. Michael was a guest speaker at the Graduation Ceremony held at the State Capital last May.