Managed by Waikiki Health Center, the Next Step shelter is a large warehouse that accommodates up to 200 people from diverse backgrounds, about one-third of whom are usually children. There are separate sections for families, couples and singles.
Due to recent changes, the shelter is now open 24-hours, every day. Although the 20-hour tutoring program is limited to the schedule below, other research, interview or special projects may be done with approval.
Location
200 Keawe Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Project Details
Tutoring and mentoring focusing in children. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 20 hours of direct service.
Hours
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays: 5:30–7:30 PM, according to schedule set up with Kapua and Nadine.
Volunteers may determine the number of hours served within a time frame, on any given evening. However, two hours is a preferred length for each visit.
Responsibilities
Help kids with homework, play educational games, participate in other tutoring and mentoring activities. You may also be asked to help with other shelter activities.
Students who arrive late will not be allowed to complete that orientation session.
How do I get started?
- Completing the Chaminade online service-learning registration
- Send an email to service.learning.cuh@gmail.com
- In the email, include, your name, course info, instructor’s name, weekly availability for volunteering (within the time frames Sun/Mon/Tues., 5:30–7:30 PM) and the reason why you chose Next Step as your service site.
- Additionally, include which pre-scheduled orientation you will be attending. Orientation is mandatory, and two days notice is required before attending. View orientation schedule here.
- You must have TB clearance.
Dress code: comfortably, but “modest & decent” attire.
Students who arrive late will not be allowed to complete that orientation session.
View additional training information.
Returning Students
You don’t need to repeat the training, but will need to secure a volunteer placement.
There are limited volunteer positions available. If you previously completed the training and served at Next Step, contact the Service-Learning Office as early as possible to inquire about returning. Email service.learning.cuh@gmail.com with your first and last name, the semester when you previously completed training and service at Next Step, your current service-learning professor’s name and course information.
Contact Information
On-site Supervisors for children mentoring/tutoring project:
Mr. Kapua Tani and Nadine*
Be sure to register for service-learning online first, print your Connection Agreement and bring it to your orientation for Kapua’s signature.
*Kapua and Nadine will be your supervisors while on-site, but questions about Next Step should be directed to service.learning.cuh@gmail.com.
Other Opportunities
Special Projects led by Students/Faculty (consult with the Service-Learning Office)
- One-time events or series of activities are welcome. Examples: Service-learning students plan & facilitate Reading Circles/Book Clubs, Educational Game Tournaments (with built-in tutoring/mentoring), clean-ups & other environmental projects, health fairs, etc.
- Those planning one-time events must attend an Orientation to Next Step
- Generally, activities involving Shelter members should take place during regular Shelter hours. However, exceptions may be negotiated.
- The section below describes some special projects at Next Step. These may inspire you to develop your own. To explore ideas you may have, contact the Service-Learning Office
New Partnerships with Next Step
Recent developments and projects have been the growth of new partnerships with Next Step. The descriptions below may help inspire your own creative ideas for projects. Please contact the Service-Learning Office to explore your ideas.
- Alii Holo Kai Spear Fishing leads by example, showing us how to spend “quality time” with kids. From shopping at Walmart for new clothes to an evening out at McDonald’s for dinner, positive role models provide opportunities for constructive activities.
- “S2S” (Surf to Serve): Surf Icon Dane Kealoha takes kids surfing at Ala Moana Bowls every other Saturday.
- Keiki Birthday events at the shelter.
- Next Step has an on-site aquaponic/hydroponic garden.
- Honolulu Police Department/Waikiki Health Center can use help with the “Kakaako Community Watch,” a citizens’ patrol on Wednesdays, 5:30–6:30 PM.
