HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative
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  • Youth Leadership Boards
  • HI H.O.P.E.S. Match
  • Pono Process
  • Enhancement Funds
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  • Additional Resources
  • Contact Us
HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative
  • Home
  • Youth Leadership Boards
  • HI H.O.P.E.S. Match
  • Pono Process
  • Enhancement Funds
  • Imua Kākou
  • Powered Til 26
  • Additional Resources
  • Contact Us

What We Do

The HI H.O.P.E.S. Match Program—Hawaiʻi’s version of the Opportunity Passport®—helps young people ages 14–26 who are in or leaving foster care build money skills, confidence, and independence. By taking a Financial Literacy Training, young people learn the essential skills around banking, credit, saving, and more. After finishing the training, they open a youth-friendly bank account with a $190 stipend and start saving toward personal goals. With support from caring adults, youth can buy important items—like a car, school costs, or housing—with a $1 for $1 match that helps them move into adulthood with more stability. The program is built on the belief that every young person deserves strong relationships, helpful resources, and real chances to succeed.

Program Eligibility

  • Were in Hawaiʻi's Foster Care System at least one day after age 14
  • Are currently between the ages of 17 and 25

Meet the Match Coordinators

Jheresa Sembrano (Kauaʻi)

Phone Number: (808)652-3281

Email: jsembrano@epicohana.org

Geisha Dela Pena (Oʻahu)

Phone Number: (808)748-7914

Email: gdelapena@epicohana.org

Samantha "Sam" Uʻu (Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Maui)

Phone Number: (808)269-6245

Email: suu@epicohana.org

Mandy Jimenez Casian (East Hawaiʻi)

Phone Number: (808)315-4482

Email: mjimenezcasian@epicohana.org

Sharla-Ann Houlding (West Hawaiʻi)

Phone Number: (808)936-4399

Email: sfujimoto@epicohana.org

What can I Match For?

Asset Purchase List

  1. Housing
  2. Education and Training
  3. Medical, Dental, and Health 
  4. Vehicle
  5. Investments
  6. Microenterprise
  7. Credit Building and Credit Repair

VIEW FULL LIST HERE

Make An Asset Purchase

How to make an asset purchase instructions

View Now

asset purchase form 1

FORM 1

Asset purchase form 2

Asset purchase form 2

FORM 2

Financial Literacy Training Referral Form

Are you interested in taking our Financial Literacy Training and becoming a HI H.O.P.E.S. Match participant? Sign-up for our Financial Literacy Training below! 

SIGN UP

Upcoming Financial Literacy Trainings

10/09/2025

Oʻahu Financial Literacy Training

9am

-

5pm

Location: TBD

10/09/2025

Oʻahu Financial Literacy Training

9am

-

5pm

Location: TBD

11/11/2025

East Hawaiʻi (Hilo) Financial Literacy Training

9am

-

5pm

Location: TBD

11/11/2025

East Hawaiʻi (Hilo) Financial Literacy Training

9am

-

5pm

Location: TBD

12/29 - 12/30/2025

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

12/29 - 12/30/2025

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

03/16 - 03/17/2026

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

03/16 - 03/17/2026

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

06/04 - 06/05/2026

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

06/04 - 06/05/2026

Statewide Financial Literacy Training

9:45am

-

2pm

Location: Zoom

Asset Purchase Support Forms

Housing agreement letter

View Now

Vehicle Agreement Letter

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Laptop reimbursement agreement

Laptop reimbursement agreement

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Copyright © 2025 HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative - All Rights Reserved.

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