Kona Office Blessing

In early September, a wonderful gathering of the Joyful Heart Foundation community, including our program participants, local and national staff, consultants, funders, community leaders, partner organizations and friends assembled in the new office of the Joyful Heart Foundation in downtown Kailu-Kona to celebrate the opening and to partake in a traditional Hawaiian Blessing Ceremony.

People gathered in our office and on our lanai to enjoy beautiful locally grown food provided by Isabelle Crosby and her sister Caroline. The office was fragrant with many beautiful leis and flowers that were gifted to Joyful Heart to celebrate the occasion.

Lisa Denning, JHF Manager of Hawaii Programming, Stacey Bosworth, JHF Associate Executive Director and Molly Solomon JHF Director of Finance and Operations along with Teri Callaghan, MS and JHF Clinical Consultant greeted guest including:

Matt Hamabata, Executive Director of the Kohala Center, Susan Nixon, District Manager, Big Island - Starbucks, Diane Chadwick, Program Office - Hawaii Community Foundation, Vicki Potter from Child and Family Services, Alice Daniels and Bev Fraiser from the Friends of the Children's Justice Center, Emily Peacock, Manager - Kealakekua Bay Bed and Breakfast, Marya Mann, Dr. Psychology of Creativity, Koakane Green, D.C. - Chiropractor/Kinesiologist/Health Mentor, Jennifer Buss, owner Yoganics/Yoga Teacher, Shelley Shane, MS from Hale Kipa, Grant writer Cyndy Meyer, MS, Barbara Ota - Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist, along with many other friends and supporters!

The party was bursting with conversations and connections and people stayed well into the evening to enjoy the company of the growing Joyful Heart community.

I am so proud to have been a part of Joyful Heart since it's inception here in Hawaii in 2004. To see the spark of an idea become a vital organization that is helping women in our community connect with each other and encourage them on their healing journey has been such a joy.

With the opening of our new office in Kona, I feel confident that Joyful Heart's presence in the community is only going to increase and be even more impactful for the survivors and healers our programs serve.

- Lisa Denning, JHF Hawaii Program Manager

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The party was enjoyed a wonderful Hula preformed by Joyful Heart program participant LeeAnn Burnet accompanied by Auntie Barbara on the Ukulele.

Guests then viewed The Joyful Revolution, JHF's documentary on the Foundation's programs and vision, which was largely shot in Hawaii this past March. Everyone enjoyed the film and cheered at the end when we were serenaded by a little extra video clip of local musician, Paula Fuga, a long time supporter of Joyful Heart.

Kumu Aka asked everyone to hold hands in a circled that filled our office and lead us in a blessing for our space and shared her deep commitment to shedding light on our programs and mission in Hawaii and beyond. It was a powerful moment for all in attendance and felt like our office was truly blessed. Joyful Heart Foundation began community programs in Kona in 2006, and provides ongoing programs including bi-monthly Ho'omana group as well as Community wellness days and 3-day weekend retreats for survivors and healers.

Being in the presence of our Joyful Heart community to bless our new office was more profound that I could have imagined. Joyful Heart has been working in Hawaii since 2005 and this beautiful, physically grounded space represents our ongoing commitment to survivors and healers in the community.

Kumu Aka's blessing was so powerful and moving. I loved when she said that the blessing of this Kona office was not only for the physical space but for all of the survivors in our programs and the Joyful Heart offices and workers across the country. She truly honored everyone in our community that says to a survivor, 'Your healing is our priority.'

- Stacey Bosworth, JHF Associate Executive Director

Joyful Heart works in conjunction with local agencies and practitioners to create programming for women of all ages, to build community and ensure cultural sensitivity. We also work to create partnerships that will help give back to the local island community.

Joyful Heart would specifically like to thank caterers Isabelle Crosby and her sister Caroline for their wonderful food and spirit; Raul Ramirez for our gorgeous new hand crafted cabinet and MAHALO NUI to the brave women who come into our Joyful Circle to continue their healing journey.

To find out more about our ongoing programs in Kona and on Oahu please contact:

Lisa Denning - Hawaii Program Manager