Honolulu, Hawai‘i – September 15, 2022 – Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH) has received a grant from the Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) for $25,000, which will fund CCH’s “Veteran’s Ho’oponopono Project” to provide educational opportunities for veterans to address barriers to wellness and resolving conflict.

“We are extremely grateful to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation for providing this grant that aids our local veterans,” said Rob Van Tassell, CEO and president of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. “Our military personnel, who have sacrificed greatly serving their country, must be provided the best programs and services.”

Joseph VanFonda (USMC Sgt.Maj. Ret.), CEO of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation said, “We are very excited to partner with the Catholic Charities Hawai’i.  Our veterans need all the opportunities available within their communities, and the “Veterans Ho’oponopono Project” will serve them well.”

CCH proposes to use the $25,000 grant award to sponsor a yearlong series of ho‘oponopono sessions for veterans located in Hawai‘i. Translated as “to make right” or “to make good”, ho‘oponopono is a life transforming practice rooted in Hawaiian spirituality, cultural thought and principles. As a practice, ho’oponopono can be used to help create a healthier and more productive life through the restoration of balance, peace, and harmony.

A single ho’oponopono session is an in-depth 2-day event, and each session accommodates up to 30 veteran participants. The grant sponsors one ho’oponopono session per quarter. In sum, the grant will serve up to 120 veterans with a meaningful, transforming and culturally-relevant wellness practice.