Gabe Amey, founder and director of Our Kūpuna, is always concerned about Hawaiʻi’s elderly. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he asked himself, “How can I help?” The answer is this service. Our Kūpuna was developed to serve a need in the community during a very uncertain time. It was launched statewide on March 23, 2020 as a community project and became an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization under the Hawaiʻi VA Foundation. Currently, their mission is to continue to connect Hawaiʻi’s kūpuna with volunteer sponsors to help them with their daily needs.

“Unfortunately, not all seniors in Hawaiʻi have ‘ohana on-island to look out for them,” said Amey. “Many kūpuna are isolated, and everyday tasks, such as getting groceries, prescriptions, and other chores have become impossible for them to do alone. We are currently serving kūpuna, 65 years and older, and we want to get the word out more about our organization. Plus, at the moment, we desperately need more volunteers!”  

The staff members at Our Kūpuna screen and manage all of their volunteers. If everything works out, they connect them with kūpuna in their area. Their motto, “one-to-one,” creates a special relationship with their network of volunteers in the field and the kūpuna they are helping.

Kūpuna Janice said, “I was struggling alone before my volunteer came. She is sweet and kind, and I’m so happy for her assistance.” Kūpuna Ted shared, “I not only get help with my shopping, my volunteer also brings it up the stairs for me, which helps a lot!” Kūpuna Christina added, “I’m very thankful and grateful for the Our Kūpuna program and my volunteer. What a joy!”

Director Amey emphasized, “The service is free. Sponsors call their kūpuna weekly to see if they need any necessary supplies and to ensure kūpuna do not have to battle crowds at the grocery stores or struggle to get to other public places. It is about making sure the kūpuna have what they need and the assurance that they are cared for.”

Interested kūpuna and volunteers can find more information online at OurKupuna.com, or call 808-400-4506.