July 6, 2005- About Face Program

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Aloha,

Recently I attended a very special graduation ceremony for the About Face! program, which is a unique collaboration between our state Departments of Defense and Human Services, and is funded through Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF funds.  

The 65 teenage graduates who were mentored by members of our Hawaii National Guard, were all from economically disadvantaged families on the Big Island. 

They successfully completed a 15-day program which taught them valuable life skills.  They learned how to fill out a job application, balance a checkbook, use a computer, and even plan a meal.

About Face! began on Kaua`i in 2003, expanded to the Big Island and O'ahu, and will start up on Maui this fall and on Moloka`i in the near future.

About Face! is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through creative thinking and collaboration.  This new program will help many of our youth become a vital, active part of our state's future. 

Congratulations to all About Face! graduates! 

This is Governor Linda Lingle.