Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 3, 1 March 1991 — ALU LIKE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ALU LIKE

(presertted by Ka Wai Ola O OHA and Alu Like as a pubhc service)

Success stories from the work world

Janet Lindsey started her career in the hotel/hospitality industry at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in July 1968. Since her career began she has held several positions within the front office/reservations departments. In March of this year, Lindsey participated in Alu Like, Inc.'s up-grading program, in cooperation with Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and was promoted to director of rooms. by Karen Harrison, career counselor/Kamuela

Natalie Waltjen has completed Alu Like's On-the-Job-Training Program with Hawai'i Family Care Centers as a secretary/receptionist. Her positive attitude, eagerness to leam and diligence have made her a valuable employee and enabled her to accomplish her goal.

Prior to coming to Alu Like, Waltjen held positions as a nurse's aide, inspector and packer. She learned to type in high school and gained some accounting experience when she assisted her brother in his business venture. Considering both interests and skills, Waltjen and her career counselor worked toward employment in the clerical field.

"I'm thankful for Alu Like," states Waltjen. "If it weren't for Alu Like I wouldn't be here. I was getting tired of going from job to job and finally decided to inquire with Alu Like's services. My initial training was in work experience, where I learned a lot of basic skills. Alu Like provided a very good opportunity for me, and my children have also benefitted from the summer youth program. I'm sure there are a lot of opportunities for others too."

Jim Potter, her supervisor comments, We have been very pleased with Natalie. She is an asset to our firm, a part of our family. When we need additional help, we will look to Alu Like first." by Joy Reyes, career counselor

Melonee Wroblewski recently completed Alu Like's On-The-Job Training Program. A model participant, she's been responsible, mature, dependable, reliable, and, for those and other reasons, she is a very valuable employee, say her coworkers and supervisors. Pauline Pavao, program director of the Salvation Army Hilo interim home often speaks of Wroblewski's success. Onee a resident of S.A. Hilo Interim Home, Wroblewski has made an amazing transition from resident to a productive community member. She is now employed fulltime at two private non-profit agencies who serve those in our community who are hurting and in need; she also attends classes at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo.

Wroblewski began her association with Alu Like in the Summer Youth Program. She did so well at her worksite that they decided to keep her on beyond her end-date in the program. She later entered Alu Like's Community Service Employment Program and then the On-The-Job Training Program. She says, "Over the years, Alu Like opened up many opportunities for me. I've received mueh help from Alu Like, and it's due to their support that I am positioned where I am today. I feel at ease knowing that Alu Like will always be there to support me in whatever I plan for myself." If you have any question regarding Alu Like's programs, please eall us at 961-2625. by Miehael R. Dias

Hawai'i island center Recently completing an On-The-Job Training activity is Stanley "Kalei" Cadawas. Cadawas ean be found greeting you as you

register at the Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel. A front desk clerk, he finds his position very ehallenging as he gets to meet people from all over the world. On some days he may be the one you meet on the telephone at Sheraton.

Cadawas, a friendly and charming young man, eame to Alu Like while seeking employment in the hotel industry . T ogether with the personnel staff at the Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel, an on-the-job training agreement was worked out and he was hired as a front desk clerk. An industrious person, Cadawas was more than happy that he was given an opportunity to also cross-train as a PABX operator. He is very happy with his new career. by Marlene Burgess, career counselor.

A wife and mother of three children between three and eight years old, Yolanda Cutcher wanted a job as a clerk in an office or store, or as a librarian. She wanted to work with people. Her only prior work experience was as an office clerk back in 1977, whieh she voluntarily quit after two years to raise her family. Because of her youngest child, she wanted to return to work in a part-time position. Alu Like's first priority was to re-orient Cutcher back into the workforce. In Sept. 1989, Cutcher became a participant in the Work Experience Program. She was trained as an activity helper at the Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital. Her responsibilities focused on activities with elderly patients: socializing, crafts, eooking/preparing meals, escorting patients in wheelchairs, and gardening activities. In April 1990, Cutcher was interviewed and

hired as a nurse's aide, by Hale Omao, a care home for the elderly. Through the On-The-Job Training Program, she was trained by physicians, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Her responsibilities included: assisting the physicians with routine physical examinations; taking patients' temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; and preparing and sterilizing supplies, and more. Yolanda Cutcher has eome a long way from activity assistant to nurse's aide. She has laid a foundation for bigger and better things. by M. Aukai Gonsalves, career counselor

Lavern P. Roman eame to Alu Like searching for a career that would be both enjoyable and rewarding. She enjoys working with people, and wanted to pursue a career in the social services field. She had very little experience as a volunteer worker in social services but she was willing to ieam.

She was referred to HCAP whieh had a family development specialist position open. HCAP decided to give her a try if Alu Like would put her on an on-the-job training program. Roman started her new career on Aug. 1 last year. Roman's OJT ended on Jan. 29, and she is still employed at HCAP. Throughout the training her monitoring reflected her love for her chosen career. She also expressed how rewarding it is for her to assist others in living their daily lives. Roman is just a sample of what people ean do if they put their minds to succeed. by Derick Pang

From left to right: j Janet Lindsey, Natalie Waltjen and ] Stanley Cadawas.

Yolanda Cutcher at work with a patient.