This is M, she currently works at Hanai on the Brew Crew. Some of her tasks include greeting guests, taking their orders, making various drinks (such as lattes, smoothies, cappuccinos, etc), delivering food to guests with a huge smile, and helping clean up. But something that’s unique about M, is that she is also under Ohana’s care.

Hãnai is more than a place to eat or grab your favorite drink, they are about doing good for Arizona’s foster youth. As a part of Ohana's Job Placement program, Hãnai also employs youth in the foster care system and adults with special needs.

Ohana and Hanai have created a safe place for foster youth to gain hands-on experience working at local businesses. We have found that many employers do not have the patience to work with our foster youth and do not have the flexibility when challenges arise with them. The management team at Hanai are trained in trauma informed care which helps them properly support our youth like M and give them the best chance of success.

M wanted to share with us about Ohana and Hanai:

“Without Ohana and Hanai in my life I really don’t think that I would be where I am today. Their faith and belief in me has given me a different kind of mindset that I want to look at the world with. My family here is like Noah’s Ark. The outside world on the opposite side of the counter often feels chaotic, harsh, and overwhelming like a flood but in our family here at Hanai we build a strong ark for each other, an ark where we are safe and protected with a sense of belonging and love. With a faith based community, Hanai has taught me to live as a family and lean on those around me for support.

Thanks to Hanai I have found  the second family that I needed. They have allowed me to feel loved when I felt alone and have given me a sense of security that I have never felt. I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to Ohana and Hanai and all that they have done and continue to do and always pushing me to be the best that I can be.”