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< Back Avemaia I. A’asa, Jr. CBI Program Manager Avemaia (known as Ave) was born and raised in American Samoa and moved to the U.S. in 2000 to further his education, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Information Technology. In 2001, he began his journey with PGC as an intern, teaching computer skills. His transition to the role of Culinary Business Incubator ( CBI) Program Coordinator happened naturally, as he often assisted the CBI team by giving tours of the kitchen facility and supporting program activities. In 2009, he officially took on the leadership of the CBI program. Outside of work, Ave is active in his community, volunteering with Kaukau Wagon and Meals on Wheels. He also enjoys photography and video editing in his free time. Fluent in both Samoan and English, Ave brings cultural and linguistic strengths to his work, enriching the PGC community. ave@pacificgatewaycenter.org 808-851-7000

Back to ED MICROLOANS Microloans are available as part of the Social Enterprise Program. For inquires, email us at loans@pacificgatewaycenter.org . We believe in the power of community-based lending. Click the links below for more information on: 1. Loan Eligi bility 2. Acceptable Lo an Uses 3. L oan R eview Process 4. How to Apply

EVENTS December 14, 2024 Aloha Immigrant Resource Fair The AIRF, co-hosted by PGC and Susannah Wesley Community Center Read More October 5, 2024 2024 Golden Gala Retrospective The Golden Gala was a celebration of Pacific Gateway Center’s 50 years of services Read More

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Back to IS REFUGEE SERVICES AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING Pacific Gateway Center administers the federal Matching Grant and the Trafficking Victims Assistance Program funded by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide essential services to refugees and their families and human trafficking victims. Finding work -- The Matching Grant Program The purpose of the Matching Grant Program is to help enrollees attain economic self-sufficiency through the provision of comprehensive case management and services leading to employment within their 180 day Matching Grant Program service period. The client must achieve self-sufficiency without accessing public cash assistance. The Matching Grant program is a public-private partnership enabling communities to become directly involved in supporting refugees through donations, volunteer support, and mentorship. As part of a community service learning project, students in the Global Issues class at the Seabury Hall school in Maui produced this PSA about human trafficking in Hawaii. Big mahalos to the students and faculty for helping get the word out about this growing international crime! Helping Human Trafficking survivors -- Trafficking Victim Assistance Program The purpose of the Trafficking Victim Assistance Program is to provide comprehensive case management services to survivors of human trafficking and family derivatives through partnership between USCRI and PGC. Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for social service programs at Pacific Gateway Center through our refugee and human trafficking victim assistance programs. PGC works with victims prior to their certification by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and post-certification and can provide services in-language for those with limited English proficiency. Resources on Human Trafficking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fact Sheet on Human Trafficking and Smuggling→ The Polaris Project: A world without slavery→ Recognizing the signs of human trafficking→ Public Service Announcement by the students in the Global Issues class at Seabury Hall→ A web resource for combating human trafficking→ As part of a community service learning project, students in the Global Issues class at the Seabury Hall school in Maui produced this PSA about human trafficking in Hawaii. Big mahalos to the students and faculty for helping get the word out about this growing international crime! Pacific Gateway Center Named Finalist in Partnership for Freedom INNOVATION COMPETITION SEEKS NEW IDEAS TO SUPPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS IN THE UNITED STATES PGC’s proposed concept – the replicable “Homes for a New Horizon (HNH)” is an integrated, vertical “cluster community” system of micro-farms; affordable green housing; and on-site classroom, produce cooling and food preparation facilities that offer the first 20 of these survivors and their families an innovative path toward greater socio-economic security. Contact at (808) 851-7010 or at info@pacificgatewaycenter.org

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< Back Kalesita Anitema Disaster Case Manager Supervisor As the Disaster Case Manager Supervisor at PGC’s Maui IRC , she leads a team of culturally and linguistically relevant disaster case managers to support Limited English Proficient (LEP) survivors of the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires. As a child of immigrants, Kale personally understands the challenges of navigating language barriers, having acted as an interpreter for her family from a young age. With a BA in History from Brigham Young University Hawaii, Kale brings cultural insight and a historical perspective to her work. Her diverse professional background — including experience in nutraceuticals and the cannabis industry—demonstrates her adaptability and her belief that any skill can be learned. Kale’s unique combination of experience, resilience, and empathy makes her an invaluable part of PGC’s disaster recovery efforts, empowering her to support survivors at every step of their journey toward rebuilding. *IRC - Immigrant Resource Center kale@pacificgatewaycenter.org 808-466-1972

< Back Nicole Kealoha Maui IRC Manager Born and raised on Maui, Nicole Kealoha has achieved an impressive educational background, holding five degrees: an Associate of Applied Business in Paralegal, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Psychology, an Associate in Applied Science in Business Technology (Information Processing), and an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts. With over 12 years of experience serving immigrant communities, Nicole is an invaluable asset to the Pacific Gateway Center team at the Maui IRC*. She has supported clients in family reunifications, citizenship, naturalization, DACA, family-based green card applications, and work authorization. Previously, she served as a Department of Justice-accredited representative with the County of Maui Immigrant Services Division. Upon joining PGC, she successfully regained this distinction, allowing her to continue providing critical immigration legal services as a non-attorney. Nicole’s dedication and expertise exemplify her unwavering commitment to empowering immigrants by ensuring they have access to essential resources and legal support to build thriving lives in Hawaii. *IRC - Immigrant Resource Center nicole@pacificgatewaycenter.org 808-633-4132

Pacific Gateway Center's mission is to empower low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency. Empowerment and self-sufficiency are the goals Who we are Pacific Gateway Center’s steadfast purpose is to serve the disadvantaged, uprooted, and the displaced. Since our founding in 1973, our story has been defined by the meaningful and effective ways we empower Hawaii’s low-income residents, immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations in rebuilding their lives with hope, respect, and dignity. PGC is a partner affiliate of the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC). Read More DONATE You’re doing more than giving — you’re sparking hope, resilience, and a brighter future for Hawaii’s displaced, uprooted, and underserved communities. JOIN US Opportunities for course credits for internships, flexible volunteer options, and part-time or full-time employment are listed on this page. OUR MISSION To empower low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through skill-building and access to opportunities while respecting cultural heritages. PGC Immigrant Resource Center for O‘ahu, Kauai and Maui “AIDE:” ASSISTING IMMIGRANTS DESERVING EQUITY” Pacific Gateway Center and a group of collaborators are offering a collective approach to delivering immigrant services. Read More Immigration Services Read More Economic Development Read More Emergency Recovery Read More VOLUNTEER Pacific Gateway Center thrives because of community volunteers who believe in our work and wish to contribute IRC Support immigrant and refugee victims of Maui’s devastating fires EVENTS Check out our upcoming events and go through our archive of the most memorable moments of the PGC Pacific Gateway Center's Hawaii Language Bank (HLB) offers interpretation and translation services to the community in more than 35 languages to ensure language access Read More Hawaii Language Bank Every service is designed with your success in mind Every service is designed with your success in mind Every service is designed with your success in mind Every service is designed with your success in mind

Back to IS IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICES Pacific Gateway Center is considered a safe haven for our immigrant and refugee population. Given the compelling legal needs for our immigrant community, Pacific Gateway Center has current agency recognition and staff accreditation by the Board of Immigration Appeals of the Department of Justice. PGC provides legal immigration services as an agency by an accredited staff representative to our immigrant community as a non-attorney (see page 165) . Newly-arrived Ukrainian families are welcome to call us for consultation on legal immigration and social services. PGC has full access to additional expertise of immigration attorneys outside of our agency as a partner affiliate of the Catholic Legal Immigation Network to provide counsel, guidance and assistance. PGC has adopted a Fee Waiver / Reduction Policy and will waive or reduce fees for immigration services on a sliding scale as determined with reference to the current Hawaii Poverty Guidelines for clients who formally request and prove that they cannot afford to pay the fees. Immigration services are located at 723-C Umi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 in Kalihi or at 653 Ala Moana Boulevard in Kaka‘ako (the site of Nā Kūpuna Makamae) by appointment only. For specific needs other than those listed above, please call (808) 762-5952 or email to terrina@pacificgatewaycenter.org for confidential assistance and consultation. For specific needs other than those listed above, please call the PGC office for assistance and consultation. Social Services Programs PGC social services programs are designed to address the critical and financial assistance needs of refugee and immigrant communities that support families and rebuild livelihoods. PGC also supports civic engagement to support clients becoming productive, caring and contributing to a healthy and vibrant local community, and feeling a deep sense of belonging. Pacific Gateway Center offers key social services and bilingual assistance in the following: Shelter/Housing Assistance Food Clothing Healthcare Employment and entrepreneurship Immigration legal services Education services and job training opportunities Interpretation and translation (See Hawaii Language Bank) Transportation Religious and spiritual needs Outreach services Cultural and community orientation

CONTACT US Administrative offices 723-C Umi Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Phone: 808-851-7010 info@pacificgatewaycenter.org Maui Office 95 Mahalani Street Wailuku, HI 96793 Phone: 808-633-4132 mirc@gatewaycenter.org First name* Last name Email* Phone Subject* Write a message* Submit

< Back Linda Lee HLB Specialist As the Hawaii Language Bank Specialist at Pacific Gateway Center, Linda Lee plays a pivotal role in connecting government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations with high-quality interpretation and translation services provided by HLB linguists. Her work directly supports Hawaii’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations, ensuring equitable access to essential services. Born in the United States and raised in Vietnam, Linda fled as a refugee from Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam War. Her personal journey instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and compassion for immigrants and refugees facing language barriers. This lived experience drives her commitment to ensuring that critical services - ranging from healthcare and legal assistance to education and disaster relief - are accessible to all, regardless of language proficiency. Through her dedication and expertise, Linda helps foster inclusion ensuring that LEP individuals can access the resources and services they need and build better lives for themselves and their communities. hlb@pacificgatewaycenter.org