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Jennifer

Education and Work Support

After graduating with my associate degree from Leeward Community College, I transferred to ������Ƶ West Oʻahu. I signed up with Bridge to Hope right away and was able to work as a research assistant for two professors, as well as an assistant to the campus Career Services specialist.

Bridge to Hope was an invaluable asset to me right off the bat. As a mother of four boys, I found it was an extraordinary challenge to juggle a full-time class load, a job, an internship, and duties at home. The Bridge to Hope program made it possible. The flexible hours, as well as the support and true friendship that I received from my supervisor, Dr. Joyce Chinen, made it an extremely positive experience for me.

— Jennifer

Keikilani

������Ƶ Mānoa, MS Library & Info Science

What Bridge to Hope Means

What does Bridge To Hope mean?

To me, Bridge To Hope literally means “bridge to hope.” It is…

• A bridge for single parents like myself—desperately seeking a better quality of life for our children.
• A bridge to post-secondary education—to build a stable, consistent, and safe home life for our children.
• A bridge out of poverty—so our children won’t have to experience poverty as adults.

The Bridge to Hope Program provided me with academic and personal support while I attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

I was enrolled in Urban Planning, and my work with Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities’ Motheread/Fatheread Program and Alu Like (Native Hawaiian Library Literacy Services) encouraged me to pursue my Master’s in Library and Information Science.

Bridge To Hope Graduate: Keikilani (������Ƶ Mānoa, MS Library & Info Science)

Kathy

������Ƶ Mānoa, BSW Social Work

Practical and Emotional Support

After surviving domestic violence and a difficult custody battle, I needed to start over at age 40 while supporting my child with disabilities. I often wondered how I could provide the time and parenting support my child needed while also working and attending school.

I am deeply grateful for the Bridge to Hope (BTH) program and for how much I benefited from it. Throughout my educational journey, BTH coordinators helped me build work schedules that did not conflict with my classes, guided me in navigating the First-to-Work (FTW) program, and consistently connected me to campus and community resources—along with encouragement and emotional support.

This program provided the practical support I needed to achieve my educational and career goals as a single-parent student. After nine semesters of BTH support, I am proud to share that I graduated with my BSW in Social Work magna cum laude and obtained employment at The Queen’s Hospital in the Social Services Department.

— Kathy (������Ƶ Mānoa, BSW Social Work)

Nanette

Kapiʻolani CC, AA & ������Ƶ Mānoa, BA Psychology

Alumni Giving Back

Nanette started at Kapiʻolani Community College and then transferred to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she worked at the Women’s Center. Returning to ������Ƶ Mānoa as an academic advisor, she now assists student parents and continues to be a resource for Bridge to Hope (BTH) students.

— Nanette (Kapiʻolani CC, AA & ������Ƶ Mānoa, BA Psychology)

Heather

Law and Public Service

Bridge to Hope helped me at a critical time in my life when I decided to return to school as a single parent. The program connected me to resources I had never even heard of—resources that helped with food and living expenses, and quality day care for my son.

Without the support I found through Bridge to Hope, I would not have graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law Evening Part-Time Program. I am currently a Staff Attorney at the Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission, and I’m grateful to serve our community.

No matter the circumstances, always follow your dream. Hard work—and the support available at ������Ƶ—can get you there. It worked for me, and it can work for you.

— Heather

Cheyenne

Kapiʻolani CC; AS Nursing

Nursing and Leadership

Thank you, Bridge to Hope (BTH), for all your motivation and support. I’m a home health RN for Kaiser and the chief steward for my department. Without your support, I’m not sure I would be where I am today.

— Cheyenne (Kapiʻolani CC; AS Nursing)

Dr. Britney K. Quibelan

BTH & ������Ƶ Mānoa alumna

Medical Career and Scholarships

Dr. Britney K. Quibelan (BTH & ������Ƶ Mānoa alumna) shares her gratitude for scholarships and her journey from ������Ƶ Mānoa to medical school. Her ������Ƶ Mānoa graduation photo has long been the face of Bridge to Hope—an inspiration to many.

When Britney learned she was going to have a baby while she was still in college, she feared her life was over because she thought she would have to quit school to care for her child. “I was on welfare, unable to continue school,” she explained, as a single mother supporting herself and her daughter. Still, she longed to return. “Education is so important, and it really opens doors,” Quibelan said.

With the support of her community and loved ones, Britney returned to ������Ƶ Mānoa and graduated with double majors in Biology and Women’s Studies. “Along the way there have been so many people who have really put their time into me and their treasures and efforts,” she shared.

Britney eventually achieved her dream of becoming a physician and graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine. Today, Dr. Britney K. Quibelan, MD practices family medicine on Oʻahu.

Camille McComas

Education for Family and Community

While McComas attended classes and worked at the Honolulu CC counseling center, Brooklyn, whom McComas refers to as her “North Star,” flourished steps away at the campus’ Keiki Hauʻoli Children’s Center.

“Brooklyn changed my life,” she said. “She was my second chance. Before her, I was in a very dark place.”

This fall, McComas will begin working on a degree in public health at ������Ƶ Mānoa. Her long-term goal is to put it to use to help Native Hawaiians with their health.

“I’m going to look to the past so that I can find solutions for the future,” she said. “As a Hawaiian, we are plagued with heart disease and diabetes, and I hope to figure out a way to get our people to want to eat healthier, have a healthier lifestyle.”

She’s doing it for her community, for herself and for her daughter.

“I know the importance of education for me to be able to pay my bills. It’s expensive to be here in paradise to be able to provide for my family,” said McComas. “It’s important and I hope to instill that in my daughter that to have a bright future will require you to have a college degree.” — Camille McComas