Classes for Kids
We are offering horse and farm classes to the children living at the Waimanalo Emergency Housing Center down the street from our farm - at no charge to them. We offer 6 week programs for 3 age groups: 6-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds and an ongoing weekly teen program.
As the children progress through the series of classes, we see increased self confidence and feelings of safety. Warm and respectful relationships are formed between the children, the horses and each other. As we work together caring for the animals and the ‘aina, we make valuable contributions to the health of all.
We are grateful to all those who have sponsored children so far. And in order to continue these classes, we need more sponsors. Would you like to contribute so a child from a low income family can participate in our horse and farm class series? $500 will sponsor one child for an 6 week series of classes.
I would like these children to know how it feels for others to want something good for them. Donations of any amount bring you into the circle of people wishing to give them an experience of something different, something good, something that gives the possibility of hope for the future.
🌿 Children’s Programs for Keiki from the Waimānalo Emergency Center
🌱 Creating Safe, Nurturing Learning Environments
In 2025, Hoku Lio Farms continued to offer consistent, relationship-centered programming for children living at the Waimānalo Emergency Center, providing a sense of safety, joy, and connection during times of housing instability. Through farm- and animal-centered experiences, children engaged in calming, supportive activities that encouraged trust, curiosity, and emotional grounding.
🍃 Supporting Social-Emotional Learning Through Nature and Animals
Hoku Lio Farms’ programming intentionally supports social-emotional learning (SEL) by helping children:
Develop self-awareness through mindful observation and gentle interaction
Practice self-regulation using breathing, movement, and sensory engagement
Build social skills through cooperative activities and respectful communication
Strengthen empathy and compassion by caring for animals and the land
Increase confidence and resilience through building relationships with horses
These outcomes align with trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches that support emotional growth and well-being.
🌿 Strengthening Resilience for Children and Families
By bringing nature-based, trauma-informed programming directly to children and families living in emergency housing, Hoku Lio Farms helps reduce stress, foster emotional balance, and create moments of joy and connection. In 2025, this partnership continued to deepen community relationships and expand access to meaningful learning experiences for children facing significant life challenges.
We want to serve more children in our community. To do that, we care for the animals, create infrastructure to best serve the children who come for our classes, and welcome community members to join us.
We Welcome Your Financial Support
Caring for the farm and the animals is labor intensive and also a rewarding way to develop relationships to the animals that live and serve at Hoku Lio Farms. There’s lots of other ways to help: gardening, special events, fundraising, website, photography, and more! Please let us know if you’d like to be part of the community that supports and cares for Hoku Lio Farms.
