Jacobs Shines a Light on Child Trafficking with Trailblazing Organization in Hawaii

Ho’ōla Nā Pua means “New Life for Our Children” in Hawaiian, and this trailblazing organization is doing just that.

After Founder and President Jessica Muñoz was working as a Nurse Practitioner and noticed signs of sexually exploited children in Hawaii, she started Ho’ōla Nā Pua, with a commitment to prevent sex trafficking and provide acute care for the impacted children. It was important to Jessica to create sustainable solutions for this systemic problem, and Jacobs was more than willing to step up to the opportunity.

Our Honolulu team is working with Ho’ōla Nā Pua to raise awareness about this issue through community events, including opportunities to share the story of establishing Pearl Haven, the first residential treatment program designed to provide trauma-informed therapeutic services for youth impacted by sexual exploitation or trafficking. Events include fundraising events, advocacy days, grounds clean-ups and adding Ho’ōla Nā Pua to our employee giving and volunteering program, Collectively℠.

“At Jacobs, we believe in challenging today and reinventing tomorrow. And these children are our future, literally our ‘tomorrow,’” says Jacobs SVP, Strategy, Growth & Sales Tim Byers. “Resources, education and opportunities are important for every child, and especially those who have been affected by trafficking.”

Another unique way we’ve teamed up with Ho’ōla Nā Pua is through developing a STEAM speaker series introducing youth residing in Pearl Haven to careers in science, technology, engineering, math and the arts, and encouraging personal success as they reintegrate into the community.

“In working with Ho’ōla Nā Pua we are aligning with our TogetherBeyond Action Plan to advance justice and equality; and the mission of this critical organization,” says Jacobs Operations Director Julie Hong. “Many people in Hawaii and beyond are unaware that this is happening to our children, and it is vital that we do our part to support these survivors.”

Jacobs has been recognized by Ho’ōla Nā Pua for its work in bringing resources and awareness to their efforts over the past three years. In 2021, Jacobs received a Community Partner Award for our work with Ho’ōla Nā Pua at a Bright Futures Gathering event, which raised more than $150,000 for the organization. Jacobs was also recognized in Ho’ōla Nā Pua’s Winter Wonderland event for our STEAM Speaker series. In addition to all the support Jacobs has provided Ho’ōla Nā Pua, several Jacobs Honolulu team members have volunteered at Pearl Haven to provide awareness training for the Professional Academic Development Speakers Series (PADSS). Furthermore, Jacobs Honolulu team members contributed their time and talents as members of the planning committee and volunteer staff of the Pearl Gala, Ho’ōla Nā Pua’s annual fundraising and advocacy event. During the 2022 Pearl Gala, Bob Pragada received the 2022 Advocacy Award on behalf of Jacobs for our continued partnership and support of Ho’ōla Nā Pua. This year, in addition to planning and volunteering for the 2023 Pearl Gala, we had several Jacobs leadership team members attend, including Tim Byers and EVP Shannon Miller. Through our Collectively℠ program – our approach to global giving and volunteering – we also awarded a $5K grant to Ho’ōla Nā Pua, furthering our dedication to its efforts.

“I am so thankful for the partnership with Jacobs,” says Ho’ōla Nā Pua Founder and President Jessica Muñoz. “They are a phenomenal example of the private sector coming alongside a community-based organization to ensure success and positive impact.” As Ho’ōla Nā Pua begins Phase Two of the Bromley Family Pearl Haven Campus, and the expansion of their community outreach programs, we plan to work alongside them every step of the way.

“To combat child trafficking, it takes everyone to be part of the solution,” adds Tim. “We’re involved as Jacobs because we want to do our part – whether it’s being part of a fundraiser or raising awareness, we’re here to do what we can.”

Join us in giving back

The opportunity to change lives is within your reach. As we push the boundaries of innovation, let’s continue to challenge today and reinvent tomorrow for these survivors of sex trafficking. Doing things right at Jacobs goes beyond our clients and teammates but extends into our communities to make a positive impact of change. If you would like to support Ho’ōla Nā Pua, visit our Collectively program here – and remember, Jacobs matches employee donations year-round!