Outreach and Resource Specialists

I maika’i ke kalo i ka ‘ōhā. (The parent is the support that holds the household together.)

Outreach and Resource Specialists (OARS) 

Families benefit from early identification in order to best meet their children’s needs from an early age and throughout their lives. Since 1983, MFSS has visited new mothers at Maui Memorial Medical Center, providing community resources for all, and home-visiting services for qualifying families. Early identification is essential. In terms of brain development, quality early relationships and experiences can positively affect gene function, neural connections, and the organization of the mind, having lifelong positive effects.

Our dedicated team visits with new mothers to ascertain their needs and interests. Team members have extensive knowledge of the services MFSS provides and can make appropriate intra-organization referrals when indicated. In the event that the participant’s needs are best served elsewhere, OARS personnel assist the family in locating appropriate services.

“Outreach and Resource Specialist Services also known as Early Identification Services  are provided in part by the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), Maternal and Child Health Branch and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under ASO 14-095  for grant amount $962,494.00. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by DOH, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”