Talk Story with Patty Chin
In celebration of the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative 15th Anniversary, we took a moment to talk story with Patricia "Patty" Chin. The 28th of this month marks Patty’s first six months as the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative Statewide Manager, but she has been part of EPIC as a program recipient since she was 16 years old. At 18, Patty, joined the HI H.O.P.E.S. Youth Leadership Board on Kauaʻi, then in 2018, started her professional journey with EPIC as a Youth Partner.
Let’s start with Patty’s favorite EPIC story. “One of my favorite EPIC stories, that I still share to this day, took place at a Kuhio Day Training. It is no secret amongst my colleagues that I have lived experience in foster care. Some of my colleagues now who know me as a professional adult, are people who worked with my family and knew me as a child in foster care. On this Kuhio Day Training, Denise, who worked closely with me and knew my family, shared how proud she was to see me now and how far I have come. It meant a lot to hear that from someone who literally saw my personal struggles and was seeing me thrive now and succeed. In that moment, I felt that everything that was working against me was finally working for me. Additionally, one of the things that I hold close to my heart is being able to see my colleague’s growth as well from when I was a program recipient to working at EPIC. “
Patty also shared what inspired her to be a part of the EPIC Team. “What inspired me to be part of the EPIC team was the people. Seeing an organization full of passionate and loving individuals not just for the community they serve but for one another felt like a dream. I wanted to be part that dream! Not only that, but the legacy that EPIC builds to have a lasting impact on the lives of others was something that I felt aligned with in my personal and professional legacy. As well, I wanted to do my little part in creating a better place for the families, children, and stakeholders in Hawaiʻi.”
Wrapping up our Talk Story, as a youth who participated in the HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative and now the new manager, Patty shared the importance of initiative, "The HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative is a beacon of hope and empowerment for young people who have experienced the system. It creates a supportive space where their voices are not only heard but valued, enabling them to drive meaningful change. Adolescence is a challenging time, made even more complex when navigating systems. The Initiative shines a light on those who might otherwise fall through the cracks, offering guidance and solutions to improve their lives and the lives of those who follow. It's a testament to the power of community and the resilience of youth, ensuring that no one is left behind."
