About Us
We transform the lives of those facing barriers to employment by providing vocational training in a healing and nurturing environment, creating pathways to job placement.
About Us
Since 2004, Touch A Heart, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been offering informal social services mentorship and tutoring as well as meals to homeless individuals and families at Blaisdell Park, Waianae Boat Harbor, and the Kumuhonua Shelter.
In 2014, we adopted a new mission and strategy, then revamped our organization’s activities to address the unique situation of those with barriers to employment. We developed a plan to partner with other nonprofit organizations that have underutilized commercial kitchens to create a food services training and apprenticeship program. These kitchens serve as our vocational training work sites and is also where we operate our social enterprises.
Since our inception, 90% of our graduates have been successfully placed in the workforce and remain employed to this day. We appreciate our many partners who graciously donate their time and resources as well as support our Baker’s Heart and catering social enterprises.
In the near future, we hope to secure our own commercial kitchen facility as well as expand our training program and social enterprises. We’re always seeking opportunities to partner and collaborate.
Our Mission
To transform the lives of those facing barriers to employment by providing vocational training in a healing and nurturing environment, creating pathways to job placement.
Our Vision
A world where people recognize their true value and reach their full potential.
Our Values
Leading by Example/Exemplary
We want our interns to become independent while also being part of an interdependent community in which we all help one another. As such, we set positive examples for them by making Touch A Heart financially sustainable through our social enterprises and working together with others.
Collaboration
We are only able to fulfill our mission by working with other organizations and individuals. When we all come together and share what we do best, we are stronger and better equipped with the skills, resources, ideas and connections to help improve our community.
Innovation
We come up with creative ways to tackle challenges. Our approach focuses on opening our minds and hearts to allow for positive, out-of-the box thinking.
Transformation
We recognize and appreciate people, seeing them for what they are and what they could be. We apply this same philosophy to our products as we elevate ingredients unique to Hawaii by incorporating them into our specialty baked goods.
Board of Directors
Robin Kumabe, President
Robin has been with Touch a Heart, together with her husband for over 10 years. In January 2012, together with both past and present Board Members, Touch A Heart re-emerged with an expanded scope of its organization’s activities to not only address the challenges that homeless individuals face as they transition from the parks into stable living environments and lifestyles, but also, to build a sustainable model for nonprofits who partner with Touch A Heart.
Robin is also the Founder and CEO of bCause, an organization that is committed to transforming cause-driven businesses into thriving, sustainable enterprises by helping them reach their full, profitable potential.
Robin brings her experience in the arena of brand, marketing, and communications to support Touch A Heart and future partner organizations by honing in on their ‘cause’ (or their ‘reason for being’) and delivering an impactful, intentional, and inspirational experience to both internal and external stakeholders.
Dante Aragon, Vice-President
Melody Fukushima, Secretary
An Executive Search Consultant with Inkinen & Associates, Melody brings 20 years of Human Resources knowledge and “heart”. She was formerly the Director of Human Resources for Roberts Hawaii Inc. and TeamPraxis LLC. Being able to support and mentor our interns in resume writing, job interviewing skills, and career planning will help to support them as they gain their independence. Additionally, Melody is involved in numerous community organizations including the Organization for Women Leaders (OWL), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is actively involved with Punahou School and Central Union Church Preschool Parent Faculty Associations (PFA).
Lance Kakimoto
Lance is serving in his first year on the board of Touch A Heart. He became interested in the ministry through his friendship with Robin and Colin Kumabe. Through the feeding and equipping of of others, he sees working with Touch A Heart as a way to carry out the mission in Matthew 25, “serving the least of these,”.
During the week, Lance serves others as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley, where he helps guide his clients through the turbulent investment environment. He is also a board member of Associated Builders and Contractors and volunteers with Center for Tomorrow Leaders.
As a veteran in the financial department, Lance helps Touch A Heart in the background of fund development.
Betty Kwong
Staff
Robin Kumabe, Executive Director
Colin Kumabe, Director of Operations
As our current Director of Enterprise Operations, Colin Kumabe is responsible for overall training and operations for both the Programs and Social Enterprises, including marketable products produced by training program participants. Kumabe created the Internship Program curriculum and leads the training of each cohort. Approximately 20% of Colin’s time is in developing new products for our businesses/social enterprises. All baked products for the Baker’s Heart social enterprise have been created by Kumabe, along with the research and development efforts for both the ulu ice cream and ulu flour. Kumabe has over 23 years in restaurant operations including an extensive career in restaurant management at FCH Enterprises (dba Zippy’s Restaurants, Napoleon’s Bakery, A Catered Experience).
Jensen Hirota, Chef & Trainer
Soleil Fusha, Program Director
Kellyn Cabral, Assistant Operations Manager
