Kupuna U

Innovation in Congregate Dining

ACL Disclaimer: This project was supported, in part by grant number 

90INNU0034, from the Administration for Community Living, U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. 

Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are 

encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of 

view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL 

policy. 
About Lanakila Pacific

Building Independence

 Founded in 1939, Lanakila Pacific is a non-profit organization that builds independence for 

thousands of people living challenged lives. We are a family of programs and services that 

enable individuals with disabilities, including cognitive, physical and age-related challenges, to 

reach their goals and potential, while building independence and promoting community 

inclusion. 

 Multitude of programs and services

 Over 400 regular and seasonal volunteers support our operations annually
Meals on Wheels

 We are the largest and only islandwide home delivered meal provider 

for homebound kupuna and 

individuals with disabilities.

 Offers home delivery meal 

services, but also a range of 

support services such as public 

benefit outreach (SNAP), 

supplemental produce (Green Bag), 

Congregate Dining Services.

 ~65% increase in numbers serviced 

due to COVID-19 pandemic. 
Congregate Dining and

Kupuna Wellness Centers

A free health and wellness program for active 

and independent seniors 60-years and older.

 Featuring: Senior Fitness Classes, Games,

Crafts, Outings, Guest Speakers, Friendship

and Fun.

A complete meal is served each day

 At its peak, KWC served over 400 active

seniors weekly, island wide.

 Due to public health restrictions, KWCs have

been closed since March 2020.
Kupuna Tech/Connect

a pivot to technology

Adapting to the “new normal” of the COVID-19 pandemic, 

particularly the restriction on in-person activities and considerations 

for the risk factors of older adults, the Kupuna Wellness Center 

evolved -

➢ Technology is becoming inevitable in all aspects of life.

➢ Utilizing technology, virtual congregation and socialization can

provide similar value to their in-person counterparts.

Kupuna 

Tech

Kupuna 

Connect
Kupuna Tech

Technology classes operated in tandem with 

kupuna connect

 12-week long curriculum, covering basic 

digital literacy on topics such as, 

teleconferencing, sending an email, 

internet browsing, etc.

 Aim to get our kupuna “online-ready”. 

Gaining more confidence and comfort in 

operating their devices.

 Enable kupuna to access Kupuna 

Connect and other online resources.
Kupuna Connect

A virtual alternative to the Kupuna Wellness Center

➢ Using teleconferencing tools, kupuna can

participate in a variety of virtual contents like

those we had in the KWC.

➢ Virtual exercise classes, nutrition

education, games and recreation,

financial literacy, health and

wellness workshops, tech supports.
The Future of Congregate Dining

through community partnerships, connected by technology

 Through the Administration of 

Community Living (ACL) 

Innovation Grant. 

 Through community 

collaboratives like the Kupuna 

Food Security Coalition (KFSC) 

and Kupuna Collective.

 Target outreach to senior 

service providers active in the 

areas of nutrition service, tech 

education, virtual content, etc.
Introducing – Kupuna U!
Kupuna U

 A web-based inventory of

virtual contents and resources

offered by a network of senior

service providers.

 Open to seniors 60+

 Simple design, intuitive to

use.

 Connecting seniors with

different organizations and

services in the community as a

one-stop hub of resources.

 Public platform for senior

service providers to offer

programs and services to a

wider audience.
CONTACT US!

To learn more about Kupuna U and other services

For a Kupuna U platform demo and explore possibilities of partnership 

General inquiries of program and services

To make a referral

JAMES LI

Office: 356-8581 / Cell: 758-9328

jli@lanakilapacific.org