Commissioner Kunesh's visit is crucial for community partners funded by ANA and partners looking to apply for funding for projects that develop and implement culturally appropriate strategies to meet the social and economic needs of Native American communities.
Executive Director Trude Ledoux-Sunia and Project Accounting Specialist Charity Tufele with 2024 ANA Grant Recipients from across the Pacific, at this year's Post Award Training held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Training was held on January 17-18, 2024.
Post-award trainings are designed to provide awarded ANA recipients with information on how to effectively administer, manage, track, and report their ANA projects.
Ms. Charity Tufele our Accounting Specialist attending on behalf of the Foeoletini Foundation, ANA Pacific Post award training.
Because of your support, we’ve been able to put our mission into action, positively impacting the lives of many individuals and families affected by substance abuse and suicide in American Samoa.
We aspire to provide programs and projects that positively impact our youth and young children.
The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation (The Foeoletini Foundation) has received $279,235 in funding for the first year to launch its newest initiative, The Pacific Innovation and Technology Academy (PITA). PITA will be a three year project from 09/30/2023 to 09/29/2026, with total project funding of $754,841.00 (amount of the Federal Award including cost sharing or matching). This funding opportunity was made available by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) program under the US Department of Human and Social Services.
The Foeoletini Foundation's priority for this funding is to establish an institution that will play a critical role in supporting American Samoa's economic development by producing a workforce with technical skills and expertise that can contribute to emerging IT industries. From a broader perspective, PITA's 16-week program will give individuals the training, certifications, and experience they need to compete for entry-level IT positions.
Executive Director Leulu Trude Ledoux-Sunia states, "Substance Use Disorder (SUD) has prevented able individuals and their families from working in American Samoa. Since the start of our outreach work in the villages and with youth, we constantly hear feedback that we don't have the skills to meet the requirements of new job opportunities here. We took this feedback and decided to create a new lane and window of opportunity for our young people. This funding is a milestone win for our local nonprofit community, having a long-term and hugely positive impact. We want to acknowledge The Administration for Native Americans for continuing to provide opportunities for indigenous people. We also want to thank ANA's Pacific Region Technical Assistance team, who continue to bring training to the territory, providing guidance and support so nonprofits like ours can submit successful proposals."
She continues, "One of the main incentives of this program is that by the time you leave the cohort, you will attain nationally accepted certifications in areas to include CompTIA A+, Networking fundamentals, and Cybersecurity here in American Samoa. The next step is helping pair and place those who successfully certify and graduate from PITA in a job with either local government, private sector, or nonprofits. Recruitment and more information about how to enroll wil be available via our website and social media pages soon."
"On behalf of the board, I would like to recognize all those who have supported our vision from the beginning. Our organization is committed to providing creative ways to continue supporting SUD victims and families. We encourage donations to support this initiative and other projects. Your contribution can help us make a difference in the lives of these future IT specialists/technicians."
The Foeoletini Foundation focuses on providing services and resources to families impacted by substance use disorder, victims of substance abuse, and recovery. Our donors' generous support allows the Foeoletini Foundation to fulfill its mission.
The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation is a 501c(3) organization; all donations are tax-deductible. For further information on the Foundation and how to donate, visit our website at www.foeoletini.org or call us at 633-9669 or 733-1507. EIN: 66-0944480
For Official Release. 10/4/2023
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In a continued partnership with ASCC instructor Ms. Tala Ropeti-Leo and her Psychology classes, we received another priceless donation from her students this Spring Semester. Students work towards a community service project every semester, and this semester they presented beautiful artwork for the Heart for Art Project.
Heart for Art Project started our Healing Wall, a type of therapy for those impacted by substance abuse trauma, including children.
When you donate to the Foeoletini Foundation, 100 % of your contribution goes directly toward our treatment, recovery, prevention, and grassroots awareness programs for substance abuse in American Samoa.
Unleash generosity and make a life-saving donation today.
EIN: 66-0944480
We are honored to have on our team a fantastic group of young people through SYEP to help support our mission and work in the community this summer.
We are grateful to the American Samoa Government Dept of Human Resources, SYEP program, for their continuous efforts in maintaining this program.
Our Tai Lelei Ambassadors have been working on innovative ways to create evidence-based prevention interventions in local communities.
***FOR OFFICIAL RELEASE. 06/19/2023***
The Foeoletini Foundation and the Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund Awards $8,000.00 for Two Local High School Applicants.
On Monday, June 19, 2023, the Honorable Manumaua Wayne, on behalf of Mrs. Lepoi Wilson and family, in partnership with the Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation (The Foeoletini Foundation), presented two (2) four thousand dollar ($4,000.00) scholarship awards to recipients of the Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund, Ms. Savannah Savali of Tafuna High School and Mr. Malõ Mata'u of Samoana High School.
"Ms. Savannah Savali (Nuuuli) and Mr. Malõ Mata'u (Fagasa) have successfully met all the criteria set by The Foeoletini Foundation Scholarship Board," stated Olomua Fiafia Sunia, Chairman of the Scholarship Board. He continued, "We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of both of these recipients during the past four years of their secondary education, and we are excited to see what lies ahead in the next four years. The selection process was not easy, and all the applicants were exceptional in their own ways. However, one of the most compelling reasons separating these two candidates from other applicants is their passion to return to American Samoa to help our island and our people."
The Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship was founded in honor of the late Brianna Lina Wilson, the daughter of House Representative Manumaua and Lepoi Wilson. Mr. Wilson also serves as a board member for the Foeoletini Foundation. He stated, "She was a young woman passionate about science, math, art, and engineering. We are proud to offer this scholarship to high school students who share Brianna's love for these subjects and are pursuing a college degree in one of these fields." stated the Honorable Manumaua Wayne Wilson. Manumaua states, "Her memory lives on through this scholarship. Brianna would have graduated from Tafuna High School this year with Ms. Savannah. My wife and I believe that this is a way to help us keep her memory alive, as we aim to inspire the next generation of doctors, scientists, and engineers by providing financial support to students who share their enthusiasm for STEAM subjects."
The main criteria of applicants required them to pursue a degree in a STEAM field. Must have a GPA of 3.5 and above, have a solid academic record, demonstrate financial need, and submit a 500-word essay explaining why they are passionate about their chosen field of study.
The Foeoletini Foundation's executive director Mrs. Trude Sunia stated, "On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to thank Faleituau and Ramona Mata’u of Fagasa and Nathaniel and Alvina Savali of Nuuuli for raising such great children. We could not have asked for a better duo to represent The Foeoletini Foundation and the Brianna Lina Wilson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Our organization is committed to providing future scholarships to all public high schools, internships and volunteer opportunities. Our mission and work is to create opportunities for youth to steer them away from the dangers of high drug use in young people on island. Therefore, we encourage donations from individuals and corporations to support this initiative. Your contribution can help us make a difference in the lives of talented students who might not have the financial means to pursue a college degree.”
“The Brianna Lina Wilson Scholarship Fund is 100% funded by private donors and family members. Together, we can ensure that Brianna's legacy lives on and that future generations can pursue their passion for science, math, and engineering.”
Apply or donate to the Brianna Lina Wilson Memorial Scholarship today.The Foeoletini Foundation also is accepting donations through the website portal via PayPal, and for more information on other methods for donating, email foeoletinifoundation@gmail.com.
The Foeoletini Foundation focuses on providing services and resources to families impacted by substance use disorder, victims of substance abuse, and recovery.
For further information about our work and how to donate more, visit our website at: www.foeoletini.org.
For Official Release. 06/19/2023
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The beautiful Miss Ieta Lafitaga graced the Moso'oi Pageant, proudly representing her family and our work at the Foundation with so much grace and humility.
Miss Lafitaga represents the beautiful villages of Fagaalu, Fagasa, and her home Kanana Fou.
She is the proud daughter of Rev. Elekosi & Faletua Fale Lafitaga. We are so proud of our
The beautiful Miss Ieta Lafitaga graced the Moso'oi Pageant, proudly representing her family and our work at the Foundation with so much grace and humility.
Miss Lafitaga represents the beautiful villages of Fagaalu, Fagasa, and her home Kanana Fou.
She is the proud daughter of Rev. Elekosi & Faletua Fale Lafitaga. We are so proud of our Miss Foeoletini Foundation and her journey thus far.
She won 1st runner up.
Her ofu laulaau is made up of organic, vibrant flowers to represent the beauty of our natural environment. These flowers were freshly hand-picked from her own backyard garden to create a stunning traditional taupou outfit befitting of a tama'ita'i Samoa.
Ieta's breath taking ofu lau la’au designed and created by the Haus of Universal Showgirls and FUL Events.
The Mosooi flower tells a beautiful love story of a Samoan Belle who yearns for the “Matagi o Samoa” or "The Winds of Samoa”, to aid her aching heart for her lover.
Ms. Lafitaga’s performance was inspired by a poem originally written by, “Le Tusitala o Samoa” the Honorable Fofo I.F. Sunia. She dedicates tonight in his honor, for his commitment to preserving our language and culture.
With this sophisticated puletasi, contestant number three honors the Mosooi festival of the arts, celebrating the richness and diversity of culture and creativity by local artists. The colors of the rainbow encompass the variety of contemporary and traditional art forms displayed throughout the festival. Designed and created by the Haus of Universal Showgirls and FUL Events.
Lene Uiagalelei, Futiga & Tafuna
Lolomaletaiotumua Faoliu, Nuuuli
Thank you, CEO Justin Tuiasosopo and your entire village at Blue Sky, for sponsoring our Scholarship prizes for this year’s Miss Moso’oi Scholarship Pageant. Bluesky donated $12,000 of monetary and in-kind donations.
Congratulations Miss Nellie Tuigamala, the newly crowded Miss Moso'oi 2022. Nellie is sponsored by Teuila Co.
Tai Lelei Ambassadors complete first round of Telehealth Basics training through the Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center. As part of our Telehealth initiative to address intervention, prevention, and treatment for substance abuse in the territory, our volunteers' telehealth training better equips them to educate communities and raise awareness on the island. (Pictured: Tai Lelei Team Leader, Heather Paopao)
Some of our SYEP Superstars and Tai Lelei Ambassadors attended this year's Federal Pathways Open House at NOAA. We are grateful to the organizers of this event and all employers who showed our young people the many career options available here in American Samoa.
Thank you EPIC (Empowering Pacific Island Communities Inc) for providing youth mental health first aid training for our Tai Lelei volunteers and SYEP participants. This two day training teaches one how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Summer 2022 Psychology & Sociology classes at the American Samoa Community College and Instructor Tala Ropeti-Leo presented a donation to the Foeoletini Foundation to support substance abuse outreach and awareness work in the territory. Students fundraised on their own and donated $1527.00. This generous donation will help expand positive impact youth programs in the villages.
A beautiful gift presented by PSYCHOLOGY 150 students at ASCC for the Foundation to help arm us in our fight against substance abuse in American Samoa. The pathway to leadership is through service indeed.
Starting Little League baseball teams on the east side of Tutuila has proven successful in preventing drug and alcohol abuse among youth. This summer, the Foundation's two sponsored majors teams went head to head in the championship game. We are proud of our Bluejays and Coaches Poyer Samuelu & Sonny Niupulusu for taking our cinderella story winners to the top. Coach Fiafia Sunia fought all season long to take the Eagles to the Championship game. Our Minor Eagles came in third place overall and 5th place Minor Bluejays. Our Eagles Teeball finished strong, and we're excited to see most of them move up to the minors. #EastSide #FoeoletiniKids
In the traditional Samoan language, words would typically relate to natural elements to describe life situations. Tai Lelei means "to be at peace," as the sea is when the weather is fair after a rough storm.
Pictured here are our Tai Lelei Ambassadors (Heather, Abcde, Sierra, Charity, and Shanany). We are grateful to our Ambassador Team for helping the Foundation these past few months in our d
We’re excited to share that our organization has earned a 2022 Silver Seal of Transparency with Candid! Now, you can support our work with trust and confidence by viewing our #NonprofitProfile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/9603e4ee-c80e-405e-947d-bf00633e6a4a
Copyright © 2023 The Christopher James Foeoletini Ledoux Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
EIN for donations: 66-0944480 Address: PO BOX 101 Pago Pago, AS 96799 (684) 633-9669
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