N.Å.Y.A. is Kutturan CHamoru Foundation’s youth wellness initiative, designed to strengthen the mental, emotional, and cultural well-being of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth through the power of culture, community, and connection.

This 3-part culturally grounded program advances juvenile prevention, deterrence, and diversion by engaging Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth in a safe, culturally affirming environment that strengthens protective factors and reduces risk factors associated with juvenile justice involvement. By fostering healthy decision-making, emotional regulation, and positive peer connections, the program helps youth build the skills needed to navigate challenges before they escalate into crisis.

Through CHamoru and Pacific Islander cultural traditions, storytelling, music, movement, creative arts, and intergenerational learning, participants develop healthy coping strategies to address stress, anxiety, grief, conflict, and other life challenges. Guided by trusted cultural mentors and community leaders, youth strengthen their cultural identity, sense of belonging, and connection to positive role models while increasing self-confidence, personal responsibility, and respect for themselves and others. These culturally responsive protective factors serve as a meaningful pathway to prevention, deterrence, and diversion by promoting positive youth development, family engagement, and long-term community well-being.