In accordance with 29 CFR 38.9 (g)(3), Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals will receive language assistance in all communications of vital information.

Vital information is defined as information whether written, oral or electronic, that is necessary for an individual to understand how to obtain any aid, benefit, service, and/or training; necessary for an individual to obtain any aid, benefit, service, and/or training; or required by law.

Contact 808 762 5952 for information to ensure interpretation and/or translation is provided as needed.

Mission

The mission of Pacific Gateway Center is to empower low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through skill-building and access to opportunities while respecting cultural heritages.

Vision

Towards self sufficiency. Survive and thrive.

Values

Pacific Gateway Center is driven by its organizational values of aloha, creativity, diversity, humor, integrity, mutual respect, teamwork, and food. These values are foundational to all PGC operations.

History

Our Story: Transforming Lives & Building Pathways to Opportunity Since 1973

Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) was founded in 1973 by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawai‘i, including St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Kaumakapili Church, and Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Created in response to the large influx of Southeast Asian refugees following the Vietnam War, PGC has remained committed to empowering Hawaii’s immigrant, refugee, and underserved populations.

Many of those we serve come to Hawaii facing significant challenges: they have fled their homelands due to political upheaval, war, civil conflicts, and even climate-induced displacement. Upon arrival, they encounter new risks such as social and cultural isolation, language barriers, poverty, limited job and communication skills, restricted access to education and financial resources, and a lack of housing, food security, and healthcare.

Through targeted programs, PGC addresses these critical needs, providing comprehensive support that empowers individuals and families to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives in their new communities.

Click here to learn more about our history—a story of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to support the most vulnerable and create meaningful pathways to hope and opportunity.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Our Logo and its Meaning

Symbolic of what an immigrant or refugee would see looking up from the base of the Statue of Liberty as they gaze upon the torch being held high, the Pacific Gateway Center’s logo tells the story of many immigrants in America. The gradations of blue in the logo represent the different phases of an individual's life: from the most challenging and difficult times (the darker blues hues) through the progression to the lighter hues of blue which symbolize an increasing amount of light as help and support are provided. Borrowing from the experiences of some of our clients as “boat people,” the gradations of blue also represent the challenges, literally and figuratively, of being out at the deepest ocean until finally reaching shore where there is safety and security for one's well-being.

Awards

AMERICAN COUNCILS FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION GIVES PACIFIC GATEWAY CENTER A PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AMBASSADOR AWARD & CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FROM THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

In November 2019, Pacific Gateway Center was recognized as a Public Diplomacy Ambassador and a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States State Department.

PACIFIC GATEWAY CENTER NAMED FINALIST IN CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY'S HOGAN/AMERICAN SAVINGS BANK NON-BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION

This program submitted as part of this competition aimed to decrease the numerous significant financial barriers that small scale food manufactures face due to the high cost of labor.

HAWAII FOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION TASTE AWARDS -- June 14, 2014

Pacific Gateway Center was honored to have been recognized by the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association as its first recipient of its Community Service Award for having made a significant contribution to improve the well-being of the local community through encouraging active employee involvement in the community.

In December 2014, the City and County of Honolulu awarded a Certificate recognizing PGC's Executive Director, Dr. Tin Myaing Thein for her service and dedication to the City and County of Honolulu and the non-profit industry and the force behind the efforts to improve Hawaii's economic development of Hawaii refugee and low-income populations."