Essence of MANA

11/19/2025

11/19/2025

Tap in with us’

11/19/2025

Happy Talanoa Tuesday with Talavou Aumavae!

11/18/2025

Talavou "Vou" Aumavae is a USC Price School public administration graduate student and newest member to join the Asian American Recovery Services family as Case Manager, supporting the PIONEERS program through outreach, education, prevention, and referrals for NHPI youth and young adults. With over a decade of experience in civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, and Pacific Islander advocacy, he also serves on the Board of Directors for Samoan Solutions, strengthening organizational development and culturally rooted community initiatives. His work centers relational leadership, cultural grounding, and building healthier pathways for Pacific Islander communities.

Tune in at 7:00 PM on Essence of MANA, as Talanoa Tuesday welcomes the amazing Vou to the TT virtual fala to share more about his heartwork!

11/06/2025

If you’re in need of a space to unwind and decompress, join us tomorrow for Journey to Empowerment!

‼️New Location‼️
AARS Office - 1115 Mission Rd, SSF, CA 94089

Come through for some wellness, good food and great company!
All ages & families welcome AND it’s FREE!!

For more information, contact our page via Messenger, OR contact Lu Masina at 415-243-6328!

🌱 Journey to Empowerment Presents: GROW WITH ME 🌻
Join us for a hands-on wellness workshop with the Pacific Islander Initiative of San Mateo County!
Together, we’ll explore growth and self-care through a fun, interactive experience for all ages.

🗓 Friday, November 7, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍 1115 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080

✨ Enjoy FREE food, raffles, and great company!
Let’s grow together — mind, body, and spirit! 🌿

For more info, contact Lu Masina: lmasina@aars.org
| (415) 243-6328

11/05/2025

This year, we are deeply moved to see our Beloved HeRtwork Queen’s legacy live on through The Lumana‘i Education Gift Fund, chosen by her family as the beneficiary for Samoan Solutions’ 15th Annual 5K Turkey Trot for Charity.

Aunty Nani believed in the power of education and the importance of investing in our Pasifika youth. As shared by our Samoan Solutions family, Aunty Nani has stood behind the Lumana‘i Gift from the very beginning — using her voice and time to ensure it would continue blessing generations to come.

We are grateful to Samoan Solutions and the Naha-Wilson aiga for honoring her life’s work in such a meaningful way.

To learn more or register for this year’s Turkey Trot, visit:
www.samoansolutions.org
www.tinyurl.com/ssturkeytrot

11/01/2025

🇹🇴✨ From the Kingdom to the Bay — it’s finally here! Join us TODAY, SATURDAY for Tonga Day SF Bay Area as we come together to honor, uplift the culture, and unite community.

Enjoy a full day of celebration featuring:
🌺 Cultural performances
🍴 Island foods
🧺 Handicrafts & prizes
👗 Island attire
🙏 Faith & Community organizations

📅 Saturday, November 1st, 2025
🕚 11AM–4PM (Doors open at 10AM)
📍 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
975/977 Sneath Lane, San Bruno, CA

Let’s celebrate Tongan pride, culture, and community!!

10/29/2025

🌱 Journey to Empowerment Presents: GROW WITH ME 🌻
Join us for a hands-on wellness workshop with the Pacific Islander Initiative of San Mateo County!
Together, we’ll explore growth and self-care through a fun, interactive experience for all ages.

🗓 Friday, November 7, 2025 | 6:30 PM
📍 1115 Mission Road, South San Francisco, CA 94080

✨ Enjoy FREE food, raffles, and great company!
Let’s grow together — mind, body, and spirit! 🌿

For more info, contact Lu Masina: lmasina@aars.org
| (415) 243-6328

10/15/2025

This week, Talanoa Tuesday will take a gentle pause in honor and observance of our beloved Heartwork Queen, Aunty Nani’s Homerun celebration.
As we continue to reflect on her love, heartwork, and legacy, we invite you to watch a Talanoa Tuesday Heartwork Dedication Replay until we gather again.

10/07/2025

Celebrating our Heartwork Queen all month long!

Join us tonight on Essence of MANA at 7:00 PM for another special Talanoa Tuesday dedicated to our Beloved Aunty Nani!
We'll be sharing a recap of the Heartwork Queen's celebrations this last week!

Also, if you missed any of our Heartline dedications to call in, we encourage you to tap in to share your favorite memories and moments, you’ll have another chance tonight!!

10/04/2025

Flowers to the Heartwork Queen 💐✨

On behalf of the Essence of MANA and AARS family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the community for the outpour of love we’ve received for our Beloved Aunty Nani!

Yesterday’s Heartwork Celebration was just a small glimpse of the profound impact this Hope Dealer, Heartwork Healer made, and a reminder that her legacy will continue to live on in each of us!