Vailoauta, AMERICAN SAMOA — Community leaders, faith-based partners, government officials, and family caregivers gathered this week to celebrate the official launch, blessing, and opening of the first St. Catherine’s Adult Day Services site in Vailoauta — marking a significant milestone in expanding care options for the elderly, medically frail, and persons with disabilities in American Samoa.

The ceremony opened with an invocation by Deacon Enele Seumanutafa, followed by special remarks and a blessing from Monsignor Viane Etuale, Vicar General of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago. In his address, Monsignor Etuale shared the historical vision of His Eminence Cardinal Pio Taofinuu, who championed the establishment of elderly care homes in Samoa — an initiative that later extended to American Samoa. Originally founded as Nazareth House and operated by the Poor Sisters of Nazareth, the ministry has evolved into what is now known as Hope House.

Monsignor Etuale reflected on the deeply rooted cultural belief that caring for elderly parents is the responsibility of their children. However, he acknowledged the realities facing modern families, noting that many caregivers are unable to leave their jobs to provide full-time care. “Families today are faced with difficult choices,” he shared, expressing gratitude to Toleafoa and her team for creating accessible caregiving options that allow families to maintain both their livelihoods and their responsibilities to loved ones.

Tafaimamao Tupuola, State Director for the Pacific Center in Human Security, offered heartfelt remarks, drawing from her own personal experience caring for aging parents. She provided an overview of the Money Follows the Person grant, highlighting how it supports families through long-term care services, home modifications, caregiver training, nutrition education, and essential caregiving supplies.

Director Tupuola also referenced the Governor’s Executive Order establishing the Home and Community-Based Services Commission, emphasizing its mandate to strengthen support systems for vulnerable populations. She encouraged community members to actively engage in shaping the future of home and community-based services in the territory.

A powerful segment of the program featured personal testimonies from family caregivers, including Dr. Rosevonne Pato, Dr. Eileen Yandall-Maiava, and Dr. Jueta McCutchan. Each shared deeply moving accounts of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caregiving. Their stories underscored a common truth: caregiving is a full-time commitment that requires immense sacrifice and resilience.

“Family caregiving is not for the faint of heart,” Dr. McCutchan shared. “It demands strength, patience, and support — support that programs like St. Catherine’s now provide.”

The establishment of St. Catherine’s Adult Day Services was made possible through $200,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), awarded through the CJPA Nonprofit Assistance Program to EPIC.

These funds have been fully utilized to recruit, train, and employ both full-time and part-time caregivers. To sustain operations, EPIC continues to leverage community donations, client contributions, and additional federal and local funding sources.

The next site opening will be in Amouli at Selesitina’s Fale, provided by Selesitina Reid and family. Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin was thanked for her staunch support of the program and her willingness to provide access to her home and property to serve the elderly at Fale Malololelei, Vailoauta.

EPIC’s goal is to establish multiple Adult Day Services sites in villages or itumalo with a high community need.

St. Catherine’s Senior and Community Services offer Adult Day Services in family home settings from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, providing a safe, supportive environment for participants while allowing caregivers to maintain employment and manage daily responsibilities.

In addition, Home Health teams deliver in-home care services for individuals who are bedridden, recovering from strokes, or healing from major surgical procedures, including limb amputations.

This initiative represents a vital step forward in strengthening the continuum of care in American Samoa — ensuring that families no longer have to navigate caregiving challenges alone.

For more information or to request services, please contact St. Catherine’s Senior and Community Services at (684) 688-EPIC (3742).