pacific island knowledge 2 action resources
our mission.
PIK2AR's mission is to strengthen under-resourced communities by expanding food access, providing financial empowerment and small-business support, offering holistic peer services, and delivering safety and healing for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
who we are.
PIK2AR is a Pacific Islander–led nonprofit building stronger, healthier, and more self-sustaining communities.
Rooted in trauma-informed, culturally grounded practices, we work across social services, economic empowerment, and cultural arts to uplift individuals and families.
We are a strength-based ecosystem of programs and events that aim to eliminate violence, empower, improve health, and give dignity and hope by increasing personal and financial growth into ethnic and underserved households.
We promote and perpetuate all Pacific Islander cultures, create alliances, and bridge communities through sharing resources, education, and offering vital support.
our approach
Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR) is a community-based human-services organization grounded in Pacific Island values and culturally relevant, community-led practices.
We believe individuals, families, and communities thrive when they are Connected. Respected. Protected.
Our work focuses on poverty alleviation, violence prevention, family stabilization, economic mobility, cultural healing, and community leadership development — all delivered through culturally grounded, relationship-centered programs.
Because when services reflect people’s lived experiences, values, and culture, people feel seen and know they belong — families stabilize, and communities grow stronger.
Connected. Respected. Protected.
Our trauma-informed framework guides how we design programs and relationships across our organization.
Connected
We build belonging through peer support, community events, cultural arts, and business networks that strengthen relationships between individuals, families, and community systems.
Respected
We honor lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community leadership. Our programs reflect the voices and realities of the communities we serve.
Protected
We work to prevent violence, stabilize families, and improve access to essential resources so communities can thrive safely.
Together, these principles shape PIK2AR’s ecosystem of services.
Cultural Arts & Identity (PEAU)
Through Pasifika Enriching Arts of Utah (PEAU), we preserve cultural knowledge, support artists, and strengthen belonging through storytelling, performance, and creative expression.
Cultural arts programming strengthens self-worth, belonging, and community visibility while supporting creative entrepreneurship.
Economic Mobility & Business Development
Economic opportunity is essential to long-term stability.
Programs include:
Pacific Island Chamber initiatives
NHPI Business Accelerator
Living Color Utah partnerships
Community vendor markets
These programs help entrepreneurs grow businesses and build generational opportunity.
Culture, Values, and Community
PIK2AR is rooted in Pacific Island values such as:
collective care
reciprocity
respect for elders
accountability
community responsibility
At the same time, we recognize that many diverse, under-resourced communities share these same values. Families across cultures prioritize dignity, belonging, safety, and opportunity.
This shared foundation allows PIK2AR’s culturally grounded approach to support Pacific Island communities while also serving and partnering with many others.
At PIK2AR, culture includes identity, lived experience, family traditions, community values, and healing practices — not just ethnicity.
A Community Ecosystem Model
PIK2AR addresses poverty and inequity through interconnected programs that support the whole person, the whole family, and the whole community.
Family Stabilization & Poverty Alleviation
We help families meet basic needs and navigate systems during times of crisis.
Programs include:
Cannon Community Food Bank
Breaking Bread community service days
Community Health Worker (CHW) family navigation
Direct assistance and resource connection
These services reduce barriers and create stability.
Violence Prevention & Healing
We create culturally grounded spaces for healing, accountability, and prevention education.
Programs include:
Empowered Living Services
KAVA Talks peer support groups
Women’s EmpowHERment peer groups
Pacific Island Violence Prevention curriculum
Pacific Island Violence Prevention Conference
Heels 2 Heal Walk
This work strengthens families and builds non-violent communities.
Building Stronger Communities Together
PIK2AR operates as a community-driven ecosystem of support, addressing root causes of poverty and violence while strengthening identity, belonging, and opportunity.
Because when services reflect culture, people feel seen and know they belong — families stabilize, and communities grow stronger.
our impact.
empowered living services.
11,700 Families Served by PIK2AR Food Bank Programming
1,200 Individuals received Culturally-Relevent Case Management Services
212 Peer Support Groups held weekly inside the Utah State Correctional Facility
$68,500 Distributed to over 40 Domestic Violence Survivors
our impact.
Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce.
250+ Business Owners Assisted
$35,000 Distributed To Over 30 Small Businesses
Monthly Meet-Ups, Mentorship With Successful Business
Business Education, Financial Literacy, + Collaboration With National Partners
our community programming.
the top 3.
Pasifika Enriching Arts Utah (P.E.A.U.)
Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce (P.I.C.C.)
arts & humanities
Art is a powerful tool to perpetuate and preserve our traditional art forms while also bringing them into the present through modern interpretations.
We host art workshops, artist meet-ups, and other opportunities for our Pasifika artists of all mediums to gather and collaborate. Whether you’re a painter, dancer, writer, or filmmaker, our artist-run arts program is focused on creative fulfillment and sustainability.
Empowered Living Services (E.L.S.)
economic development
Our community is buzzing with the entrepreneurial spirit and through our Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce and associated initiatives we promote the growth and advancement of our Pacific Island community.
If you’re looking for help starting or maintaining your business, we hope you’ll trust us to find the resources to assist you to the next level of your business journey.
empowered living & social services
Knowledge is power and our organization was built on the idea that knowledge should be adequate enough to help you take action.
This program covers our direct, social services such as our peer support groups, case managing, and community health workers. To take advantage of opportunities, you have to feel empowered to take that next step, and we aid our community in taking that next step!
upcoming events.
Pacific Island Heritage Month Kick Off Event
Salt Lake City, Utah
Pacific Island Violence Prevention Conference
Salt Lake City, Utah
Heels To Heal; Walk For Domestic Violence
Salt Lake City, Utah
Pacific Island Business Awards Luncheon
Salt Lake City, Utah
Pacific Island Film Festival + Masimo Tour 2026
Salt Lake City, Utah
K.A.V.A. Talks Dinner + Silent Auction
Salt Lake City, Utah
national partners.
we proudly collaborate with national organizations advancing equity for Pacific Islander communities.
National ACE
National CAPACD
CAPAW
White House (NHPI Initiative)
Utah State + Community Partners
awards + recognition.
Recognizing our dedication to equity, inclusion, and Pacific Islander community wellbeing.
— 2024 Salt Lake City Human Rights Award
Check Out ALL of PIK2AR’s Awards; International, National, & State-wide Recognition, Projects, & Impact that PIK2AR is having on the Communities we serve.
donate to our cause.
together we can build healthier, safer, and more resilient Pacific Islander Communities.
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