For more than 10 years, three powerful words have described the work of Family Programs Hawaii: prevention, support, transition. ADVERTISING For more than 10 years, three powerful words have described the work of Family Programs Hawaii: prevention, support, transition. The
For more than 10 years, three powerful words have described the work of Family Programs Hawaii: prevention, support, transition.
The nonprofit organization, together with the Department of Human Services and other community providers, have reduced the number of children entering the foster care system by 58 percent in two years.
In marking this milestone anniversary, Family Programs Hawaii launched its new brand in March, which includes a fresh color palette, a new and contemporary logo, and a stronger web presence that accepts online donations.
Remaining true to its origins of providing quality care to the children of Hawaii, Family Programs Hawaii continues to have a positive impact on youth in our state. Its prevention programs help children remain in healthy homes. In 2014, 82 percent of families receiving voluntary case management avoided going into the Child Protective Services system.
One of Family Programs Hawaii’s support programs, Project Visitation, brought more than 200 siblings together to maintain family bonds. Through the transition programs, 86 percent of high school foster youth working with Family Programs Hawaii’s programs enrolled in post-secondary education institutions.
In an effort to keep these programs sustainable, contributions are needed.
This month, National Foster Care Month, visit www.familyprogramshawaii.org/donate to help continue Family Programs Hawaii services, which help break the cycle of abuse and neglect, and create promising futures for our children.
Foster Care Month is an opportunity to acknowledge the role people play in the year-round needs of nearly 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, and the more than 1,100 Hawaii children who are looking for permanency in a caring, forever home.
“Every child deserves to grow up healthy and safe,” said Dr. Paulette M. Bethel, president and CEO of Family Programs Hawaii. “We know that when children grow up in stable households, they are much more likely to succeed as adults.
“National Foster Care Month allows us to recognize, honor, and thank the countless professionals and individuals who give of themselves selflessly to ensure that every child has access to a bright future. We can make this promise a reality.”
Several events and activities have been planned locally in observance of National Foster Care Month:
• In collaboration with East Hawaii Friends of Foster Care, resource families were treated to a Mahalo Dinner on May 15 that included food, entertainment and gifts.
• In Hilo, there will be a free Health from Head 2 Toe presentation from 6-7:30 p.m. on May 28 at Kealakehe Elementary School as part of its Caregiver Training Series. “Understanding What Kids Need to Succeed” will be presented by Kei-Lin Cert. For information, call 323-2664.
“Foster Care Month is about more than words — it is about turning our commitment into real action that will better a system that hundreds of thousands of young people need to work,” Bethel said.
For more information, visit www.familyprogramshawaii.org
