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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, October 9, 2002

Grants/Awards

Advertiser Staff

Drug program gets $500,000

Maui Youth & Family Services, in Pa'ia, Maui, has received $500,000 as part of $8 million in federal grants to 17 residential treatment services and continuing care programs for youth ages 21 and younger who require treatment for drug or alcohol problems.

"We must make substance abuse programs for youth a priority," said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. "These grants will enable communities to provide treatment services and follow-up programs to reclaim our children from drugs and direct them toward a meaningful, productive life."


Child agency given $30,000

The Blueprint for Change has received a $30,000 grant from the Teresa F. Hughes Trust Estate to support the continuing expansion of its Neighborhood Place projects located now in Wai'anae, Central Kalihi and Kailua, Kona, and the Puna District on the Big Island.

The agency provides a support and diversion source for families and communities identified as at-risk for child abuse and neglect.

The state of Hawai'i has formed a public/private partnership with Blueprint for Change to work with communities and providers statewide to develop a more responsive child welfare system.


Airline workers help orphans

Employees of American Airlines in Hawai'i collected more than 3,000 pounds of toys, clothing, shoes, school supplies, hygiene kits, bedding and more than $2,000 for 400 orphaned children in El Salvador.

This was accomplished in three months.

A team of five American Airlines employees and their families made the long journey to ensure the donations were received by those who needed them the most. One nurse and one dentist also joined the group to offer their professional assistance.

After assessing the needs, the money was distributed among four orphanages. Every box was hand-delivered to the director of each facility. Each toy was hand-delivered to the arms of a child.

In addition, 52 gallons of paint was purchased to spruce up the boys' area of one orphanage and two large bedrooms for the mentally handicapped.

The five-day venture ended with a celebration party for 250 children.

Volunteers included Deborah Lesher, Pat Sweeney-Ching and her daughter, Katelyn Ching of Honolulu Waldorf High, and Susan Valle and sons Joshua Valle of Waialua High and Jason Valle of Sunset Beach Christian School.


Center receives $16,300

Kalihi-Palama Health Center was recently awarded a $16,300 Organizational Capacity Building grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation.

The grant comes at a time when the demand for health care for O'ahu's disadvantaged population continues to stretch the boundaries of the nonprofit safety net.

According to the center's executive director, May Akamine, "In spite of tremendous challenges that lie ahead, KPHC expects to continue its mission of providing high-quality health and social services to those who face significant barriers to care.

"Because of anticipated growth needs and demands for low-cost services, the Organizational Capacity Building funds are vital to strengthen our board of governance and staff leadership to positively impact the community at large and help to realize our vision of healthier communities."