ISLAND VOICES
Let's work together to achieve AUW goal

Punky Pletan-Cross is chief executive officer of Hale Kipa.

The challenges to our Island economy have unfortunately led all of us to do some belt-tightening, including state government, reducing the resources available for our community to provide health and human services.

Fortunately, Aloha United Way is continuing to work hard to strengthen the safety net of programs and services that is essential for the health of our community. I urge you to support AUW's annual fund-raising campaign, now under way.

When funding is cut, the needs for services do not also diminish. In fact, in many cases, the needs here are growing. For some people, even basic necessities like food and shelter are available only because of the work of AUW's network of agencies.

Hale Kipa is one partner within that network. Our work is with some of the state's most troubled teens. Every year, 900 abused, neglected and troubled teens walk through our doors with heartbreaking stories. For some of our clients, the stay at Hale Kipa represents the first time in their young lives they are safe from harm.

Of course, I believe our mission is critical, but I cannot say we are the most important piece in the health and human service safety net that AUW supports. Every agency plays an integral role in making our community safer and healthier. Without AUW, the community safety net would not exist.

Hale Kipa would not be as effective without the other partners in the Aloha United Way system. Many of our clients have multiple issues and benefit from the services of other programs. Any one agency alone could not have nearly the impact we do when we work together. That's the beauty of the United Way.

We read so much bad news in the newspapers. I think it's time now to celebrate an organization that has so many good things to report. I enjoy hearing that my contribution is helping families receive quality healthcare, children find mentors and seniors remain independent. Where else can you make a single donation and have that significant an impact?

This year, AUW is aiming to raise $13 million. It's a lot of money, especially in this tight economy, but it's an achievable goal if we all work together.