HONOLULU, HAWAII – May 13, 2015 – For over 10 years, three powerful words have described the work of Family Programs Hawaii: Prevention, Support, Transition. The non-profit 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% in just 2 short 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 programs continue to have a positive impact on youth in our state. Their Prevention programs help children remain in healthy homes. In 2014, 82% 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 over 200 siblings together to maintain family bonds. Through the Transition programs, 86% 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, your contribution is needed. Visit www.familyprogramshawaii.org/donate this month to continue Family Programs Hawaii services which helps break the cycle of abuse and neglect, and create promising futures for our children.
“National Foster Care Month” (May) provides an opportunity to recognize the role each of us plays in the year-round needs of nearly 400,000 children in foster care in the United States, and the over 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,” added Bethel.
Now is the time for our communities to become more involved in the diverse lives of Hawaii’s foster youth. During May, several events and activities have been planned in observance of
National Foster Care Month:
- In collaboration with East Hawaii Friends of Foster Care, there’s a Mahalo Dinner on May 15th for resource families with dinner, entertainment, and gifts.
- In Hilo, Health from Head 2 Toe Caregiver Training Series: Caring for Self, Caring for Others will be presented by Tari Callaghan from 6-7:30pm at Kealakehe Elementary School. Free. For information, call 808.323.2664
- In collaboration with Foster Care Training Committees, Oahu resource, adoptive, and guardianship families are invited to Resource Family Appreciation Day on May 23rd at Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island. Activities include Outrigger canoe paddling, volleyball, kayaking, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and a bento lunch. Admission. For information, call 808.527.4925
- In Hilo, Health from Head 2 Toe Caregiver Training Series: Understanding What Kids Need to Succeed will be presented by Kei-Lin Cert from 6-7:30pm at Kealakehe Elementary School. Free. For information, call 808.323.2664
“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,” Dr. Bethel concluded.