Fall 2024 Newsletter
Aloha,
Trauma and substance use often happen in isolation, yet we know healing happens in community. This has proven true as we work with community groups including mental health professionals, cultural practitioners, artists and musicians to help the survivors of the 2023 wildfire disaster.
You too, have a part to play in the recovery journey for our community. September is National Recovery Month. You can show your support in these ways:
- Help reduce negative stigma around mental health and substance use issues by letting people know it’s OK to reach out for help.
- Be a friend to those in recovery by including them in sober-supportive gatherings and activities.
- Provide your financial support to organizations that provide substance use and mental health treatment.
In celebration of National Recovery Month, we’re featuring some of the many clients who have successfully completed treatment and are enjoying their transformation into a life of sober living and making healthy recovery choices. We share Wailani’s story below, and you can see more by following us on Facebook.
Agency Spotlight: Aloha House
Born and raised on Molokai, Wailani first came to us for treatment in the Maui Drug Court program. Later she participated in the Sober Living Program and became an advocate for those in recovery. Today she’s a vital part of the team at Malama Family Recovery Center. She shares:
“I’ve always been around drinking and smoking pakalolo, that’s just part of my family growing up. I started using heavy drugs at the age of 40. I got into a toxic relationship, and we did drugs together. Because of my drug use with him, I went into jail at 45; I got out at 49. It was a really bad relationship.
“Participating in treatment at Aloha House made me open my eyes and remember, as I came out of a toxic relationship, that I make my own decision, not the other person. It was a really good reminder of how my life should be, and not how it was before I started using. And that I can have it that way again.
“Today I’m happy again. I feel fulfilled again, like I used to feel before I started using. I’m getting back to myself again.”
On behalf of Wailani and all of our clients, mahalo for your support every day, and especially as we recognize their success during National Recovery Month.
Nicole Hokoana, CEO
In the News
Our Chief Clinical Officer,
Dr. Lisa Ponichtera, was recently interviewed on KITV’s Island Life Live discussing our work toward providing trauma responsive care for clients in the wake of the wildfire disasters. Watch the clip.
Client Success
During National Recovery Month, we’re featuring some of the many clients who have successfully completed treatment. Read their stories and see more by following us on Facebook.
Support Maui Behavioral Health Resources
Be an ‘Ulu Donor
‘Ulu Donors make monthly reccurring donations, and like the beautiful tree, provide sustenance to our organizations. It’s an easy, automatic way to give a little bit each month, making a significant gift over time. Sign up today.
Plan Future Gifts
You can find more information here about providing for others in perpetuity with a gift in your will.
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