Spring 2021 Newsletter
Many Thanks to Our Donors
2020 was a tumultuous year that brought us many challenges. With the economic instability on Maui, we were fearful that our annual giving campaign would fall through. But our donors rose to the occasion! Many donors increased their gifts, and new donors came on board as well. This increased our overall average gift amount by 27%, and brought us results comparable to the year before.
Mahalo to everyone who stepped forward to help when we needed it most.
The funds we raised will be used to pay for critical needs at each of our agencies that aren’t covered in any other way. For example, for clients that are ineligible for insurance, youth who have no other resources, or to pay for health and safety needs.
Pandemic Update
With clients at several residential facilities, we had grave concerns about having a COVID-19 outbreak at one of our locations. Our staff have been diligent about following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease, and many local partners contributed to providing cleaning supplies and PPE. We are happy to report that, as of this writing, we haven’t had any cases among our clients. Also, thanks to our local Department of Health, we were able to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to all of our staff members.
In the meantime, with help from CARES Act funds and local foundations, we were able to reconfigure many of our client treatment spaces to ensure social distancing and better utilize telehealth platforms for treatment. Read more about how the County of Maui Adaptability Fund helped Aloha House during this time.
Agency Spotlight: Maui Youth & Family Services
We proudly announce that Maui Youth & Family Services has received the Mayor’s Small Business Award in the Non-Profit category. The award was presented in an online ceremony in December and recognizes non-profit organizations doing exemplary work in the community. See more on our website.
Honoring Tom Leuteneker
We were saddened to learn of the passing of long-time board member Tom Leuteneker on December 15, 2020. Tom joined the Board of Directors of Aloha House & Malama Family Recovery Center in 2005 and stayed on as a board member in 2008 when Aloha House merged with Maui Youth & Family Services. He served in leadership roles as Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
He volunteered many hours to help with the Maui Youth & Family Services/Malama Family Recovery Center ‘Growing Dreams’ fundraiser and always bought a table at the event. He was a regular donor to all three agencies and introduced us to many new supporters. As a retired lawyer, he used his knowledge to help others who need support but were not able to pay for it. He used his legal expertise to help with mediation between individuals dealing with stressful situations.
Tom was a devoted and quiet giver to both his family and his community, not seeking recognition or accolades for the myriad of contributions he made during his lifetime. In this spirit, we honor Tom, a thoughtful, committed community leader who we will miss tremendously.
Warmest Aloha,
Jud Cunningham, CEO
Endowment Funds
The Board of Directors for Maui Behavioral Health Resources has established an endowment fund for each agency. The endowment will provide investment income to support the agencies’ missions in perpetuity.
Donors may give to the endowment at any time or as part of a planned gift or Legacy Donation. These donors are recognized as Kamani Legacy Donors, and like the sturdy Kamani tree, their commitment is enduring and dependable, providing for others beyond their lifetimes.
For more information on how to get involved call Malia Bohlin at 808-442-6566.
In the News
The Spring issue of Mauimama Magazine features one of our most dedicated staff members in an article about the Malama Family Recovery Center. Read more about Lisa Swoveland and how Malama helped her in her recovery journey and beyond to create the life she has now.
Client Success
“I spent my childhood in Oregon, in a very abusive home. People reported it to CPS, but no one would ever do anything. My mom brought us to Hawaii when she moved here for a guy she was dating. I was 12 at that time.” Learn how Trinity’s story brings her to MYFS.
Support Maui Behavioral Health Resources
Be an ‘Ulu Donor
‘Ulu Donors make monthly recurring 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.
