Spring 2023 Newsletter
Aloha,
It is with mixed emotions that I announce my decision to retire as Chief Executive Officer of Maui Behavioral Health Resources effective June 30, 2023. I began employment with Aloha House, Inc. in the fall of 1996, so am now working in my 27th year in this capacity. There have been many changes over nearly three decades, some good, and some that could have been better, but fortunately, mostly good!
MBHR, comprised of Aloha House, Malama Family Recovery Center and Maui Youth & Family Services, has grown tremendously. In 1996, Aloha House had a budget of $500,000; today the agencies’ combined budget is over $16 million. Aloha House had less than 15 staff back then and only a handful of residential clients; now MBHR has close to 200 staff, and serves almost 8,000 individuals per year. This growth has allowed us to positively impact the lives of thousands of Maui individuals and families.
I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has selected Nicole Hokoana, LMFT and Chief Operating Officer of MBHR, as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2023. Nicole is imminently qualified to assume the CEO position, and it is comforting to know that she will be supported by a highly qualified and talented team of managers and staff. I believe that the future of our organization is in good hands, and am highly optimistic about our continued success.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as CEO for this great organization. The best part has been the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated and compassionate people who genuinely care about helping others to live more fulfilling, healthy and productive lives.
Agency Spotlight: Maui Youth & Family Services
You may have seen national reports about the high rate of depression among teenage girls. These statistics are reflected in our own community as well. In February, the CDC reported that “nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade.”
Our School-Based Counseling and Intensive Outpatient Programs are helping adolescents deal with mental health issues and substance use, both in school and in the community. They report an increase in self-referrals and peer referrals, which indicates that youth are not only benefitting themselves, but they want to see their friends get help too.
Car Wash Fundraiser March 18th
You can help support this program and others at Maui Youth & Family Services’ car wash fundraiser this Saturday, March 18th, at Ohana Fuels at 85 S. Wakea Avenue in Kahului, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The car wash will benefit a host of programs, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, emergency shelter and therapeutic foster homes, independent living, and substance use prevention programs.
In addition to funds raised at the car wash, Maui Youth & Family Services is the recipient of the Ohana Fuels “Fuel Up, Do Good” program for the months of January, February, and March 2023. A portion of every Ohana Fuels’ TOP TIER™, fuel-efficient gasoline brand purchase at all eight Maui Minit Stop locations will be donated to the organization.
We sincerely appreciate Ohana Fuels’ support of these important programs.
See you at the car wash!
Jud Cunningham, CEO
Be a Hero
Many teens need help navigating life’s challenges, and Maui Youth & Family Services’ Transitional Family Home Foster Care program provides the help they need. We’re in need of Foster Parents to be available for emergency beds and long-term care. Learn more.
In the News
We’re grateful to Ledcore Maui for selecting Maui Youth & Family Services as the recipient of part of their 75th anniversary donation. Read more in Maui Now.
Client Success
“I first went into foster care when I was four years old. Then I got legal guardianship with my grandparents. At 14, my grandmother passed away, and when a school-based counselor from MYFS learned I was suicidal, I was put into a therapeutic foster home. After that, I got support from MYFS’ independent living programs.”
Aponi B.
Support Maui Behavioral Health Resources
Be an ‘Ulu Donor
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Plan Future Gifts
You can find more information here about providing for others in perpetuity with a gift in your will.
