Summer 2023 Newsletter
Aloha,
This will be my last newsletter communication with you, as I’m set to retire as Chief Executive Officer of Maui Behavioral Health Resources, effective June 30, 2023.
I began employment with Aloha House in the fall of 1996, and now I’m working in my 27th year with Maui Behavioral Health Resources 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!
I am pleased 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. I believe the future of our organization is in good hands, and I am highly optimistic about our continued success.
Agency Spotlight: Aloha House and the Enhanced Coordinated Care Program
One of the programs Nicole has spearheaded is the Enhanced Coordinated Care program, created when we saw a need to better support substance use and mental health clients coming to us and self-identifying as “unsheltered.”
We know that not everyone who is unsheltered uses substances or has a mental health issue, but there is a correlation. In 2021, just over 50% of clients coming into our programs told us they were unsheltered.
With the support of Maui County Councilmember Gabe Johnson, we were awarded funds from the County of Maui to establish the program. In the past year, we’ve served 69 individuals, with 80% identifying as having a substance use issue and 20% with a mental health issue.
I’m happy to report that 78% of clients have successfully completed treatment. As part of the program, we meet unsheltered individuals at various locations across Maui.
Our outreach provides visibility for the program and also helps establish trust and rapport with potential clients. We often interact with providers like Mental Health Kokua, Legal Aid, Maui Police Department, Feed My Sheep, Project Vision, Ka Hale A Ke Ola, the Maui Homeless Alliance, and others.
Besides substance use treatment, staff in the Enhanced Coordinated Care program provide just that – enhanced care for this group, which has unique needs. That may include helping them get document ready so that they have IDs, birth certificates and other paperwork needed to get additional services.
We strongly believe that the extra support we provide helps with client retention, and thus completion of their substance use treatment. We’re excited to continue this program into its second year.
In closing, I cannot overstate how much I have enjoyed my work here and getting to know many of you in that capacity.
Mahalo nui loa for your friendship and support.
Jud Cunningham, CEO
In the News
Mahalo nui loa to the staff at our local Starbucks stores for nominating Aloha House as a recipient of a Neighborhood Grant Award from the Starbucks Foundation! Read more.
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 about MYFS.
Client Success
After many years of substance use, Kaeo got help through Aloha House’s Residential Treatment Program. He says, “Now I have a totally different life, all of my friends are in recovery. My sober support is strong.” Read more here.
Support Maui Behavioral Health Resources
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