With Appreciation — Spring News from Maui Behavioral Health Resources

Aloha!

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 during this time!

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 was 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 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 better utilize telehealth platforms for treatment. Read more about how the County of Maui Adaptability Fund helped Aloha House during this time. 

Spotlight On Maui Youth & Family Services

We’re proud to announce that Maui Youth & Family Services is the recipient of 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.

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 towards helping 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

In the News

The Spring issue of Mauimama Magazine features one of our most dedicated staff members in an article about 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.

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The Board of Directors for Maui Behavioral Health Resources has established an endowment fund for each of the three agencies. 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. Koa Legacy Donors are those who make a commitment of $500,000 or more. Koa stands out as the tallest tree in the native forest, and giving at this level shows leadership and benevolence, allowing generations to come to benefit from donors’ generosity.

For more information on how to get involved call Malia Bohlin at 442-6566.

Client Success

Thanks to you, we were able to be there when Spring Taylor first came through the doors of Malama Family Recovery Center. Here she shares her story of growing up in difficult circumstances.

Become a Monthly Donor

Our ‘Ulu Donors make monthly reoccurring donations, providing sustenance to our organizations. Learn more here.

Get Help

If you, a friend, a family member or someone you know is ever in need, please don’t hesitate to call us at 808-579-8414.