Hawaii Island Adult Care Center receives $20K from Servco Foundation

Celebrating 100 years of being in business, the Servco Foundation recently awarded 19 nonprofit organizations each a $20,000 grant as part of Servco’s $1.5 million Centennial Service Campaign.

Hawaii Island Adult Care Center Inc. was among hundreds of nonprofits statewide nominated for one of the grants. HIAC was selected as a recipient because of compelling testimony from caregiver Karen Tanaka.

“Six years ago, my mother was very confused, losing weight, having delusions and declining fast,” Tanaka said in her testimony. “She had Alzheimer’s disease. I enrolled her in Hawaii Island Adult Care, and it turned out to be the best decision I made. The structure, social interaction and creative outlet has increased her quality of life dramatically. When I drop her off each morning, I know that she will be safe and well-cared for. The monthly caregiver support group and caregiver respite have taught me how to be a better caregiver, and the knowledge I have gained has led me to become a support group facilitator for the community. As the sole caregiver for both of my elderly parents, I feel like HIAC has become my extended family. I don’t know if I could do it without them.”

“What a blessing to receive this award,” said HIAC Executive Director Marcie Saquing. “We are immensely grateful to Karen for nominating HIAC and to the Servco Foundation. The true success of an organization is knowing that you have met your mission and made a positive impact on those you serve. Karen exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver. Beyond that, she has taken her knowledge and compassion and now pays it forward to other caregivers in our community.”

For more information, visit www.hawaiiislandadultcare.org or call 961-3747.