The Hawaii-based nonprofit Child and Family Service celebrated its 125th birthday with a blessing ceremony for the future Hilo Community Resource and Counseling Center.
When built, the 6,000-square-foot center will establish a permanent base for CFS to assist East Hawaii families in need, and will be located next to CFS’s existing temporary premises on Kilauea Avenue.
“We are thrilled to finally be starting construction. We’ve been talking story about this for seven years, and it’s now a reality because of our donors,” said CFS President and CEO Amanda Pump. “We’ve been serving East Hawaii since 1985, and with a permanent space, we’ll be able to reach out to more people and tell them we’re here to stay.”
Construction can begin on the long-awaited facility thanks to a $2 million gift from Hawaii developer Earl Stoner and his wife, Sandi Osorio Stoner, and $2 million in federal funding secured by the state’s congressional delegation.
Earl Stoner served on the CFS board for 16 years and worked to raise awareness about CFS statewide. As he retires from the board, the Stoners wanted to ensure they helped future Hawaii families.
“Our purpose in giving this in Hilo was not because my wife is a Hilo girl, or because of my history on Hawaii Island, but because of the need,” Earl Stoner said. “There is a need for child and family services, and we felt that if we were going to give this gift, this was the ideal place to give it.”
According to CFS, East Hawaii Island has the highest poverty rate and poorest health outcomes in the state. On average, 97% of participants who disclose their income are on or below the poverty line.
The organization currently offers 25 programs in East Hawaii and served about 1,300 participants last year.
The walk-in center will help sustain and broaden the scope of CFS services, including domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling and much more.
U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, helped secure the $2 million in federal funding for the future facility after visiting CFS in Hilo last year.
“Rep. Jill Tokuda was very well-informed about everything going on and saw what CFS wanted to do and supports their vision fully,” said Nicole Gray, constituent advocate for Tokuda’s Hawaii office. “After visiting last year, she put it straight to the top of the priority list. Her heart is full knowing it will service Hawaii’s communities.”
CFS’ East Hawaii staff of 45 is dedicated to helping families, women, children and kupuna address some of the most serious situations in life, like poverty, abuse and neglect.
“We have such remarkable people that come to work every day who are dedicated to making a difference and being the community’s safety net,” Pump said. “We’re very grateful to our community and everyone who has trusted and supported us over the years. Our organization is here no matter what, ready to serve the whole family.”
The project cost of the permanent location is $5.8 million, according to CFS. With 75% raised, the organization will begin a fundraising campaign with plans to be announced as early as April.
The nonprofit’s mission is “dedicated to strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children.”
For more information about CFS and its programs, visit childandfamilyservice.org/easthawaiiisland/.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.