Agencies get $1.08 million
to help out isle families
Four nonprofit agencies have been awarded $1.08 million in federal funds to strengthen families and prevent teen pregnancy statewide.
They are the Boys and Girls Club of Honolulu, Hale Kipa Inc., the Hui Malama Learning Center and Salvation Army-Family Intervention Services.
The state Department of Human Services awarded the contracts in a partnership with Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona Jr. to enhance youth programs and services.
Aiona and the department formed a partnership in January to direct federal funds to youth programs and services.
Aiona identified teen pregnancy prevention and family strengthening programs as key ingredients to reducing substance abuse during a series of statewide "Talk Story" community meetings at last year's recent Drug Control Strategy Summit.
"Teen pregnancy correlates closely with generational poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, substance abuse and chronic depression," he said.
DHS Director Lillian Koller said more must be done to break the cycle with services "addressing self-esteem, personal boundaries, teen reproductive health, peer pressure, substance abuse and sexually transmitted diseases."
The Boys and Girls Club will receive $347,950 for prevention and family strengthening services on Oahu and Kauai.
Hale Kipa was given $249,172.
Hui Malama Learning Center was awarded $111,322 for services on Maui.
The Salvation Army will share $375,000 equally among its programs in Hilo, Keaau and Pahoa on the Big Island.