Hale Pono (halepono.org), Maui’s new short-term youth shelter, opened in July in Wailuku. This centrally-located shelter was chosen for easy access to schools, medical facilities and justice services. The Teran James Young Foundation, founded by Dr. Genesis Young and Sulara James, is funding this offering to the community after seeing a need for a youth sanctuary on the island that will not only provide necessities but offer teachings and programs that will cultivate vital communication skills and tend to both their emotional and mental health. “We believe society should be judged by how we treat our most vulnerable,” says co-founder Young, “and it’s our kuleana to step up for our youth.”
Dr. Genesis Young and Sulara James (center) at the Hale Pono, Maui, groundbreaking ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY OF HALE PONO
In the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires that took Lahaina earlier this month, the team at Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (rysehawaii.org) shows support by opening its Kailua, O‘ahu, doors to provide shelter for the displaced youth who have been affected by this crisis. In addition, RYSE has opened its first youth Sober House, ‘Apapane, in Honolulu, to service youth experiencing homelessness and are on their recovery journey.
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