HONOLULU -The Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund held an anniversary event on Friday, Nov. 22, celebrating 20 years investing in Hawai’i’s children and helping to build stronger families and communities statewide. A public-private partnership established in 1993 by the state of Hawai’i, the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund provides grants, training, and technical assistance to programs that strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
“This important milestone serves as an opportunity to celebrate the role Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund has played in our community over the past 20 years, making real impact in the lives of our local keiki and ‘ohana,” said Nanci Kreidman, chairperson and community representative of the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund Advisory Board.
The Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund’s programs are crucial for countless children in danger of abuse or neglect. The programs promote healthy, safe family environments; help children to form healthy relationships and avoid and cope with dangerous situations; and support training and education for professionals, research, evaluation, and advocacy activities related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. The organization also provides education to increase community awareness of these critical issues.
“As a member of the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund advisory committee, I have had an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible impact this organization has had on the lives of hundreds of local families for the past two decades,” said Marty Oliphant, member of the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund advisory committee. “I would like to thank the Hawaii Children’s Trust Fund, Hawai’i Community Foundation, and Department of Health for their commitment and dedication to this important cause.”
Abuse survivors were among several speakers at the anniversary celebration to give poignant proof of the difference made by the organization and the vital need for continued support of programs in the community.
The Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund fulfills its mission with the help of many local nonprofit organizations. In 2012, Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund started a partnership with the Joyful Heart Foundation to launch a statewide public awareness campaign called “One Strong ‘Ohana” to promote awareness that prevention of child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Created in collaboration with service providers, community agencies, and businesses in Hawai’i, the campaign educates residents on what they can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
“Our 20 year partnership with the Hawaii Children’s Trust Fund and the Department of Health has enabled us to contribute $8.1 million to the local community for family strengthening and child abuse and neglect prevention,” said Kelvin Taketa, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Community Foundation. “These grants have been informed by the collective wisdom of the field to ensure that we meet the needs of Hawai’i’s families and strengthen our community together.”
The Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund consists of partnerships with the Hawai’i Community Foundation, the Hawai’i State Department of Health, an advisory board, advisory committee, and coalition. The Hawai’i State Department of Health is the lead agency for the public sector, with the Hawai’i Community Foundation overseeing grant making funded by the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund endowment. Since its inception in 1993, the Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund has provided more than $8.1 million in grants to over 150 agencies statewide. The Hawai’i Children’s Trust Fund, in partnership with the Hawai’i Community Foundation, continues make grants in support of this vital work. For information about two open grant applications and to apply for funding, visit https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/hawaii-childrens-trust-fund.