Members of the Spring 2017 New Member class partnered with the Hawaii State Department of Public Safety to transform the Hale Maluhia Family Center at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility from old prison cells into a therapeutic and healing space for the 20 youth ages 13-19 and their families.  Hale Maluhia links service providers and family members to provide trauma-informed therapy to successfully reintroduce the youth into society and break the cycle of violence, abuse, and poverty these children have experienced throughout their short lives.

Members, community volunteers, and partners committed more than 100 hours and resources to transform a facility that promotes safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments, with the intention to reduce adverse childhood experiences, influence physical, cognitive, emotional outcomes throughout the youth’s life, reduce health disparities and improve their overall health.