PRESS RELEASE
TO: Editor in Charge
CONTACT: Janet Scheffer/Brandin Shim
Mana Means Communications, (808) 521-1160
DATE: January 8, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Children’s Alliance Looks Forward to Bright 2014
Hawaii’s Other Nonprofits Show Support With Funding
(Honolulu, Hawaii), January 8, 2014 – The Children’s Alliance of Hawaii received a lot of local support in 2013 from some of Hawaii’s other nonprofits, including the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and Hawaii Community Foundation. Through a variety of programs, the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii provides care and support for keiki who have been sexually abused. Programs range from therapeutic activities to mentoring, financial assistance and much more.
“Last year, we received so much aloha from nonprofits across the state through their generous donations,” says Sharon Simms, Interim Executive Director of the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii. “These donations help fund initiatives that leave lasting impressions on the kids in our programs and help them to rebuild their self-esteem and ability to trust.”
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation recognized the efforts of the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii at its annual “Sharing the Joys of the Holidays” celebration this past December. Simms and Program Specialist Monica Aquiningoc attended the event with former client Jenifer Evans — who gave a very personal speech about how the organization helped her heal after she had been sexually abused by her mother.
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“I got most of my support through the Children’s Alliance Enhancements Program, which offers financial assistance for items, services or needs,” shares Evans. “I chose to take acting classes to learn how to trust others and have fun. Though on stage I played a character telling someone else’s story, off stage I was able to find myself and the security to share my story.”
Evans is currently a senior at UH Manoa where she plans to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She is also the president of the UH College of Education Student Association and a delegate for the Miss Hawaii Collegiate America crown.
Evans makes it clear that she is not a statistic and that there is hope.
“I am not a statistic because Children’s Alliance took the time to invest in a girl with a broken childhood,” says Evans. “I am so thankful that they continue to invest in these children, like me, who are survivors.”
The important work that the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii provides to local keiki was recognized by the 35th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk held last May, sponsored by the Hawaii Hotel Industry Foundation and Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association. The organization also received a FLEX Grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation, courtesy of the Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund and Reverend Takie Okumura Family Fund.
The Children's Alliance of Hawaii positively impacts the lives of children who have been sexually abused in our community through successful partnerships and programs designed to leave a lasting legacy of healing, encouragement and optimism. For over 25 years, the Children’s Alliance of Hawaii has provided care and support with the belief that each child is resilient, creative, courageous and strong and deserves every opportunity to thrive to their fullest potential.
To learn more or find out how you can help, visit www.cahawaii.org or www.facebook.com/TheChildrensAllianceOfHawaii.
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