Page 8 - MidWeek Kauai - Sep 22 2021

8 KAUA‘I MIDWEEK SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 PROOF POSITIVE
Local Organization Helps Hawai‘i’s Keiki Succeed
By Dennis Brown, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i
Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i connected Little Brother Mana (right) with his Big Brother David (left). Here, they’re pictured with Gov. David Ige.
PHOTOS COURTESY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS HAWAI‘I
A lthough every child has potential, many struggle to achieve theirs because circumstanc- es beyond their control limit
matched all four boys in pos- itive relationships that were fun, provided life lessons and raised their self-esteem.
at Mānoa. She now works as a local television news pro- ducer and occasional reporter.
org or call 808-521-3811 to learn more about how you can donate, volunteer or apply for services for your child.
their access to opportunities. As we celebrate 57 years of service in Hawai‘i during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month this September, we continue to develop and sup- port relationships among the 400-600 kids ages 6-16 each year. Founded by a family court judge to reduce teen crime rates and arrests, we match and coach caring and responsible volunteer “Bigs” as they guide their “Littles” to overcome hardships, such as the death or incarceration of a parent or other family mem- ber, parental divorce, domes- tic abuse, homelessness and
Today, Mana stresses that his Big Brother David en- couraged him to do his best in school and everything else because it would pay off in the future. Taking David’s advice to heart, Mana now at- tends Kapi‘olani Community College with a plan to major in nursing.
Mana and Victoria are just two examples of the impact of our programs. It takes funding and volunteers to do this. Please visit bbbshawaii.
Together, let’s be the vil- lage that helps our keiki reach their fullest potential.
Creating that
“place of peace
and balance”
in your garden
828-6400
more.
Seven-year-old Mana and
Aunty Nita rescued them from the streets of Wahi- awā. She eventually adopted all four boys and applied to have a Big Brother as each of them turned 6 years old. We
his three younger brothers
Soon after, the boys’
had parents who abused drugs. Sleeping alone in a vehicle that caught on fire one night, Mana pulled his brothers to safety.
LVODQG VFKRRO
.DXD􏰃L·V ODUJHVW LQGHSHQGHQW􏰁 FROOHJH SUHSDUDWRU\ VFKRRO
$UWV􏰁 $WKOHWLFV􏰁 +XOD􏰁 7HFK􏰁 +DZDLLDQ 6WXGLHV
As a young girl, Victoria was matched to Big Sister Margaret. While in high school, Victoria, her mom and younger brother became homeless for a time. Marga- ret remained a friend to Vic- toria by providing support, advice and companionship. Victoria eventually earned double-major degrees in jour- nalism and communications from University of Hawai‘i
www.gardenpondskauai.com
In Kilauea, next to Mini Golf • Open Wed-Sun • 12 to 5 pm
Featured Artist
I Mana Ka Oiwi supports local and Native Hawaiian artist and artisan distribute their goods.
We are located in Windward Mall SEASON 4
Open Aug. 1- Nov. 30 2021 Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun 10am - 6pm
Thank you for supporting local businesses.
7RXUV DUH DYDLODEOH E\ DSSRLQWPHQW 9LVLW WRGD\􏰀 􏰄􏰆􏰈􏰆􏰉􏰊􏰋􏰌􏰍􏰊􏰈􏰋􏰅􏰅 ZZZ􏰇LVFKRRO􏰇RUJ
r
r
e
p
p
o
C
a
i
n
c
h
a
i
n
s