113 individuals complete residential substance abuse treatment program
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Local nonprofit Aloha House held a graduation ceremony Jan. 24 at Makawao Union Church's Community Hall to celebrate and honor the 113 individuals who completed residential substance abuse treatment between June 3 and Dec. 15, 2018. Graduates' friends and family members joined the festivities to honor their loved ones' accomplishments.
The ceremony included speeches by two Aloha House alumni as well as by multiple Na Hoku Hanohano Award recipient and Grammy Award winner John Cruz. Cruz, who was born and raised in Oahu's Palolo Valley, is open about his struggles with addiction. During the event, Cruz also performed a few of his songs.
Aloha House promotes recovery and healthy lifestyles to individuals and families. Its Residential Treatment Program, located Upcountry, provides a structured living environment for those who need a real "timeout" from their daily lives in order to deal with their addiction issues.
"We were honored to have John share his message of hope with our graduates, current residents and attendees in today's celebration," said Michele Navarro Ishiki, Aloha House residential treatment program director. "Sharing your deepest and darkest moments takes courage, and it brings a sense of hope to others that they can come back from their struggles too. Drugs and alcohol do not discriminate, and neither does recovery. We mahalo John for sharing his experience, strength, hope and also his beautiful music."
During the event, counselors announced each graduate by name, presented them with a certificate and lei and said a few words about the journey of their former client and the wishes they have for that person. CJ Ho'okano and Poi by the Pound donated food for the event's large celebration luncheon.