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The Maui News
WAILUKU--On June 12, Maui United Way announced the seven local nonprofits who are the recipients of their new 'Ohana Mental Health Grant, an effort to meet the ongoing mental health needs in the aftermath of the wildfires. Recognizing the trauma caused by the fires extends throughout the island and the significant challenges that individuals and families face in accessing quality mental health care, Maui United Way is dedicated to supporting organizations working to enhance mental health outcomes for all residents.
Awardees include:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui: $100,000
Imua Family Services: $100,000
Maui Arts and Cultural Center: $100,000
Maui Youth and Family Services: $100,000
Nohona Health: $ 99,504
Pacific Birth Collective: $100,000
The Spirit Horse Ranch: $50,000
While the original plan was to award $500,000 in grants, Maui United Way's Partnership Committee and Board of Directors were so impressed with the breadth and depth of the proposals, they increased the amount by nearly $150,000.
A few key details about how the grantees were selected:
Maui based mental health professionals and community members were a part of the grant evaluation process.
MUW looked to support an array of programs and projects that had depth and breadth in impact. Grantees serve those directly impacted by the fires as well as those indirectly impacted throughout the broader community.
Grantees serve our diverse community from keiki to kūpuna, and special populations such as pregnant mothers.
Together, the grantees offer a variety of approaches including direct clinical services, prevention, and intervention.
Organizations were granted a combined total of $649,504 with a year to perform their services from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
"The Maui fires have had a profound mental health impact on individuals, families, and communities, resulting in trauma, grief, loss, and psychological distress. The aftermath of disasters often leads to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. We know that many in our community were suffering long before the fires and have worked to respond in an impactful way to support our community." Makana Rosete, Community Impact Coordinator for Maui United Way.