RES 598 Draft 01 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Project Information *37. Project Title EXHIBIT A 2026 ROBUST Conference 38. Project Start Date 09/25/2026 39. Project End Date 09/27/2026 * 40. Please select all areas of Hawai'i Island where the project will be administered,delivered,and implemented. Hamakua Ka'O North HiloA North Kohala North Kona Puna South Hilo South Kohala South Kona * 41. Please select the district of the Council Member from which you would like to apply for Contingency Relief Funds. Council District 4 *42. In 2,000 characters or less, describe the project. ROBUST is an annual conference hosted by Friends of First Responders (FFR)for first responder couples across the Island of HawaVi. The 2026 conference will be held September 25-27, 2026, at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort &Spa and will provide two nights of programming, encouragement, connection, and practical tools to strengthen relationships. Designed to address the unique pressures first responder families face,the conference brings couples together for encouragement, connection, and practical tools to strengthen their relationships. First responder couples often deal with irregular schedules, missed milestones, shift related stress, and the emotional effects of trauma exposure, making support especially important.The conference also has a broader community-wide impact. A stronger first responder family unit can improve morale, retention, and long-term wellness among police,fire, emergency medical services personnel, dispatch, and command staff.That matters to the whole island because stable,supported responders are better able to show up consistently for emergencies, disasters, and everyday calls for help.These programs also send an important message: the Big Island values the people who serve it, and that sense of appreciation builds trust between responders and residents. Community-backed wellness efforts can ripple outward by creating healthier workplaces, stronger families,and a more resilient island overall. *43. 501(c)(3) Mission Statement Friends of First Responders is a nonprofit that is committed to the mental health and relational wellness of first responders and their families. *44. In 1,000 characters or less, explain how the 501(c)(3) is connected to the project. FFR is the hosting agency for this project. This unique couples conference was created to address the specific needs of first responder couples. FFR researched and sought out programs and organizations that could meet this need. Last year,the organization collaborated with Stronger Families to serve as presenters at the ROBUST Conference. FFR was very impressed with their curriculum and presentation. Stronger Families provides powerful tools for first responder couples to create lasting, positive changes in their relationships, long after the conference has ended. FFR also assists on-site to coordinate local resources to follow up with couples after Stronger Families has left.