HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0895.002 2022-2024 P/(-MC
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Root& Rise Hawai`i COUNTY #may is H +a t������o
June 2nd, 2024 ) 2024 —3 4 9: 1 .3
RE: Res. 532-24
Aloha Hawai`i County Councilmembers:
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your consideration of Root&Rise Hawai`i's
Nature &Art as Therapy program as a recipient of the Waiwai Nonprofit Grants-in-Aid. Nature &Art as
Therapy provides free, community-based workshops that create opportunities for creativity, connection
to `aina, mindfulness, and socialization to improve mental health wellness. The program is built upon
principles of trauma-informed care and primarily benefits adults from North Kona to Ka`u, with targeted
outreach to reach those most impacted by mental health challenges with significant barriers to access.
Since the beginning of 2024, and through the generous support from Hawai`i Community
Foundation, District 6 County Council Office of Michelle Galimba, community volunteers, local
business partners, and social service collaborators,Nature &Art as Therapy has:
• Hosted a total of 23 workshops with over 200 participants, filling a significant gap left by
Kona Paradise Club's (psychosocial day program) closure in December 2023;
• Facilitated seven workshops at Care Hawai`i's Stabilization Intensive Crisis Management
shelter(Kealakekua), serving adults experiencing houselessness and mental health crisis;
• Engaged five social service agencies: Mental Health Kokua, CARE Hawai`i, Steadfast
Housing Development Corporation, Department of Health-Adult Mental Health
Division, and Hope Services;
• Partnered with a range of community-based practitioners and local artists to serve as
workshop facilitators, including a bonsai expert, lei-maker, and horticultural therapist;
and
• Collected data about the impact of our `aina- and arts-based workshops:
O 97% of participants reporting improved mental well-being from a single
workshop;
O 48% of participants attended more than one workshop; and
o Participants noted the benefits of"learn[ing] new things," "peaceful work," and
"connecting with the land and people."
It is an honor to share our recent successes with you. We look forward to our continued goals of
empowering and uplifting our community together.
Mahalo nui loa,
Aliza Gebin& Mona Trenae ' Comm.Comm. o
5. Z
Ref. To:
Root&Rise Hawaii, Co-founders Ref. Date JU 1 — 4 2024
The mission of Root&Rise Hawai`i is to provide therapeutic mental health support and services accessible to
underserved populations in Hawaii. Our programs foster a sense of creativity,competency, and resilience;
cultivate connection to place, community, and self; and facilitate community integration and cohesion.
Future plans include expanded day programming,workforce development, and supportive,transitional housing
for adults with serious mental illness in Hawai`i.Visit rootandrisehawaii.org to learn more.