On October 15th, 2010, the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui (FCJC) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a gala fundraiser on at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.  Reception will begin at 5:30 and dinner will commence at 6:15 PM.

The “FRIENDS” have been providing assistance to abused and neglected children; supporting the Children’s Justice Center (a Judiciary program); and promoting the prevention of child maltreatment in Maui County for over twenty years, and this event will celebrate the achievements that this agency has earned and shed light on the need to help abused and severely neglected children in Maui County.

What are some of the specific services FCJC provides? Here are some examples: for the victims of abuse and neglect, they help provide clothing, food, utilities and other specific needs; they help provide basic medical, dental and psychological services or care not covered by insurance or government programs; they help to provide private tutoring, supply uniforms and school supplies.  And more than just helping the victims, they also help provide funds for training of social workers, investigators, medical personnel, treatment providers and other professionals of chid abuse and neglect; They help provide air and ground transportation for emergency removal from dangerous situation; interviews, family visitation; evaluations, relocations or participation in a school-related excursion.  And there are more: center support, character building, holiday gifts and prevention/community awareness programs.  These preventive and awareness programs are very crucial part of the ways we deal with this issue.  As you can see here, there’s a lot that they do, so it is very important that we support them.

Victor Corpuz, President of the Board of Directors of the FCJC reminds us that “Now, more than ever, we need to assist these children.  The bad economy has created an atmosphere where maltreatment is on the rise, and we need to be there to assist Maui County keiki

If you are on Maui, I invite you to join them at the event on October 15th, to enjoy a great meal (including wine); partake in a silent and live auction; and hear some amazing music by talented entertainers.  Scheduled to appear are Louise Alborano, Rio Thing, and Steve Grimes with Mojo Gumbo.  The cost of the event is $125, with tables of 10 available for $1,000.  Call Randy at 986-8634 for reservations. I am planning to be there.

If you are not on Maui right now, you can still help support by donating online (click here). By the way, FCJC is also now on Facebook.  I invite you to show support by liking there there. Mahalo!