HONOLULU — The 2017 Partners in Community Service Awards were presented by The Salvation Army – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division (TSA) Friday at a gala event at TSA’s Family Treatment Services facility in Honolulu. Honorees included the Miura family
HONOLULU — The 2017 Partners in Community Service Awards were presented by The Salvation Army – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division (TSA) Friday at a gala event at TSA’s Family Treatment Services facility in Honolulu.
Honorees included the Miura family of Kauai, TSA Honolulu Advisory Board member Signe Godfrey, and Kamehameha Schools.
“Each of our honorees fully embraces the spirit of the award by giving back to our island communities in significant, impactful ways,” said Major John Chamness, divisional leader for The Salvation Army – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. “We wouldn’t be able to reach the 80,000 people in need each year without the support of companies and individuals like our honorees. Mahalo to all the attendees, donors and volunteers who helped make our 2017 gala event such a success. We are truly counting our blessings!”
A TSA release provided this description of why the Miura family was honored as a Partners in Community Service Award recipient:
“Hurricane Iniki struck the Hawaiian Islands 25 years ago and devastated the Garden Isle. The Salvation Army was one of the first organizations to deploy volunteers, food, ice and water, serving thousands of residents, including the Miura family.
“The Miura family history dates back nearly as far as the Salvation Army’s presence on Kauai, close to 120 years. Today, M. Miura Store Inc., also known as DéjàVu Surf Hawaii, is an award-winning company, owned and operated by the fourth-generation members, all who believe that the foundation of this long-time local company is giving back and serving the local community.
“Dedicated to the people of Kauai, the Miuras have played key leadership roles for the Salvation Army including the Kauai Advisory Board and coming full circle through service on the leadership council for emergency disaster relief, believing that the Salvation Army’s relief efforts was critical to the island’s long-term recovery after Hurricane Iniki.”
Friday’s event also raised approximately $275,000 for TSA’s Pathway of Hope initiative that provides a foundation of housing, jobs and a new community to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, homelessness and drug addiction.
“We aim to bring lasting changes to participant’s lives by focusing on three pillars of change: jobs; housing; and a new community of support and accountability,” said Chamness. “Research indicates that an addicted or homeless person’s ability to make lasting changes in their lives is greatly enhanced by providing services that focus on removing barriers for these three pillars.”
“Our experience shows us that families and individuals often face a repeating cycle of recidivism — where they move from crisis to crisis and remain vulnerable,” Chamness continued.
“By successfully offering a targeted set of services, rooted in strengths-based case management, we will help more families and individuals truly break the cycle of crisis and achieve stability.”
To help support Pathway of Hope, Camp Homelani, and other TSA programs in the islands, contact the Salvation Army – Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division at (808) 988-2136 or visit the website at www.hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
