Keiki involved in Maui Youth & Family Services were recently treated to bicycles and helmets, thanks to money donated by members of the Business Network International No Ka Oi chapter on Maui.
The bikes and helmets are for Project Venture, one of MYFS’ Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programs for youth in grades six through eight. Project Venture promotes positive youth development and empowerment through evidence-based, experiential learning. The program incorporates outdoor adventures and challenges and actively engages youth in developing life-skills while reinforcing values such as family, community, service and appreciation for the natural world.
“We are immensely grateful because these donations will allow us to go on more group bike excursions,” said MYFS Counselor Savannah Aroyan. “This is an important activity for these adolescents because it brings some of them back to their elementary school days of riding their bikes around the block with their siblings and neighbors. Middle school often introduces a new pressure to be ‘mature’ as students navigate their way through adolescence and puberty, but this healthy after-school activity can bring judgment-free unadulterated fun back into their lives.”
BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, provides a positive, supportive and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. There are four BNI chapters on Maui; the No Ka Oi Chapter meets every Thursday from 8am-9:30am at Three’s Bar & Grill in Kihei. “We are not only dedicated to supporting each other’s businesses, but also to helping the community,” said No Ka Oi Chapter member Patty Shelton, from Shelton’s Auto Masters. “Maui Youth & Family Services is a valued member of our chapter and we are thrilled to help them provide our island’s under-served kids with fun and enriching outdoor experiences.”
MYFS empowers youth and families challenged with behavioral health issues to become responsible, self-fulfilled and contributing members of the community. For more information visit myfs.org or call Development Coordinator Frances Duberstein at 808-579-8414, ext. 8102.
Photo courtesy of MYFS
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