Volunteer organization offers help and hope to Maui keiki.Randy Echito, executive director of the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, was direct as he explained his devotion to this organization. “There is a moral responsibility written upon our very hearts,” he said. “It shouldn’t hurt to be a child.” This statement has become The Friends’ motto, as well as their guiding principle. When this message is forgotten in our community, which happens far too often, Echito and his volunteer staff are there to help.
Friends of the Children’s Justice Center is a private, nonprofit organization supporting the Children’s Justice Center of Maui. In 1990, the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, part of the Hawai‘i State Judiciary, was opened to begin interviews with children suspected of being sexually abused and neglected. The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui was the primary force in making this facility operational.
“Abused and neglected children have many needs that are not met by government or private programs,” said Echito. “The Friends work with over 25 human service agencies to make up that often crucial difference.”
Echito is the only paid staff member at Friends. He has an amazingly dedicated staff of volunteers who seek to restore in the child what may have been destroyed by neglect or abuse. They offer qualified and sensitive care to bring harmony back into the life of children who have been physically or emotionally hurt.
The damage done to abused children is often irremediable, leading to much pain and suffering later in life if ignored. With this in mind, The Friends maintain an atmosphere of love and understanding in which the child’s fear can be relieved through courteous, from-the-heart attention and compassion.
The contributions of The Friends are many. They offer help in a variety of ways by providing new clothing, tutoring, GED preparation and medical needs. They also offer healing activities that enable an abused child to have experiences that most children take for granted, such as dance, hula, scouting, sports participation (including equipment), art, riding, music lessons, martial arts and gymnastics.
“It is important to provide child victims an opportunity to heal by sponsoring activities that foster pride in accomplishments and goals,” said Echito.
Annually, along with other human service agencies, The Friends serve over 650 abused and neglected children with direct services and 1,700 children with Christmas gifts. This past year, they provided 5,000 classroom students with prevention programs.
The whole month of April is dedicated to Child Abuse Prevention. Many households received the Friends’ annual 16-page prevention supplement in The Maui News, which described the state of family well-being and strengthening principles. The articles demonstrate what parents should know about child abuse, parenting tips for fathers, and how to be of help. Additionally, they send out two annual newsletters with timely articles and informational pieces, and also produce and distribute copies of a DVD on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
“Community awareness is crucial,” said Echito. “By educating children and adults about child abuse, participating in community events, and publishing and distributing materials relating to child abuse and neglect, we hope we can diminish the number of cases each year.”
Echito added that prevention of abuse is high on his mission list. “We often don’t realize the effects of stress placed on children and how an atmosphere of patience, ordered activity, and understanding can make a difference,” he said. “Maui County has many resources for information and assistance and no one need hesitate to call for help.”
On November 7, 2003, The Friends accepted a state proclamation from Gov. Linda Lingle naming them Hawai‘i’s Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth. Moreover, they are proud, Echito said, “to be one of seven charities who benefit from the proceeds of the annual Mercedes-Benz Championship Golf Tournament, and the LPGA Golf Tournament in Kapalua.”
As they move into the future, The Friends hope that, with continuous contributions and volunteer help, they can expand opportunities for staff development and professional training for social workers. They wish to continue projects to support education for the board, staff and volunteers to further the agency’s mission.
“The greatest satisfaction from my work is seeing how my agency helps children get through the trauma of abuse and mal-treatment,” said Echito. “Each child counts and it is the right of all children to be safe and loved.”
The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center hope for continued community assistance through monetary contributions, volunteerism, or donations of items for the silent and live auctions for their fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 17, at The Dunes at Maui Lani. All contributions are critical to success, and all assistance will help fund the services so urgently needed by these children.
For more information, for tickets to Sunset at the Dunes, to volunteer, to receive a newsletter, or to contribute in any way, call (808) 243-8688 or email randy@mauicjc.org. You may send a pledge or contribution of support to: Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, 1773-A Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, HI 96793.