Drug Court and Veterans Court Benefit from Hawaii Island United Way Generosity
Posted on Mar 12, 2021 in Featured News, News & Reports
Hilo Drug Court Judge Henry Nakamoto (left), Friends of Big Island Drug Court Vice President Michelle Manalo, and Drug Court Probation Officer Dustin Cueva (back) lend a hand at the Hilo Civic Center food distribution event to support Hilo’s Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court clients manage the challenges of the pandemic.
Hawaii Island United Way recently awarded the Friends of the Big Island Drug Court with a $1,500 grant for food and supplies to support Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court clients during the pandemic.
The donation funded two food distribution events. The first was held at the Old Airport Park in Kona on February 22, the second was at the Hilo Civic Center on March 2. In all, 56 bags of rice, several cases of canned goods, 46 pizzas, sodas, hand sanitizers, and facemasks were provided to more than 75 treatment court participants.
Friends of Drug Court Board Member Katherine May, PsychD, CSAC, assists with food distribution at the Old Airport Park.
“The pandemic has made a tough year for everyone, including participants in the Big Island’s Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court programs,” said Hilo Drug Court Judge Henry Nakamoto. “We are so grateful to the Hawaii Island United Way, the Friends of Big Island Drug Court, Friends Board Member Dr. Katherine May, Friends Vice President Michelle Manalo, the staff of Going Home Hawaii, the Drug Court and Veterans Court participant volunteers, and the Drug Court staff. Their hard work made these events possible.”
The Friends of the Big Island Drug Court is a Hilo-based non-profit that supports the Big Island Drug Court and Big Island Veterans Treatment Court programs. For information about how you can become a supporter, contact the Drug Court Probation office in Hilo at (808) 961-7566, or in Kona at (808) 443-2200.