Raising Healthy Kids, Parents

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Wednesday - July 21, 2010 Share

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P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc. was created by a group of volunteers in 1975 as Parents Anonymous of Hawaii to strengthen families to prevent and stop child abuse and neglect in Hawaii. The name of the agency changed to P.A.R.E.N.T.S. in 1995 and is an acronym that stands for Provides Awareness, Referrals, Education, Nurturing, Therapy and Support.

Kathi Kreinik became its first executive director in 1982, starting with a budget of $4,000 to build the fledgling nonprofit into a statewide agency. After 14 years she left to return to a direct therapy practice. She retired in 2006 and by chance met the current executive director of P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc., Lisa Groulx, and found out they had much in common.

The two women discovered they share a belief that all children deserve to be raised in a positive, loving, healthy, nurturing and safe environment. They also believe that parenting is a learned behavior and that it does not always come naturally to some people.

Child abuse and neglect, unfortunately, is often a cycle that repeats itself from generation to generation. Children grow up to raise their children the way they were raised. P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. helps parents stop this destructive cycle and replace negative parenting with positive ways to raise their children. The agency currently provides services to families on Oahu, Maui and in East Hawaii.

P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc. program director Laura Tamashiro talks with parents about child safety

With the economic downturn in the past three years, parents are finding themselves even more stressed, and they sometimes lash out at their family members. Many have lost their jobs, some have developed a substance-abuse problem trying to cope, and some are homeless. P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. has found that the need for its services is greater than ever before.

At the same time, P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. is struggling to survive as an agency. We have experienced severe cutbacks in funding and from donations. Fundraising has become increasingly difficult.

Everyone has an investment in ensuring our future. P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. is asking for your help. All donations are tax-deductible and are used only in Hawaii. Please send your donation to P.A.R.E.N.T.S. Inc. at 45-955 Kamehameha Hwy., Suite 403, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744.

Any parent or child needing help may call 235-0255 or visit hawaiiparents.org.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.