Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, nurturing home, surrounded by love and support. But we also know that raising a family isn’t easy, especially when parents are facing overwhelming stressors like homelessness, economic hardship, or lack of support. That’s why National Child Abuse Prevention Month matters so much. It’s a powerful reminder that preventing abuse starts with strengthening families — and that’s what we’re here to do, every single day.
Earlier this month, during the week of April 17, 2025, our Anchor Point Youth Center and Homeless Engagement Team, in collaboration with HOPE Services Hawai‘i, successfully helped six Transitional Aged Youth transition from the streets to HOPE Services’ Youth Supportive Housing. That’s six Hawaiʻi Island youth who now have a safe place to sleep, housing stability, and access to vital resources.
This month isn’t just about awareness — it’s about action. It’s about acknowledging the very real challenges families face and working together to prevent abuse and neglect before they happen. Prevention is possible, and it starts with strong communities, trusted support systems, and compassionate care.
Why Child Abuse Prevention Matters
Child abuse and neglect are often symptoms of larger issues — poverty, housing instability, mental health struggles, substance use, or simply not having someone to lean on during hard times. Prevention means recognizing these challenges early and offering families support, not judgment.
That’s exactly what we aim to do here at Neighborhood Place of Puna through every program, every service, and every relationship we build.
How Our Programs Help Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
Here’s how each of our programs works to reduce the stressors that can put families at risk and create a safer, more stable environment for our keiki (children).
Family Resource Center
Our Family Resource Center is the heart of our mission. This is where families come when they need a helping hand — whether it’s parenting support, diapers and basic hygiene supplies, help applying for benefits, or just someone to talk to. We offer guidance to build parenting skills, strengthen relationships, and reduce isolation. When parents feel supported, they’re more able to show up fully for their children.
Anchor Point Youth Center
Youth aged 14–24 need safe places too, especially those experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Anchor Point Youth Center is a drop-in center in Hilo that gives young people access to computers and phones, Wi-Fi, care packages, food, support services, and most importantly, trusting adults who care. By preventing youth from falling through the cracks, we help them avoid cycles of poverty, trauma, and instability that can carry into future parenting.
Family Assessment Center at Hale ʻIki
Hale ʻIki offers emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. It’s a place where families are treated with dignity, connected to resources, and guided toward permanent housing. By stabilizing families quickly and supporting them as they transition, we reduce stress and help protect children from the trauma of prolonged homelessness.
Homeless Engagement Team
Our Homeless Engagement Team meets people where they are — on the streets, in parks, or in cars — offering connection, resources, and a path toward stability. When families don’t know where to turn, we’re there. This outreach not only helps adults get the help they need but ensures that children in unstable situations are identified and supported early.
The Coordination Center
Sometimes families just need someone to pick up the phone and say, “We’ve got you.” That’s what our Coordination Center is for. We respond to thousands of requests for help each year — from rent assistance to food security to housing navigation. It’s about connecting the dots, reducing crisis moments, and lightening the load on families before things reach a breaking point.
Get Connected to the Help You Deserve
When we help families build protective factors like strong relationships, resilience, and access to community resources, we create safer homes and brighter futures for our keiki.
Because every child deserves a chance to grow up safe, loved, and surrounded by a community that cares.
To learn more about the programs Neighborhood Place of Puna offers and how we can support you, call or text (808) 501-1413 to get connected with a Community Resource Navigator.
We invite you to join us in our mission to end child abuse and neglect. By making a donation to Neighborhood Place of Puna, you have the power to create real change and make a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children.