HCF facilitated a public-private partnership to develop a comprehensive approach to ICE use involving enforcement, prevention and treatment.

Crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, has had a devastating impact on this community. ICE brings violence to our streets, wastes young lives, and wreaks havoc on families. The drug saps millions of dollars out of our economy every year and drains the resources of our criminal justice and health care systems. Many violent crimes in our community are known to be related to this drug’s use, which also contributes to child abuse and police assaults. Many researchers believe that the manufacturing and usage of crystal methamphetamine may also be having a detrimental impact on the environment. Hawaii’s service economy and high cost of living puts workers at greater risk for crystal meth use, many of them "functional" users taking the drug in an effort to work longer, harder and multiple jobs.

Against this backdrop, 2003 saw the launch of a public-private partnership, the Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) Initiative. The Hawaii Community Foundation began working closely with county governments, nonprofits agencies and community groups to develop a comprehensive approach involving enforcement, prevention and treatment around ICE use in Hawaii. HCF facilitated over $15 million into ICE related programs between 2009 and 2014. Some of this money went to programs like the Aloha House, a sober living residential program, TLP (Therapeutic Living Program) on Kauai, and Ku Aloha Ola Mau, a culturally based outpatient substance abuse treatment program.

Supports community-based caregiving services and adult day programs so that low-income kūpuna will remain in community and their caregivers will be able to lead more balanced lives.

The Hawai`i Community Foundation (HCF) has provided grants for elderly services for almost 30 years through the PIN Program. Expected results for the current PIN Program include prevention of falls, stable or improved nutrition, increased social engagement, stable or improved physical mobility, and residential stability for low-income kūpuna. For caregivers of kūpuna, the primary indicator of progress will be a decrease in caregiver stress.

There are two program categories for PIN Grants:

1. Community-based support services for low-income elderly age 65+ (i.e. transportation, meal, chore services, or respite services); OR

2. Tuition assistance for low-income elderly age 65+ to attend licensed adult day care or adult day health programs.

Starting with a $10,000 grant from the George Straub Trust to study heart disease, HCF grants for medical research have climbed ever since.

Grants for medical research through HCF have climbed ever since the initial grant from the George Straub Trust. HCF’s Medical Research program is currently supported by multiple funds at the Hawaii Community Foundation including the George F. Straub Trust and the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation.

The program’s areas of focus include: clinical/basic research on Alzheimer’s disease, mental or physical diseases related to old age, cancer, heart disease, lung disease, immunology, genetics, the medicinal uses of Hawaiian plants, the prevention of blindness, with particular emphasis on macular degeneration and type I diabetes (juvenile diabetes). The program also awards grants to improve the effectiveness of Hawaii’s research organizations by supporting new or existing research systems and assisting with collaborative efforts between organizations.

What started as a community’s priority for a women’s health center has grown to become a community health center serving women, children, and families of Lanai.

Drawing support from the community, plans for a center began after a community needs assessment ranked a women’s health center a high priority for Lanai.

In 2002, the Hawaii Community Foundation was contacted by donors Ted and Jody Mallon and, with the help of many, the dream started to take shape. Assisted by the Molokai Women’s Center, and with input and partnerships on-island and statewide, the Lanai Women’s Center moved into a one-bedroom apartment in 2006 named “Jody’s Place,” to acknowledge the Mallons’ inspiration and support.

Family counseling, dental care for children and gynecological testing have since been made possible through partnerships. The Lanai Women’s Center also secured federal funds to serve the medically underserved, underinsured and uninsured population on the island. Beyond providing medical care, the Community Center is a multipurpose, welcoming place for empowerment and support.

The mission of the Lanai Community Health Center (LCHC) is to take care of the community by directly providing health services through partnerships with local organizations of many off-island providers. Integrated services incorporate a patient-centered philosophy that embraces the “whole” patient and engages the patient in their own care through education and self-awareness.

The staff provides culturally sensitive care in a confidential manner, with medical services integrated with behavioral health services, focusing on improving patients’ health and overall wellness. LCHC is federally a qualified health center and provides services to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.

This three-year program, is helping network providers move more homeless families into stable housing faster, and keep them there.