Page 4 - MidWeek Windward - Feb 10, 2021

4 FEBRUARY 10, 2021
Habilitat Marks 50th Anniversary With Lantern Ceremony
Habilitat hosted a private lantern floating anniversary ceremony at Kāne‘ohe Bay on Jan. 27 to celebrate 50 years of saving lives.
Vinny Marino had a dream decades ago to create a safe haven where individuals could transform their lives, because back then there were few options. Habili- tat started as a small home in Kailua and has grown to become the largest-capaci- ty licensed treatment center in Hawaiʻi. Throughout the years with Vinny and Vickie Marino’s guidance, Habili- tat has served thousands of people in the community. The 30-month residential experience incorporates ev- idenced-based therapies and interventions including cog- nitive behavioral therapy,
motivational interviewing, along with social learning, formal education, parenting, intensive workforce devel- opment and learning life skills.
Residents have the oppor- tunity to learn a variety of skills, including construc- tion, sales and marketing, administration, accounting, culinary, medical assistant, admissions and clinician’s assistant.
Habilitat is often referred to as the last house on the block. Many people arrive after multiple other treat- ment episodes, some as many as 25. Most partici- pants are involved with the criminal justice system and have struggled to comply with the terms and condi- tions of probation.
Habilitat Construction has been fully licensed since 1983 and continues to evolve. Throughout its history, Habilitat has cul- tivated a series of events, such as Habilitat Christmas Trees and Habilitat’s Annual Lūʻau Auction and Benefit Concert. Program officials explain that every graduate is gainfully employed at a living wage and in stable housing prior to completion of the program.
The program is divided into three main phases: six to nine months of treatment; 12-plus months of re-entry programming (including workforce development); and six months of transition- al planning.
For more information, vis- it habilitat.com.
Participants prepare to float lanterns at a ceremony on Jan. 27 at Kāne‘ohe Bay marking Habilitat’s 50th anniversary.
PHOTO COURTESY HABILITAT
Kailua Town shops and restaurants are sharing the love on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Enjoy special offers from Kailua Town merchants to warm your heart!
Scan the QR code to download a printable savings pass. Visit kailuatownhi.com/whats-new to view the list of participating merchants.
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