Hui raises $900,000 for family programs for 4 years

A new funding hui by Child & Family Service should provide a sustained, reliable revenue stream for the nonprofit over the next four years — already bringing in $900,000 from 42 donors.

The organization said the key to its new fundraising initiative is engaged donors.

The 42 donors in the hui have pledged from $500 to $100,000 each over four years. The goal for the initiative is $1 million — money that will be used to support more than 50 family-centered programs, from transitional family housing and youth development to refugee employment services.

Among the hundreds of clients helped by Child & Family Service each year, many are domestic violence victims.

Program administrator Amanda Pump recalled one woman who has “flourished” and continues to work toward finding permanent housing for her family after about six months with the organization.

Another woman, Pump said, was delighted when workers gave her a kit filled with equipment for sewing, which is one of her hobbies.

“With the healing process, definitely they’re going to get a sense of freedom, empowerment and a sense of joy and happiness,” said Pump, who offers counseling, shelter and other services to 400 to 450 domestic violence victims each year.

The money from the funding hui will be used as needed, although some is dedicated to neighbor islands and other key services.

“With social services we don’t have that natural donor base,” said Anne Marie Rizzo, vice president of philanthropy. “(But) when you look at having a small group of donors that have been devoted to your organization for 30 years, there has to be something … done to strengthen the organization through their commitment.”

Officials also started a match challenge through which donors pledge a certain amount if the nonprofit’s board will match that number. Donors and the organization’s officials will gather at a ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the new fund.

Founded 116 years ago, Child & Family Service provides several of its programs, including transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and senior case-management services, through federal, state and city grants, as well as through partnerships with other nonprofits. The organization has served more than 40,000 residents annually, and its staff consists of nearly 400 employees, according to its website.

“The support that some of the families need really falls between the cracks of some of these programs,” said Richard Wacker, chairman of the board of directors. “We’ve really made an effort to raise more private funding. I think it really allows us to do more than we may have been able to do currently or yesterday.”