FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2019
Brandee Menino, CEO of HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, was one of three women non-profit executives honored Thursday night at a ceremony for recipients of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s prestigious Hoʻokele Award. HOPE Services, a nonprofit organization focused on ending homelessness in Hawaiʻi, is an affiliate of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu.
The Ho‘okele Award strives to strengthen nonprofit leaders by providing them with an opportunity to rejuvenate themselves, rather than risk the potential of “burnout” which often affects those in the sector. Each Ho‘okele Award recipient received $10,000 to be used for their professional development and personal renewal.
“I’m so honored and grateful to be a recipient of this award. I have the privilege of serving our community with an awesome team and committed community partners” said Menino.
When asked how she plans to use the award money, Menino said, “Well. first, I’ll have to figure out when I can take some time off,” she laughed. “I’m thinking going holoholo with family and friends and create some memories!”
This year’s other awardees are Deborah Zysman, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network, and Jessica Yamauchi, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute.
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About HOPE Services Hawaiʻi
HOPE Services is focused on ending homelessness in Hawaiʻi, and served 1,462 people in 2018 with a 51% exit rate to housing. On average, individuals spend 92 days in interim shelter until moving into a new home, and 97% successfully remain housed. HOPE operates 8 shelter facilities in Hilo, Kona, and Pahoa, as well as offering housing-focused services to help Hawai’i Island residents avoid and overcome homelessness. If you or someone you know are facing eviction or experiencing homelessness, call the HOPE help line at 808-935-3050.