Permanent Child & Family Service facility to expand essential support and resources for Hawaiʻi Island

Child & Family Service has moved into a new permanent Hilo location that will enable expanded access to critical services for Hawaiʻi Island families and continue to provide coordinated, family-centered support to individuals.

Community leaders, elected officials, partners, donors and supporters gathered last week for a blessing of the new location, which is adjacent to Child & Family Service’s former temporary office on Kīlauea Avenue.

Construction of the approximately 6,000-square-foot center was made possible through $6 million in federal and philanthropic investments. Major investors of the project include Earl Stoner and Sandi Osorio Stoner, the Stupski Foundation, the McInerny Foundation (Trustee of Bank of Hawaiʻi) and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

The permanent Hilo facility will offer domestic violence support, comprehensive sexual abuse treatment, mental health counseling and other family-centered resources.

During the fiscal year 2026, Child & Family Service served 2,291 Hawaiʻi Island families, which includes providing compassionate, comprehensive support to individuals and families facing challenges related to mental health, substance use disorders, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and other barriers to family well-being.

A dedicated team of 48 Hilo-based employees works alongside community partners to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that helps individuals and families build safer, healthier futures.

Over the past year, 247 individuals received temporary restraining order support, while 605 individuals participated in domestic violence safety planning and created personalized plans to improve their safety and well-being.

From these services, 95% achieved greater safety, 83% secured employment or work opportunities, 75% improved their financial security, 62% obtained stable housing, and 62% received assistance addressing food insecurity.

“This new center represents an investment in the health and well-being of our island,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said. “Child & Family Service has been a trusted partner in our community for decades, and this permanent home will ensure local families have greater access to the services and support they need.”

For more than 125 years, Child & Family Service stood alongside Hawaiʻi’s families during life’s most challenging moments, supported families through challenging circumstances and provided resources to help keiki thrive.

For more information or to access services, visit the Child & Family Service website.