Our Diversion Program is dedicated to steering youth away from homelessness, incarceration, and repeat offenses by providing comprehensive support. Through partnerships with community groups, the Hawaii State Judiciary, and law enforcement, we conduct in-reach initiatives to jails, prisons, and mental health facilities. We offer transportation assistance, advocate during court hearings, facilitate probation, and provide access to legal counsel as needed. The RYSE Diversion team is continuously growing, making a deeper impact within the community. As we welcomed 43 new clients in 2023, our Diversion team rose to meet the increasing demand while remaining dedicated to offering comprehensive support.

In 2023, our Behavioral Health Department rose to the challenge of increasing demand for youth mental health services. We expanded our team by adding five new staff members, including Behavioral Health Counselors and a Substance Abuse Counselor, to better serve our community. Collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, Castle Hospital, and Queens Medical Center ensured smooth transitions for clients requiring care. Contracts with all five Medicaid plans underscored our commitment to reaching those in need with essential services. Furthermore, our dedication to meeting youth where they are in their journey towards mental wellness was evident in the extension of operating hours at our Kawailoa shelter. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of our community’s youth

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your contributions to RYSE. Your support, whether from Federal and City & State entities or our generous private donors, has made an indelible impact on our organization and, most importantly, on the lives of our vulnerable youth.