Bikes and Helmets Donated to Maui Youth & Family Services

(L to R) Zedekiah Yadao-Rurbianes, Stephanie Blanza, Savannah Aroyan and Kanoa-Justis Blue. Savannah is an MYFS counselor and the three kids are youth from Maui Youth & Family Services.

Members of the Business Network International Nō Ka ʻOi Chapter on Maui recently donated money to purchase bicycles and helmets for kids at the nonprofit Maui Youth & Family Services program.

MYFS aims to empower youth and families challenged with behavioral health issues to become responsible, self-fulfilled and contributing members of the community.

The bikes and helmets were donated to the organization’s Project Venture, a program focused on tobacco, alcohol and drug prevention for youth in grades six through eight.

Project Venture promotes positive youth development and empowerment through evidence-based, experiential learning. It incorporates outdoor adventures and challenges and actively engages youth in developing life-skills while reinforcing values such as family, community, service and appreciation for the natural world.

“We are immensely grateful because these donations will allow us to go on more group bike excursions,” said MYFS Counselor Savannah Aroyan. “This is an important activity for these adolescents because it brings some of them back to their elementary school days of riding their bikes around the block with their siblings and neighbors.”

“Middle school often introduces a new pressure to be ‘mature’ as students navigate their way through adolescence and puberty, but this healthy after-school activity can bring judgment-free unadulterated fun back into their lives,” said Aroyan.

BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization, provides a positive, supportive and structured environment for the development and exchange of quality business referrals. There are four chapters on Maui and the Nō Ka ʻOi Chapter meets every Thursday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Three’s Bar & Grill in Kīhei.

“We are not only dedicated to supporting each other’s businesses, but also to helping the community,” said Nō Ka ʻOi Chapter member Patty Shelton. “Maui Youth & Family Services is a valued member of our chapter and we are thrilled to help them provide our island’s underserved kids with fun and enriching outdoor experiences.”