IMUA Village
Nurturing the Future.
Join us in making a difference. Every penny counts.
It Takes a Village
Youth Support
In the last decade, Hawai‘i has witnessed a concerning rise in youth suicide rates, highlighting the urgent need for support systems for our high school students. According to recent statistics, the suicide rate among Hawai‘i’s youth has increased by 30%. These troubling numbers underscore the critical need for our IMUA Village initiative.
What’s Needed
Variety of support
Your generous contributions will help us hire dedicated staff who will develop a holistic program encompassing strength and conditioning, tutoring, and creative arts. Together, we will build self-esteem, resilience, and a brighter future for Hawai‘i’s youth.
Impact
Every penny will help.
With your support, we will give these students the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges, build their self-esteem, and unlock their full potential.
Program Components
Fitness
Physical health and well-being are closely tied to mental health. Through strength and conditioning activities, students will not only improve their physical fitness but also learn the importance of discipline, perseverance, and self-care. These aspects are essential in building resilience and overall well-being.
Tutoring
Education is a fundamental part of a young person’s life, and providing academic support is crucial. The initiative will offer tutoring services to help students excel in their studies, boost their confidence, and reduce the academic pressures they may be facing.
Arts
Creative expression can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional healing. The inclusion of creative arts in the program will allow students to explore their talents, express their emotions, and find a positive outlet for their thoughts and feelings.
Clubs
This empowers teens to shape their support system by establishing a Teen Council, where students collectively choose a club to impact their peers and community. IMUA Heart will guide and support the teens as they run the chosen club, fostering ownership and responsibility.
Life Skills
This component teaches crucial life skills, including financial education (credit, interest rates, saving, investing), as well as social and job-seeking skills. It equips young individuals to make informed financial decisions and thrive in life while contributing to their communities and building a promising future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Year of Heart?
“2024 is the The Year of Heart” is IMUA’s fundraising drive! Our mission is to gather the necessary funds to kickstart the IMUA Heart initiatives, which will allow us to provide even better support to our beloved communities in Hawaii.
What is this initiative?
The IMUA Village initiative is a proactive response to a pressing issue in Hawai’i, which is the alarming rise in youth suicide rates over the past decade. This initiative recognizes the urgent need for support systems specifically designed for high school students in the state. Recent statistics have shown a distressing 30% increase in the suicide rate among Hawai’i’s youth, painting a bleak picture of the mental health and well-being of young individuals in the region. In light of these troubling numbers, the IMUA Village initiative aims to address this critical issue head-on.
The primary objective of the IMUA Village initiative is to create a comprehensive program that will provide essential support to Hawai’i’s high school students. The program envisioned by the IMUA Village initiative will encompass these key components: Fitness, Tutoring, Creative Arts, Clubs, and Life skills.
Who are these services for?
Anyone living in the state of Hawaii. Currently, IMUA Health Group provides mental health services and accepts most major insurances. IMUA Heart will do the same.
For the Initiatives of the Heart, we are designing a comprehensive program to help the teens of Hawaii with IMUA Village, while the other initiatives are designed for anyone looking to get healthier.
Who is providing these services?
Check out Team IMUA.
Why are these services important to our community?
Read about IMUA Heart’s cause.
When are these services happening?
Therapy services and post graduate training has been happening since 2020 through IMUA Health Group.
2024 is the Year of Heart. We hope to launch these initiatives during that year.
How much do services cost?
For therapy, IMUA Health Group accepts most major insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid (Quest). IMUA Heart will do the same when credentialing is complete (estimated 2024).
The Initiatives of the Heart will have a sliding scale that goes all the way to free. More information to be released soon.
How can I help?
Every penny, every dollar, every person sharing IMUA Heart’s mission helps. Donate here. Contact us for more information on volunteering or career opportunities at IMUA.
Check out other initiatives!
Cultural Education & Services
Mental health studies how cultural ties reduce stress and boost well-being. In Hawai’i, cultural roots are fading. Your donation will allow us to expand cultural education and activities, providing a deeper connection to Hawaiian traditions and values. Help our community rediscover its roots, enhance mental health, and promote a sense of identity and pride.
Food as Medicine
Eating right helps our minds and bodies (reducing depression risk by up to 30%). In Hawai‘i, it can be hard to find healthy food, so we need your support for education. In the US, many people struggle with obesity (42.4% in 2020 – CDC). Your donation will help us teach better food choices for a healthier community.
Health & Wellness Center
Physical and emotional health are closely linked, but access to well-being spaces in our community is limited. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety by 25% through the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. These chemicals not only improve immediate well-being but also yield long-term mental health benefits. We need $250,000 for renovations and equipment to make this dream real. Your donation will create a welcoming space to improve physical and emotional well-being and promote a healthier, balanced life.