"Reunited with Joy" for UCC Transition House annual fundraiser

After a three-year hiatus, the Board of the United Church of Christ Transition House (UCCTH) held their 2023 benefit dinner "Reunited with Joy" at Central Union Church in Honolulu on October 5, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This annual fundraiser helps to support ongoing efforts to operate and maintain the UCC Transition House for survivors of domestic violence.

Supporters and friends from many of our UCC churches, as well as partners from the Domestic Violence Action Center, were in attendance. The event featured food catered by Touch A Heart, a marketplace of handcrafted items and baked goods for sale, live music by Kenneth Makuakāne and "RYCE" (a group of women from Church of the Crossroads who love to sing in three-part harmony), hula from Hālau No Puakea o Ko‘olaupoko, and was emceed by the Conference's very own Lori Yamashiro who serves on the UCCTH Board.

Over $21,000 was donated by attendees this evening, surpassing amounts collected in years prior!

If you'd like to join in support of this important ministry, here are a few things you can do:

• PRAY for the women and their children, the staff, and the Board of Directors.

• PROVIDE for special events such as: Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, or any day!

• DONATE financial support. Send a check to:

UCC Transition House PO Box 11885 Honolulu, HI 96828

About the UCC Transition House:

• In 1991, Church of the Crossroads established the United Church of Christ Transition House, a ministry that helps women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence become self-sustaining as they heal and recover from abuse.
  

• The criteria for admission include a decision to permanently separate from an abusive spouse/intimate partner and agreement to abide by all house rules.
  

• We are able to provide housing for 3 women and up to 8 children.
  

• Since the Transition House was established, over 300 women and children have received services.
  

• In 2011, the United Church of Christ Transition House was accepted into membership by the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) of the United Church of Christ.
  

• In April 2015, United Church of Christ Transition House received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation.
  

• In 2020, the United Church of Christ Transition House partnered with the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC).
  

• It costs $4,340 a month to keep the House open.

Board of the UCC Transition House - from left to right: Valerie Wayne, Lori Yamashiro, Keiko Denbeau, June Tom, Susan Tengan. (Not pictured: Joan Sakaba, Mary Anne Magnier)