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By Lauren Meyer – Assistant Program Supervisor This past Friday, a few of our Malama students took a break from camp to set out into the community of Na’alehu with a purpose. With a trunk full of tools, and smiles on our faces, we took off down the road to a neighbor’s house. In this house lives …

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein Being grateful for what we have and expressing genuine appreciation for it. That’s potent stuff. And it’s simple, right? Not quite. People are not wired to be …

November 8-14 is National Mental Health Wellness Week, yet many families do not recognize this period of awareness as they feel it does not pertain to them. Even today, the term “mental health” comes with a stigma attached. “We now have clear evidence that stigma has a toxic effect by preventing people seeking help for …

As our son struggled last year and began to lose hope. I struggled with the fact that I could not help him.  His downward spiral started with stomach aches, then he couldn’t attend school, then he couldn’t leave the house and lastly he stopped eating.  His only friends existed “virtually” online. His sister listened to …

When you hear the phrase “we live in a digital age,” chances are your mind immediately wanders to the Internet and social media—and with good reason. The vast majority of teens are surfing the Web, watching videos, connecting on social media, Instagram, pinning… not to mention tweeting. The Internet touches every family in some aspect …

According to a 2015 Girlguiding girl’s attitude survey, nearly half of female young adults in the UK have needed help improving the status of their mental health, but have struggled to find the proper support they need to overcome their challenges. What’s worse, is the study shows specific concerns have evolved drastically over the last …

Teens—they’re stuck in between being a child and young adult, and just now beginning to explore their individuality. They know what they do and don’t like, and they know they’re always right, especially when it comes to their clothing choices. It can be difficult to find the balance between allowing your teen to express themselves …

Mike Sullivan, M.A., LMHC Family & Alumni Services Director It was mile 16 of the final leg of the Kona Ironman World Championship that I hit the proverbial “wall.” My running pace slowed dramatically as my feet began to feel like cement blocks. My hips ached and my stride weakened.  My right calf muscle seized …

With the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Colorado, Washington and Oregon, a growing number of teens believe marijuana use is harmless. Widespread news coverage focused on medical marijuana and the substance’s potential therapeutic effects also could add to this sentiment. But what solid research has been conducted to really look at the effects of …

The phrase “silver lining” has become the go-to cliche in the midst of difficulty. Success in finding silver linings when things go wrong means leaving shyness behind, shifting focus and learning to live what you love. It’s dwelling in the beauty vs. dwelling in the ugly. It’s leveraging every experience in a positive light. And …