When the Maui wildfires struck, the devastation was immediate and overwhelming. Homes were lost, lives were changed, and the emotional toll rippled across the island. But while the world watched the flames, Maui’s first responders, caregivers, and community leaders stood on the front lines—protecting others while carrying the full weight of the crisis on their own shoulders.
In the aftermath, as the physical cleanup began, a quieter truth emerged:
Those who had helped everyone else now needed help themselves.
Recognizing this urgent need, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i opened the Maui Support Center on August 1, 2024, located on the grounds of St. Anthony’s in Wailuku. With its own dedicated entrance and private space, the center was designed specifically to support first responders and caregivers without impacting the school environment. Blessed by Reverend Monsignor Terrence “Terry” Watanabe and supported initially by the American Red Cross Hawai‘i, the center was created for one purpose—to help the helpers.
From the moment the doors opened, the mission was clear:
Provide a safe, welcoming, and compassionate place where first responders and community members can rest, recover, and begin their own healing journey.
A Place to Breathe Again
Under the guidance of therapist Vida Yap, the Maui Support Center quickly became a trusted space for emotional support, counseling, and wellness-based healing. Vida traveled across the island to meet with firefighters, church groups, emergency personnel, and caregivers—slowly building trust with people who often carried their struggles quietly.
The launch and early success of the center was truly a team effort. Chantel S. and the Intensive Clinical Services (ICS) staff from Oahu were instrumental in helping establish the programs, build community connections, and provide critical support to first responders and residents alike. Their expertise, collaboration, and dedication helped create a foundation that continues to support hundreds of people across Maui.
“We often hear people say they’re fine,” Vida shares. “But many are still in survival mode. They gave everything during the crisis, and now they’re exhausted—emotionally and physically. That’s where we come in.”
To honor the diverse ways people heal, the center offers a wide range of wellness and therapeutic experiences:
- Individual and group therapy
- In-person and telehealth sessions
- Yoga and Pilates
- Goat yoga
- Ocean therapy
- Art and equine therapy
- Cultural healing practices such as lei-making and weaving
These activities create pathways for people to reconnect with their bodies, regulate stress, and rediscover pockets of peace.
More Than Services — A Lifeline
In its first year, the Maui Support Center served more than 800 individuals. Behind that number are stories of gratitude, courage, and transformation:
“They are a lifesaver to me and to our Maui community! Thank you Catholic Charities and thank you Vida!”
— Mark G.
“They’ve supported us in different ways to best support our community, and ourselves. Invaluable tools after so much trauma.”
— Anonymous
“I feel blessed with the techniques Vida taught us to help cope with stress, burnout, and daily life. We value her extremely.”
— Ivy P.
“We’re thankful for the practical advice for managing day-to-day life in ministry.”
— Anonymous
Pastor Maria Allyn of Pukalani Nazarene Community Church describes the center as an anchoring presence:
“Vida has helped us reconnect body, mind, and soul. Not only has it helped me personally, but I’ve been able to share these techniques with our congregation. With deep gratitude.”
Others share how the center helped them face challenges they didn’t even have words for—burnout, emotional exhaustion, and the lingering impact of trauma that surfaced long after the fires were out.
A Growing Need, A Critical Moment
As Maui’s long-term recovery continues, the Maui Support Center’s mission has expanded. Today, it supports not only first responders but also residents who lost homes or loved ones, those coping with job loss, and individuals dealing with emotional hardships that surfaced after the fires.
Yet even as demand grows, the center faces a new challenge:
The initial funding from the American Red Cross has ended.
To continue serving the island’s healers, helpers, and families, the Maui Support Center is now seeking new funding and community support. The need remains urgent—and ongoing.
Walking the Road to Recovery, Together
Recovery on Maui is not measured in weeks or months. It is measured in small moments of courage—when someone asks for help, when a caregiver finally takes a breath, when a first responder learns to release what they’ve been holding inside.
The Maui Support Center exists to walk with people through those moments, offering dignity, compassion, and steady support rooted in the mission of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. And it is the combined effort of the Maui team, Chantel S., the ICS staff from Oahu, and all of our dedicated personnel that makes this work possible.
“The road to recovery is long,” Vida says, “but no one should have to walk it alone.”
As the community continues to rebuild, the Maui Support Center remains committed to all those who serve, care, and carry the island forward.
Mahalo for standing with us—and for helping ensure this vital resource continues into its next chapter.
