The spring newsletter theme is connection through community
Mahalo for being a part of our community. This is the first of our new quarterly newsletters. While our newsletters are usually filled with celebrations, losses are also part of this work and life.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, Bradley Ahia. In honor of his memory, we dedicate this newsletter and will be creating a new workshop.
Bradley’s journey through significant challenges deeply resonates with our mission. He found strength and support within our community of friends and coworkers, who cherished him. Though our love and support were profound, we acknowledge that sometimes it is heartbreakingly not enough. As we grieve this loss, we are also committed to living fully in the present and building towards the future.
As Jazz Thornton wisely said, "It is not about battling your past, but fighting for your future."
In this spirit, we are developing a new workshop focused on grief management. This workshop will also cover warning signs to identify when those around you may need support, and practical steps you can take to help. Please watch for the announcement of the workshop date, which will be held in July.
If you or anyone you know are experiencing thoughts of self harm please call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Root and Rise Hawaii Team
In Honor Of Bradley Ahia
Son, Brother, Friend & Magic Sands Surf Master
"To know Bradley was to witness perseverance, strength, and resilience firsthand. He taught so many of us the valuable lesson of not judging a book by its cover. He was a generous, loving, and kind soul, possessing qualities that are truly rare. Mahalo nui loa, Bradley, for sharing your time with those who cared deeply for you. Rest in love." ~ Mona Trenae-Maynard
"To sum up Bradley in a few words is challenging, he came to our KBC (Kona Brewing Company) Ohana as a work in progress, and watching him grow, achieve and progress was an honor and a pleasure, he gave the best hugs and always had a smile. He charmed his way into the hearts of everyone who had the opportunity to get to know him, and has left a hole in the lives of all of us at KBC who considered him a friend." ~ Tara Wolfinger
"Bradley, you were more than worthy of being seen and now... you are missed." ~ Keala Hill
RECENT ACTIVITIES
dōTerra Gives Back
Community Comes Together in the PāPā Forest of South Kona
Root & Rise Hawaiʻi were the lucky recipients of dōTerra's dedication to serving the communities they source their essential oils from. Their trip to Big Island earned their hard work and labor to lay gravel on 100ʻ of forest trail. It was a lot of sweat and laughter as 55 dōTerra Wellness Advocates and 8 of our Root & Risers shoveled gravel into buckets and handed them off down the trail. Now our guests can safely make their way into our forest and immerse themselves in the peaceful and vibrant nature of the ʻāina.
Cofounders Aliza Gebin & Mona Trenae-Maynard with board member Benjimin Guillermo.
dōTerra Wellness Advocates and Root & Rise Hawaiʻi laying down the gravel trail.
Finally, exploring deeper into the forest.
Community Labor & Cooperation
The trail was laid in the ancient Hawaiian way of forming a human chain to pass objects hand-to-hand. This deeply rooted tradition reflects the significance of community labor and cooperation in Hawaiian society. In ancient times this building method was typically used to pass lava rocks to build sacred structures like heiaus (temples). After 8 years, finally being able to see this to fruition was beyond significant for Root & Rise founders and was a dream come true.
We enjoyed time at 808 Escape Roomʻs paint splatter. Ten of us let our creativity loose and boogied down to dance music while we splattered glow in the dark paint in their UV lit space. We painted canvases, walls, the floor, and a bit of ourselves too!
Overnight Stay at the Mauka Cabin
In August 2024, we brought a group of Root & Risers with severe and persisting mental illness (SPMI) to a private cabin on the mountainside above Kealakekua for an overnight trip. We explored the ʻāina, gathered our findings to make beautiful bouquets, played games, and feasted on ono, locally sourced food.
Over a campfire, we wrote down things we were ready to let go of, along with our wishes and desires for the future, then offered them to the fire—sending them out into the universe with purpose. And, no campfire would be complete without the joy of s’mores.
This overnight trip was a living expression of our core values: creating a sense of belonging, deepening our connection to place and each other, and making space for joy—even in the midst of life’s challenges. Everyone contributed to preparing food, and each person found their own moments of peace while feeling supported by the warmth and presence of community.
What happiness looks like.
This experience truly embodied what Root & Rise Hawaiʻi is all about. Mahalo to our co-founders Mona Trenae-Maynard and Aliza Gebin, as well as Mental Health Kōkua (MHK), Amanda, and Kaya’s Cafe for making this experience unforgettable.
Thereʻs nothing like preparing and sharing a healthy meal together with friends!
HMSA Magazine Feature
We were featured in “Island Scene” (a quarterly magazine sent to HMSA members that highlights well-being, family, and fun across all Hawaiian islands). Spreading the word on the work we do is the best way to encourage more folks to participate and more folks to support. Mahalo HMSA! Read the article below.
Big Island
Rising above stigmas
Participants in the nonprofit organization Root and Rise Hawaiʻi are working to rise above mental health stigmas. Founded by Aliza Gebin and Mona Trenae-Maynard, Root and Rise Hawaiʻi offers programs and workshops to benefit adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and has been supporting mental health treatment since 2021.
"The Root and Rise Hawaiʻi integrative workshops are accessible to underserved populations and include nature-and art-based projects that focus on wellness and service," says Gebin.
"These individuals might not have anyone to connect with except others at a workshop," says Trenae-Maynard. "There are moments in workshops where I see people in the flow and having deep conversations, in a shared space of safety, joy and acceptance," says Gebin. "Sharing those impactful moments is amazing."
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
"Reflecting back on the last few months, I am honored to say that a strong highlight was collaborating with Root and Rise. As a ceramic artist, I am often alone in my studio. But on this day in December 2024, I had an opportunity to lead an ornament painting workshop in Amy Greenwell’s lush gardens.
Making yuletide herbal decorations.
As the participants gathered, those who arrived early jumped to help set up. After my demonstration, I gave each participant supplies. Ceramic ornament balls and special paints littered the tables as creativity bounced. Everyone had ideas, from including their initials or a word, to layering colors. Peoples’ focus was strong and everyone was eager to share their creations. The workshop came to an end, not when all had finished their paintings, but rather when our bellies were full with ono grinds. The workshop was one day for the participants, but the ornaments had one final step before they were ready to adorn the tree. The participants parted from their hard work. The ornaments headed to the kiln, which would enhance their paintings with a glassy shine. As the final pieces came out of the kiln, and the metal tops were attached, I could only dream about everyone’s reaction as the ornaments were returned. There was so much enthusiasm on that day, as we came together. I will not forget Root and Rise and the Ornament Day we had together." – Courtney Meiselman, facilitator, Ceramicist
"With each encounter, I am learning empathy. I am understanding how each person is dealing with their circumstances. This understanding is making me a better person." – Robin, volunteer
Yuletide herbal decorations day!
Plant Pono tree decorating.
"Throughout the event, we were continually met with gratitude. Every participant was so genuinely lovely that you would not know the hardships they have and continue to overcome. They remind us that we need to be grateful for a delicious meal, the opportunity to help, the assistance when we need it, and the ability to share our stories through art and community. It is the simple things that make our world go round, and we are so fortunate to be able to partner with Roots & Rise Hawaiʻi who make this all possible." - Darcy Yogi, facilitator, Plant Pono
"The experience was transformative, both for BIISC staff and hopefully for the participants. It was an opportunity for us to connect with under-resourced residents and share the importance of protecting Hawaii’s biodiversity. For the participants, the hands-on activities and discussions fostered a deeper understanding of how their choices—such as selecting locally grown trees—can make a tangible difference. The smiles, laughter, and pride they expressed during the tree-decorating activity showed how much they valued the experience." – Molly Murphy, facilitator, Plant Pono
Mahalo to all our workshop facilitators! If you missed your mention in this newsletter keep an eye out for your mahalo and our aloha in the next. You are appreciated!
JUNE WORKSHOP
Grief Management & Safety Planning
Upcoming July Workshop
We are developing a new workshop just for this topic to help our community when we experience the loss of a loved one. Sign up for workshop and event updates and checkout our new website by clicking the link below.
A Vision in the Works: Supportive, Affordable Housing
Mental health challenges, which range from periods of anxiety and depression to serious and persistent mental illness like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are prevalent nationwide. In Hawaiʻi:
82% of survey respondents reported a mental health condition in the past six months;
21.47% of all adults have AMI (Any mental illness);
37.6% of adults in Hawaii reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.
17.9% were unable to get needed counseling or therapy.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
41,000 adults in Hawaiʻi have a serious mental illness;
367 individuals – almost half of all unhoused individuals on Hawaiʻi Island – are living with SMI; and,
Only 138 transitional housing program beds (affordable and supportive shelter) across neighbor islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Kauai exist for adults with SMI.
To provide an intermediate step between houselessness and independent living, Root & Rise Hawaiʻi's goal is to create affordable housing coupled with coordinated, integrative services to assist adults with SMI facing barriers to stable housing to gain stability, improve their quality of life, and integrate/re-integrate into the community.
We are actively seeking a housing location and funding to support the development of this project. If you would like to be involved in bringing this vision to life, please reach out to us. We welcome thought-partnerships, grant opportunities, and housing or property leads.
Make a Gift
Through the act of giving, we create opportunity and hope. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to improve the quality of life for Hawaiʻi island residents through the work of Root & Rise Hawaiʻi:
-Make a one-time donation of any amount: Paypal or Venmo: @rootandrisehawaii
-Become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation of any amount: Seed Circle
Want to double your impact? Use this search feature HERE to learn about matching gift opportunities!
Our Mission
The mission of Root & Rise Hawaiʻi is to provide therapeutic mental health support and services accessible to underserved populations in Hawaiʻi.
Root & Rise Hawaiʻi is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 92-152416
Root and Rise Hawaii, 1794 Kealakekua, Kealakekua, Hawaii 96750, United States of America, 808-345-4764 or 971-285-5400
