History

Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii is the culmination of a dream shared by two University of Hawai‘i at Manoa social work students, Terry Fisher and Judy Hormell in 1984. They were motivated by and defined the Center’s mission to support clients with faith-integrated counseling needs, regardless of their specific religious affiliation.  They also hoped to provide professional counseling services to clients with a limited or no ability to pay.

The Solihten Institute (formerly the Samaritan Institute) in Denver, Colorado generously provided guidance and skillful leadership and in April 1989, SCCH opened its doors to the first clients. 35 years later, we continue to have a committed group of Board of Directors who volunteer their time and energy to ensure that Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i is able to continue to provide services to the community.

Milestones and Recognition:

  • 1989: Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawai’i was founded by Terry Fisher and Judy Hormell, with guidance from the Samaritan Institute.
  • 1999: Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris proclaimed April 18 as “Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawai’i Day.”
  • 2006: Samaritan Counseling Center of Hawai’i became the Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawai’i.
  • 2006-2007: Honolulu Advertiser’s readers voted the Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawai’i as one of the “Best of the Best” counseling centers in Honolulu on write-in ballots.
  • 2007: Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle proclaimed February 1 as “Counseling and Spiritual Care Center Day in Hawai’i.”
  • 2007: The Interfaith Alliance Hawai’i recognized the Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawai’i for our Healing Role in Hawai‘i.
  • 2012: Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawai’i hosted the First Bi-Annual Ho’omenemene Awards Banquet, honoring Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, Dr. Thomas W. Leland, Pacific Health Ministry, and the Domestic Violence Action Center.
  • 2014: Counseling and Spiritual Care Center of Hawai’i became Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, and hosted the Second Biennial Ho’omenemene Awards Banquet and 25th Anniversary Dinner, honoring Mrs. Terry Fisher, Dr. Gerard Akaka, and Family Promise.
  • 2016: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i hosted the Third Biennial Ho’omenemene Awards Banquet, honoring Jolene Gerell and Project Dana.
  • 2017: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i hosted “AN” concert for peace, a benefit fundraiser for the Center’s Client Assistance Fund.
  • 2018: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i hosted the Fourth Biennial Ho‘omenemene Awards Benefit Dinner, honoring Rev. Clarence “Larry” Fisher and Lili’uokalani Trust; and opened a satellite office at Pearl City Community Church in Pearl City, O‘ahu.
  • 2019: Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell proclaimed April 10 as “Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i Day.”
  • 2020: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i hosted the first Virtual (and Fifth Biennial) Ho’omenemene Awards, honoring Rev. Dr. Gary C. Augustin and David C. Livingston; Honpa Hongwanji Hawai’i Betsuin, Na Mea Kupono Learning Center, and Xi Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
  • 2021: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i opened a satellite office at Calvary Episcopal Church in Kaneohe, O’ahu.
  • 2023: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i hosted the first annual “Drive Fore Mental Health” Golf Tournament.