Events

Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i is committed to community outreach and engagement. Ask questions and help us raise awareness about mental health issues at one of these events:

Up-coming Events and Workshops:

  • April 6, 2024: Spring Festival: Nurturing Mind & Body, 9:30 am to 2 pm, Buddhist Study Center, Honolulu. Free. Stop by our resource table  to meet us, learn about upcoming workshops, and do a mental wellness activity. Practice yoga and learn about coping skills, healthy cooking, and sustainable living. We look forward to seeing you! Click here for details.
  • Save the date — June 29, 2024: Creative Coping, 10 am, Zoom. Free. Sponsored by NAMI Hawaii and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. Check back for details and registration.
  • Save the date — July 19, 2024: Soul Shop Hawai’i, 9 am to 4 pm, St. Louis School. Free. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program. Check back for details and registration.
  • Save the date — July 20, 2024: Soul Shop Hawai’i for Youth Leaders, 9 am to 1 pm, St. Louis School. Free. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program. Check back for details and registration.
  • Save the date — July 27, 2024: Creative Coping, 10 am, Zoom. Free. Sponsored by NAMI Hawaii and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. Check back for details and registration.
  • Save the date — August 31, 2024: Creative Coping, 10 am, Location TBD. Free. Sponsored by NAMI Hawaii and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. Check back for details and registration.



Past Events and Workshops 

2024 Events

  • March 25, 2024: NAMI Hawaii State Conference, 9 am to 2 pm, Japanese Cultural Center. Free. Stop by our resource table to meet us, learn about upcoming workshops, and do a mental wellness activity.
  • March 23, 2024: Wahine Wellness: Let’s Make Lei!, 10 am, Magic Island, Honolulu. Free. Learn how to make your own haku lei with Katie Uekawa. All supplies will be provided, so please make every effort to attend. You are welcome to bring your own flowers, leaves/ferns, and a blanket or chair. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and the Women’s Fund of Hawai’i.
  • March 16, 2024: The Links’ Family Wellness Fair, 10 am to 12 pm, Ke’elikalani Middle School.  Free. Stop by our resource table to meet us and do a mental health activity — for keiki and adults.
  • March 5, 2024: Wahine Wellness: Radiant Minds, Confident Hearts, 6 pm, First United Methodist Church – Komuro Hall, Honolulu. Free. Presented by Yasmin Cravalho. Our Wahine are a vital part of our community, yet some face bullying and discrimination due to their size. In this workshop, we want to create a supportive environment where everyone can confidently embrace their beauty. By boosting self-esteem, we hope to make a positive impact not just for today, but for future generations too. Let’s join hands in celebrating diversity and fostering a culture of self-love and acceptance. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, First United Methodist Church, and the Women’s Fund of Hawai’i.

2023 Events

  • October 27, 2023: First Annual “Drive Fore Mental Health” Golf Tournament. Join us for an exciting day of golf at the beautiful Ewa Beach Golf Club. Enjoy a friendly gathering, bento lunch, silent auction, and awards banquet! We have several sponsorship levels and fantastic perks for each one. Our intent is to provide golfers and sponsors with as much exposure, recognition, and appreciation as we can – while raising funds to support mental health and resilience in Hawaii.
  • October 23, 2023: Wahine Wellness: Yoga, 6 pm to 7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church in Honolulu. Free. Enjoy a FREE Halloween “Cauldron of Calm” Yoga! This restorative practice will use props and gentle poses to induce a state of deep relaxation and peace with Yoga Instructor Natasha Bailey. Come in costume with your yoga mat. All levels welcome!
  • September 2, 2023: Creative Coping: Space, 10 am to 11:30 am by Zoom. Free. A free 90-minute poem making workshop and escape into words with poet, singer/songwriter, and performance artist Chaz Hill.
  • August 26, 2023: Feeling Adrift: Using Self-Care & Building Safety for Wellness at Aina Haina Public Library, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm (lunch included). Free. Learn about self-care, suicide prevention, and crisis resources in this free interactive workshop with Dr. Mestisa Gass, Mental Health America of Hawai’i. This workshop is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and the City and County of Honolulu. Lunch will be provided, so please make every effort to attend!
  • August 19, 2023: Creative Coping: Art & Poetry, 10 am to 12 pm at Aina Haina Public Library. Free. Explore art and poetry to strengthen mental health and wellness with Katie Uekawa and Natasha Bailey. You’ll have an opportunity to share with others and publish in our “Creative Coping” booklet.
  • July 30, 2023: Creative Coping: Lei Making, 10 am to 11:30 am at Magic Island in Honolulu. Free. Learn how to make your very own haku lei with Katie Uekawa! All supplies will be provided, so please make every effort to attend. You are welcome to bring a chair or blanket and ti leaf, if you have some at home.
  • July 9, 2023: A Hundred Million Reasons for Youth, 9 am to 1 pm, Manoa Public Library, Honolulu. Free. An interactive “Sources of Strength” workshop for youth ages 14-18 and a trusted adult. This “Sources of Strength” training is presented by Deborah Goebert, Dr.P.H., Professor Univ of Hawai‘i, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry and the Office of Public Health Studies. Lunch is included.
  • June 24, 2023: Wahine Wellness: Boundaries, 10:30 am to 12 pm, Aina Haina Public Library, Honolulu. Free. Join Kumi Macdonald, executive director of NAMI Hawaii, to discuss setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, in partnership with the Women’s Fund of Hawai’i.
  • May 20, 2023: Wahine Wellness: Empowering Women and Girls, 10 am to 11:30 am, Aina Haina Public Library, Honolulu. Free. Join Robin Stueber, Executive Wellness Coach, for this empowering session to create healthier ways to build mental stamina and fitness.
  • May 6, 2023: O’ahu Charity Walk, 7 am, Magic Island, Honolulu. Put your best slipper forward and join us for an amazing day with food, music, excitement, and enthusiasm! Registration is a suggested donation of $50 for adults and $25 for youth, raising money for Hawai’i nonprofits. Register now and click on “Make a Donation” to pledge to the Samaritan team! Or text Oahu147 to 71777. Come walk with us!
  • May 2, 2023: Wahine Wellness: Vision Boards, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, First United Methodist Church, Honolulu. Free. Do you ever feel overwhelmed about which direction to take in your life? Would you like help organizing your thoughts and goals? During this workshop, you will create and take home your own vision board to envision a stronger, healthier future, led by Diana Honeker, LMFT and Clinical Director at Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. All supplies will be provided, but we encourage you to bring 1-5 own photos, magazines, art, stickers, and stamps to help you get started.
  • March 28, 2023: NAMI Hawaii State Conference, 9:30 am to 2 pm, Japanese Cultural Center, Honolulu. Free. Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i’s resource table shared about spreading kindness and upcoming mental health workshops.
  • March 18, 2023: Family Wellness Expo, 10 am to 12 pm, Princess Ruth Ke’elikolani Middle School, Honolulu. Free. Hosted by the Hawai’i Chapter of the Links Incorporated to ignite your mind, body, and spirit. Stop by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i’s resource table, spread kindness, and learn about upcoming mental health workshops.
  • January 23, 2023: Free and Delicious Food Event, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Join Rebecca Woodland ~ cookbook author, chef, culinary instructor, and devotee of delicious nutrition for a cooking demo, information, Q&A, and food samples. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and First United Methodist Church.

2022 Events

  • October 15, 2022: Embracing Hope: Talk Story: Hope for Youth, 10 am to 11:30 am, Zoom HST, free. Join Deborah Goebert, DrPH of the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force; Candice Biernesser, PhD, LCSW of the University of Pittsburgh; and Chad Starr, who lost his 12-year old daughter to suicide, as they talk about suicide awareness among youth and how youth can find purpose and strength in the face of challenges and adversity. Presented by BDK Hawai‘i, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i, and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force.
  • October 8, 2022: SCCH Mahalo Luncheon, 11:30 am to 2 pm, Church of the Crossroads, Honolulu. An informal gathering to celebrate and thank our wonderful donors, partners, and supporters.
  • October 1, 2022: Wahine Wellness: Building and Nurturing Self-Esteem, 10 am to 11:30 am, Kaimuki Public Library, free. In this free interactive workshop, you will recognize the impact of self-esteem on self-worth, identify obstructors to building healthy esteem, engage in exercises and activities to assess and strengthen self-awareness, and learn strategies to help maintain healthy self-esteem. Come and recognize the Beauty of Your Uniqueness with Clara Priester, MDiv, Executive Director, Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands. Wahine Wellness is a mental health education series to empower and uplift women and girls, presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Hawaii.
  • September 17, 2022: Embracing Hope: Talk Story: Hope for Communities, 10 am to 11:30 am HST, Zoom, free. Join Jeanelle Sugimoto-Matsuda, DrPH of the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force; Ernestine Enomoto, mindfulness practitioner and dharma teacher; and Chad Starr, a suicide loss survivor, for a discussion about coping the pandemic, faith as a source of strength, and how can interfaith communities begin anew after a pandemic. Presented by BDK Hawai‘i, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i, and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai‘i, in partnership with the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force.
  • September 10, 2022: O’ahu Out of the Darkness Walk, 8 am, Skygate Park, Honolulu, free. Register to walk in support of suicide awareness and prevention. Meet staff of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i at the resource tables! For more information, visit AFSP Hawaii or join the Samaritan Hawaii team!
  • August 20, 2022: Oahu Charity Walk, 7 am, Magic Island. Put your best slippah forward! Walk with us in support of mental health. Register online at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/Oahu/team/SamaritanCounseling and click “Make a Donation.” Registration fees are $50 for adults and $25 for children (includes breakfast and pizza lunch) and will help support grants to nonprofits. Remember to wear purple and share your Walk photos with us! #SamaritanHawaii
  • August 6, 2022: Creative Coping: Ode-Writing, 10 am, Zoom, free. Poet and rapper ‘Ihilani Lasconia led us in ode-writing with an emphasis on processing emotions.
  • July 21, 2022: Wahine Wellness: Yoga, 4:50 pm to 6 pm, First United Methodist Church, free. Set an intention for the class, practice simple yoga exercises that you can do on a mat or chair, and join a discussion about creating safe spaces, slowing down, and paying attention to your breath. Yoga instructor Natasha Bailey has been a certified yoga instructor since 2018, specializing in vinyasa, yoga with weights, and yin and currently teaches at Power Yoga Hawaii. We encourage you to wear comfortable clothes that allow for a range of motion! Bring a yoga mat, towel, and water bottle. All levels welcome.
  • July 2, 2022: Creative Coping: Drawing, 10 am, Zoom, free. Nidhi Chabora and Nancy Jo Moses from “Self Discovery Through Art”, guided us through drawing exercises to visualize rigid thinking and flexible thinking.
  • June 4, 2022: Creative Coping: Poetry, 10 am, Zoom. Poet Destiny Sharion helped us practice poetry as a tool for reflection and expression.
  • May 25, 2022: Wahine Wellness: A Vision Board Experience!, 5 pm at First United Methodist Church of Honolulu, free. Create and take home your own vision board to envision a stronger, healthier future, led by Diana Honeker, LMFT and Clinical Director at Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and First United Methodist Church of Honolulu, and sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Hawai’i.
  • April 9, 2022: Wahine Wellness: Boundaries for Women: A lived Experience, 10 am HST, Zoom. A free virtual workshop about setting healthy boundaries and taking control of your life with Kumi Macdonald, Executive Director, NAMI Hawai’i. Limited to 30 participants. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawai’i, and sponsored by the Women’s Fund of Hawai’i.

2021 Events

  • November 21, 2021: Fr. Clarence “Larry” Fisher honored with a bench and plaque in his name by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa. Watch the blessing ceremony at https://youtu.be/8lqUhlB6d6Y.
  • November 20, 2021: “Coping with Holiday Stress,” 10 am HST, Zoom. A free virtual workshop with Dr. Darcy Ing of Samaritan Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. Learn how not to lose sight of what really counts; find support that works for loneliness, grief, and change; and create thoughtful resolutions for the new year.
  • November 5, 2021: “Pastoral Counseling Skills” seminar at the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i 2021 Fall Ministers Continuing Education Seminar: “The Art and Practice of Spiritual Care,” presented by Dr. Darcy Ing of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i.
  • October 23, 2021: “Creative Coping: Poetry – Identity Poetry,” 10 am to 11 am HST, Zoom. A free virtual workshop about Identity Poetry, a poetic style that asks the writer to describe themselves in an artistic fashion. During this session we will utilize a variety of poetic devices to write about who we are on a micro, mezzo, and macro level and how that relates to our connection to place and community. Hosted by Destiny Sharion, MSW, who was part of the slam team that represented Hawai’i at the National Poetry Slam Competition in 2017 and 2018. Sponsored by  Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawai’i.
  • August 22, 2021: Message at Parker United Methodist Church. Clinical Director Rev. Dr. Gary Augustin presented a message on “The Age of Anxiety” at Parker United Methodist Church in Kaneohe, Hawai’i.
  • August 16, 2021: “Clergy Wellness: Preventing Workplace Burnout.” A presentation by staff counselor Dr. Darcy Ing, PsyD for Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i.
  • August 12, 2021: “Stress and Anxiety During This Time of COVID-19.” A presentation by staff counselor Diana Honeker, LMFT for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i Wardens and Church Administrators.
  • July 10, 2021: “Creative Coping: Poetry,” 10 am to 11 am HST, Zoom. A free virtual workshop about how writing and poetry can facilitate mental health, wellness, and healing, with Destiny Sharion, MSW. Destiny was part of the slam team that represented Hawai’i at the National Poetry Slam Competition in 2017 and 2018. Sponsored by  Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawai’i.
  • July 6, 2021: “Sadness, Depression, and Grief.” A presentation by staff counselor Diana Honeker, LMFT for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i.
  • June 11-12, 2021: “A Hundred Million Reasons: A Virtual Suicide Prevention and Resilience Interactive Workshop,” Friday, June 11, 6 pm to 9pm; and Saturday, June 12, 9 am to 12 pm, Zoom. A free virtual workshop for family, friends, parents, community members, youth leaders, and faith leaders to learn strategies for suicide prevention and develop resilience in your lives. You will develop a plan to build your personal resilience, identify warning signs for suicidal behavior and thoughts, practice skills to have safe and supportive conversations about suicide, and learn about the community resources available to people at risk of suicide. There will be interactive sessions so you can practice what you learn in a safe, supportive environment. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu Grant-in-Aid program and the Prevent Suicide Hawai’i Task Force.
  • May 22, 2021: “Zeta Sings the Blues: Pandemic Fatigue,” 11 am to 12:30 pm, Zoom. Krystle McClain, President of the Xi Psi Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Diana Honeker, LMFT of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, hosted an insightful chat about grieving our pre-pandemic lives, self-care, and getting help. Hosted by the Xi Psi Zeta chapter in partnership with Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii.
  • May 13, 2021: “Am I Sad or Depressed?” 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Zoom. Diana Honeker, LMFT of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i presented a free community mental health workshop in partnership with First United Methodist Church.

2020 Events

  • October 29, 2020: YP Community Connect. Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i will make a brief presentation about volunteer opportunities with the Center to the Young Professionals of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
  • October 11, 2020: Book and Music Festival. Gary Augustin, LMFT and Clinical Director of Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i moderated a virtual panel discussion about “Lockdown Stress, Anxiety, Depression” on Sunday, October 11, 2020, 11 am to 12 pm.
  • October 3, 2020: Join us for the Ho’omenemene Awards Virtual Benefit and Silent Auction, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, tickets $45. The Ho’omenemene (Compassion) Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work over many years exemplifies what we can accomplish as interfaith advocates and active participants, and whose work promotes hope and healing to Hawai’i communities. This year, honorees are Rev. Dr. Gary C. Augustin, David C. Livingston, Honpa Hongwanji Hawai’i Betsuin, Na Mea Kupono Learning Center, and Xi Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. The evening will feature an awards program, entertainment, and silent auction. Performances by Grammy-nominee Henry Kapono; performer/composer Chaz Hill, accompanied by dancer Esther Izuo; Pueo Kane ~ Mark Campos, Lance Namuo, Byron Fonseca, and Alika Fonseca; and the talented performers of Malu Productions. Special thanks to the volunteers, staff, and patrons of the historic Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu, Hawai’i. Proceeds will support the Client Assistance Fund, which subsidizes counseling for those who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, and low-income; and the Jolene Gerell Memorial Endowment Fund.
  • August 22, 2020: “Domestic Violence: Unpacking the Impact,” 11 am to 1 pm, free. Gain a greater understanding about domestic violence, how it impacts survivors and children, myths and motives of abusers, and community resources. Presented by Marci Lopes, Deputy Director at the Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC) in Honolulu. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and the Domestic Violence Action Center.
  • July 27, 2020: “Virtual Wellness Event! Talk Story: Anxiety Management,” Monday, July 27, 2020, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A free webinar to help you learn tools to help you and loved ones manage anxiety and strengthen positive coping skills and emotional intelligence, led by Anisa Wiseman, Program Director at NAMI Hawaii. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, NAMI Hawaii, and First United Methodist Church, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#10).
  • July 25, 2020: “Achieving Mental and Physical Wellness Through Gut Health,” Saturday, July 25, 2020, 9 am to 11 am. A free webinar to help you understand the emerging science regarding the importance of the gut microbiome-brain axis and its role in physical & mental health — how it is involved in neurodegenerative, neuropsychiatric, & neurodevelopmental disorders, how it regulates immunity, and how this may impact autoimmune diseases, obesity, and diabetes, led by Claire Rausch, APRN and Debbie Zimmerman, AMARE Global. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#9).
  • July 21, 2020: “Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination: Understanding Biases from a Mental Health Perspective,” Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 3 pm to 5 pm. A free webinar to help you learn how implicit and explicit biases form, how bias and cognitive dissonance impact us, and what we can do about them, led by Anika Gearhart, MS. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#8).
  • July 17, 2020: “Art + Music for Cognitive Reframing: Creating Practical Positive Affirmation Tools,” Friday, July 17, 2020, 3 pm to 5 pm, free. A free virtual webinar about the psychological mechanism and benefits of positive affirmations. This will be an experiential live online learning experience that includes portions of lecture, guided practice, and Q&A, led by Mayu Langford, MT-BC, HHP and Kate Madigan, ART-BC. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#7).
  • July 11, 2020: “Meditation and Mindfulness: Cultivating Calm in Turbulent Times”, Saturday, July 11, 2020, 10 am to 12 pm, free. A free virtual webinar with speakers Noah Pomeroy, CMT and Amy Brown, Ph.D. This will be an experiential live online learning event that includes portions of lecture, guided mindfulness practice, small breakout rooms, group discussion and Q + A. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program. (#6)
  • June 27, 2020: “Understanding Trauma: Reinvigorating Resiliency During Stressful Times,” June 27, 2020, 2 pm to 4 pm, free. A free virtual webinar with speakers Darcy Ing, PsyD and Marita Padilla, PsyD. Learn about various types of trauma; familial and intergenerational trauma; how trauma manifests in the mind, body, and spirit; and resiliency factors, coping skills, and treatment options. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and BDK Hawai’i, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program. (#5).
  • May 21, 2020: “Pastoring in a Time of Pandemic”, May 21, 2020, 8 am to 9:30 am, free. Join us for a FREE live interactive webinar as Rev. Kelli Walker-Jones and Rev. Dr. Graham Standish provide important information of how mental health dynamics can intersect with one’s faith as we live in these challenging times. This conversation is especially timely as congregational leadership are discussing when and how to begin to join together in face to face worship. Both speakers also have personal and professional experience to understand how clergy may also have been impacted by the transitions and stresses of the past few months. Everyone is welcome – no registration required! Presented by the Solihten Institute and Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i.
  • May 8, 2020Talk Story: Stress Management for Adults and Teens, May 8, 2020, 4 pm to 6 pm, free. Learn about positive coping strategies, the link between nutrition and mental health, how to improve your sleep hygiene, teenage depression, and how to better relate to your teenager, led by Marita Padilla, M.Ed/Psy.D and Anika Gearhart, M.S. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#4).
  • April 24, 2020Talk Story: Creatively Coping Through Crisis, April 24, 2020, 4 pm to 6 pm, free. Learn how music, art, and meditation can lower anxiety, depression, and stress; and brain-balancing techniques, led by Mayu Langford, MT-BC, HHP and Kate Madigan, ART-BC. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#3).
  • April 8, 2020Talk Story: Coping with Stress During a Pandemic Webinar, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, free. Learn tools to go inward and strengthen your emotional intelligence, and develop positive coping skills to put in your coping toolbox! During this workshop with Anisa Wiseman, Program Director at NAMI Hawaii, you’ll also be able to connect with others who share similar feelings during this stressful time, learn from someone with life experience who has done the same, and circle back to YOU. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and NAMI Hawaii, and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#2).
  • March 9, 2020: Healthy Relationships Workshop, 6-8 pm, First United Methodist Church, 1020 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, free. Learn how to improve your interpersonal relationships and the difference between healthy and unhealthy love. Presenters: Diana Honeker, LMFT and Chasidy Wright, LMFT/CSAC. Presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i and sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu Grants-in-Aid program (#1).

2019 Events

  • October 18-19, 2019: Soul Shop Hawai’i 2019. Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i co-presented “Soul Shop: Ministering to Suicidal Desperation,” a 1.5 day workshop led by Soul Shop Director Michelle Snyder, LCSW, M.Div. There was a half-day Youth Leaders workshop on Friday, October 18, 6 pm to 9 pm;  followed by a full-day Community, Faith, and Lay Leaders Workshop on Saturday, October 19, 9 am to 4 pm. The workshop was presented by Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i, Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) Hawai’i, Chaminade University’s BDK Hawai’i – Rev. Fujitani Interfaith Program, and Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i; and sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i, Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i, Pacific Health Ministry, Saint Louis School, and The Interfaith Alliance Hawai’i. Watch a KITV News report featuring Soul Shop Hawai’i 2019.
  • October 10, 2019: Samaritan Counseling Center Hawaii Mahalo Reception. Celebrated 30 years of service and appreciation for donors, partners, and volunteers.
  • September 14, 2019: Out of the Darkness Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Hawaii. Participated in the Resource Fair at the Out of the Darkness Walk, 9 am to 1:30 pm at Magic Island.
  • September 10, 2019: Joint Services Suicide Prevention Proclamation. Participated in the Resource Fair during the Joint Services Suicide Prevention Proclamation Ceremony, when leaders from all branches of service signed the 2019 Joint Services Suicide Prevention Proclamation.
  • June 21-22, 2019: Hawai’i Veterans Summit. Participated in the Hawai’i Veterans Summit, Hawai’i Convention Center. The two-day Summit brought together veterans, veterans’ organizations, supportive services, and nonprofit agencies to educate and network with veterans and their loved ones. For more information, visit https://hawaiiveteransfoundation.org.
  • May 18, 2019: Oahu Charity Walk: Participated in the Oahu Charity Walk at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, helping to raise $2.5 million for Hawaii nonprofits and the Client Assistance Fund, that provides counseling for people who are uninsured, underinsured, elderly, and low-income.
  • April 29, 2019: Managing Stress. How is stress affecting you and what can you do about it? We presented a FREE community workshop on Monday, April 29, 6 pm to 8 pm at First United Methodist Church.
  • April 11-12, 2019: Prevent Suicide Hawaii Statewide Conference. Participated in the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Statewide Conference, Ala Moana Hotel with a resource table. The conference brought together our community of survivors, advocates, educators, service providers, policymakers, and health professionals around the issue of suicide prevention.
  • February 25, 2019: 5 Love Languages. Presented a free community workshop at First United Methodist Church. Learn five ways to express your love and build stronger relationships with children, romantic partners, family, and friends.
  • February 14, 2019: Participated in Mental Health Awareness Day at the State Capitol with a resource table. Met with community advocates and Hawai’i Legislators to talk about how we can improve mental health and resilience.

2018 Events

  • October 17, 2018: Presented a free community workshop on “Am I Sad or Depressed?” and “The Grief Journey” at Pearl City Community Church.
  • October 15, 2018: Presented a free community workshop on “Active Listening” and “The Five Love Languages” Pearl City Community Church.
  • September 21-23, 2018: Participated in the Hawaii Seniors’ Fair — The Good Life Expo at Neal Blaisdell Center, booth #104. Seniors and caregivers had the opportunity to learn about mental health counseling, write kindness cards, and share advice for their younger selves.
  • June 10, 2018: We made a presentation to the Pearl City Community Church congregation to announce the opening of our new counseling room to serve Pearl City and Central Oahu residents.
  • April 29, 2018: Hosted the Ho’omenemene Awards Benefit Dinner to honor Father Clarence “Larry” Fisher and Lili’uokalani Trust at the Manoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i.  The Benefit Dinner was also a fundraiser for the Center’s Client Assistance Fund, which subsidizes mental health counseling for uninsured, underinsured, elderly, and low-income clients who might not otherwise receive any care.
  • April 21, 2018: Participated in the “End of Life and Aging Issues” workshop and resource fair at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Pearl City, Oahu. Sponsored by OLGC Ohana Ministry to the Homebound.
  • April 14, 2018: Participated in a “Japanese Senior Fair” at the Honolulu Myohoji Mission, 2003 Nuuanu Avenue in Honolulu, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, sponsored by Minnano Care Network. Our staff counselor, Mimi Demura-Devore, make a presentation about mental health issues.
  • March 29, 2018: Participated in Mental Heath Awareness Day at the State Capitol, 4th Floor, 10 am to 2 pm.
  • February 24, 2018: Dr. Gary Augustin conducted a Clergy In-Service Day for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i.

2017 Events

  • November 11, 2017: Hosted “AN” concert for peace, 8 pm at the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, a fundraiser for Samaritan Counseling Center Hawai’i. For more information, read the “AN” A Concert for Peace News Release or the Media Alert.
  • November 2017: Conducted a “Boundary Training” workshop for the Hawaii Conference Office, Imiola Congregational Church in Hilo. Led by Dr. Gary Augustin.
  • September 2017: Participated in the Hawaii Seniors’ Fair — The Good Life Expo, booth #204. Shared information about mental health counseling and community resources.
  • September 2017: First United Methodist Church hosted a “Samaritan Sunday” with guest speaker Dr. Gary Augustin.
  • April 2017: Conducted a “Boundary Issues” workshop for the Hawaii Conference Office, United Church of Christ. Led by Dr. Gary Augustin.
  • March 2017: Led the “Suicide Prevention for Youth” workshop at Waiokeola Congregational Church.

2016 Events

  • August 2016: Co-sponsored the “Soul Shop: Ministering to Suicidal Desperation” workshop, led by Soul Shop Director Michelle Snyder, with Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai (BDK) Hawaii, Chaminade University’s BDK Hawaii – Rev. Fujitani Interfaith Program, and Higashi Hongwanji Mission.
  • June/July 2016: Led two “Learn the Signs: Suicide can be prevented by knowing how to start the conversation and where to turn for help” workshops on Oahu. The seminars provided vital information on suicide prevention for all those whose lives have been or may be touched by suicide and depression.
  • May 2016: Hosted the Third Ho‘omenemene Awards Banquet and Dinner to honor the late Jolene Kim Gerell and Project Dana, and raise funds for the Center.
  • March 2016: Led five “Understanding and Preventing Domestic Violence” workshops around Oahu. The workshops provided information that can be used by churches and faith groups to reach out to people in abusive relationships.

2015 Events

  • November 2015: Led the “Suicide Prevention: Learn the Signs” workshop.

2014 Events

  • July 2014: Conducted the “Discerning the Difference: Counseling or Pastoral Care?” seminar.
  • May 2014: Hosted the Second Ho’omenemene Awards Banquet to honor Gerard Akaka MD, Terry Fisher LCSW, and Family Promise of Hawai’i.

2013 Events

  • March 2013: Conducted the “Finding Balance in Servant Leadership” workshop for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i.

2012 Events

  • April 2012: Hosted the First Ho’omenemene Awards Banquet to honor Rev. Yoshiaki Fujitani, Thomas W. Leland MD, Pacific Health Ministry, and Domestic Violence Action Center.

2011 Events

  • November 2011: Led the “Supporting Health Relationships through Pre-Marital Counseling” seminar.
  • 2011: Facilitated a one-year “Minister Consultation Group” for interfaith leaders.
  • March 2011: Led the “Bereavement Counseling for Ministers” workshop.

2010-2011 Partnership

  • Fall 2010-Fall 2011: Collaborated with Communities in Schools to build and implement the Hui Ho’olokahi Project, integrating mental health concepts into storytelling (funded in part by Queen Lili’uokalani Children’s Center).