HONOLULU -- Aloha Petroleum Ltd. recently donated $1,000 to the Marimed Foundation, which uses ocean- and land-based learning experiences to help steer at-risk youth in the right direction.
"The Marimed Foundation offers a creative opportunity for young people to grow personally by participating in unique maritime activities," said Larry Adams, Aloha Petroleum's director of sales and marketing. "These types of programs are effective in developing a young person's character and leadership skills. We're proud to support an organization whose hard work strengthens families and communities."
Established in Hawaii in 1984, the Marimed Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of residential treatment and education services to male adolescents, ages 14 through 18, who face difficult emotional educational challenges requiring something more structured and restrictive than school or home-based services.
The Marimed Foundation has two primary programs that help participants develop their character in a safe and fun environment: Kailana and Ho'o Ma'a. The Kailana program is geared to adolescents who need comprehensive treatment, education, and mental health services. It combines individual, group, and family therapy with ocean and land-based therapeutic and recreational activities such as sailing, agriculture, aquaculture and culinary arts.
The Ho'o Ma'a outdoor experience program is a four-month after-school program that includes tutoring, youth leadership, development, counseling, and family education activities. The program is designed to promote learning, personal growth, teamwork, and leadership skills with a heavy emphasis on activities on and around the ocean such as three-day sailing voyages, camping, hiking, paddling, geocaching, fishing, small boat sailing and a low ropes course.
[Pictured (left to right): Larry Adams, Aloha Petroleum director of sales and marketing; Cassanda Gatan, Aloha Petroleum marketing communications manager; Lynn Carey, Marimed Foundation development and public relations director; and Dr. Matthew Claybaugh, Marimed Foundation president and CEO.]
Aloha Petroleum is the largest gasoline marketer in the state and a leading convenience store operator with a history in Hawaii that dates back to the early 1900s. Aloha employs more than 500 Hawaii residents and markets through more than 100 Shell, Aloha, and Mahalo branded fueling stations in the state.
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