The Island of Hawaii YMCA Family Visitation Center currently operates 2 locations for the FVC. One in Hilo at our YMCA site on 300 West Lanikaula Street and the other at the Waimea Preservation Center Cottage. We also use the YMCA Minoke Park, Waimea Outdoor Circle Park or the Wooden Park in Waimea for memorable visits that allow those venues. Intakes are now done online via Zoom or Google Meets by the Family Visitation Center Supervisor or Director.In the past we were able to fully staff the Waimea Center, however due to budget constraints we now go on an as needed basis. In order to maintain the FVC in Waimea we need one Security Guard and two Visitation Associates. The Visitation Associate observes and records the notes for the visit. The Security Officer maintains the peace and assures the safety of all involved. Some cases get resolved within one month, others stay with us until the children become adults, each case varies in severity.

The Family Visitation Center in Waimea labor costs are $40,200.00 annually. At any given time the FVC Waimea will service up to 12 children per week. Families who are serviced at this visitation center live in the Waimea, Kohala, Honokaa, Hawi, Waikoloa, and Kona areas. Having the Visitation Center in Waimea makes for less travel time to Hilo for the child. When a child rides into Hilo from the aforementioned areas the child is irritated, tired, fussy from the ride and all of the added anxiety and anticipation of the visit for the duration of the drive to the visit. This does not make for a pleasant visit for the child and parent who visits at the visitation center, as the child is already fussy before the visit. Having the visitation center in Waimea is the best solution for the child to have a memorable visit with their parents.

I humbly thank you in advance for your assistance to these child victims of domestic abuse.

Wendy S. Botelho, CEO

Island Of Hawaii YMCA
300 West Lanikaula Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Office: 808-935-3721 Direct: 808-464-4019 cell: 808-896-7224
wendy.cortez@islandofhawaiiymca.org