Trade group funds MEO for programs

The Construction Industry of Maui trade group has donated $1,500 to Maui Economic Opportunity for employment training programs, including the nonprofit’s effort to help reintegrate newly released inmates into the community.

This was the first year the trade group made a donation to a community organization.

The presentation was made on May 26 to Maui Economic Opportunity CEO Debbie Cabebe, Chief Operating Officer Gay Sibonga and Bishop Pahia, who runs the BEST (Being Empowered and Safe Together) program. BEST provides support services and training to prepare inmates for a successful return to the community. MEO also provides a comprehensive range of services and training to assist low-income and legal permanent residents to prepare for employment and to help them maintain employment once hired.

“MEO is so thankful for the gift from the Construction Industry of Maui,” Cabebe said. “Our BEST clients often are released from jail or prison with only the things they brought in with them. No money. No housing. No jobs. This donation can help recently released inmates, who have paid their debt to society, find employment and hopefully, prevent them from reoffending.”

For more information about MEO’s job training programs, call 249-2970 or email lee. imada@meoinc.org.