Building Brighter Futures for Maui’s Youth: Understanding the Challenges and How We Can Help
By Monica Marrow, Executive Director, What Makes You Feel Beautiful (WMYFB)
At What Makes You Feel Beautiful (WMYFB), we’re on a mission to create a nurturing environment for Maui’s youth, especially young women, to grow, heal, and thrive. Growing up on a small island like Maui comes with unique challenges, from geographic isolation to limited resources and economic pressures. Many of our young people face barriers that impact their education, mental health, and opportunities for the future. Our programs, MAUI GEMS and FLY - First Love Yourself, were created to support these youth as they navigate the challenges of island life, build resilience, and embrace self-worth.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
In a recent report, we highlighted some of the most pressing issues facing our community's youth, especially those from low-income families. From educational gaps and mental health struggles to the effects of isolation and a lack of access to resources, Maui’s young people often face steep barriers on their path to adulthood. Here’s a closer look at the challenges we address—and how you can help make a difference.
Understanding the Key Challenges for Maui’s Youth
Educational Gaps: Many youth from low-income backgrounds experience limited access to quality education. Overcrowded classrooms, fewer resources, and restricted extracurricular opportunities create an “achievement gap” that impacts their future careers and income potential.
Mental Health Struggles: Financial stressors, social exclusion, and stigma are part of everyday life for many young people here. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness are prevalent among youth, who often lack the support they need to manage these feelings.
Increased Risk of Teenage Pregnancy: For young women in low-income families, access to healthcare and family planning resources is limited, leading to a higher risk of unplanned pregnancies. Teenage parents, particularly those who lack support, face additional pressures that can disrupt their education and long-term financial stability.
Isolation and Limited Opportunities: Many young people on Maui experience a lack of opportunities that can lead to “brain drain”—as they often leave the island to find greater educational and career opportunities. This can leave the community without talented young voices to shape its future.
At WMYFB, we’re here to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. Through mentorship, mental health resources, and educational support, we strive to create a future where every young person on Maui feels capable, supported, and ready to shine.
How WMYFB Programs Make a Difference
Our MAUI GEMS and FLY programs are designed with these challenges in mind, focusing on the holistic support youth need to break cycles of poverty, isolation, and low self-worth.
Educational and Career Support: Through career readiness training and mentorship, MAUI GEMS helps youth gain essential skills and opens pathways to higher education and employment.
Mental Health Resources: We provide access to mental health workshops and counseling in both programs, equipping youth with the tools they need to manage stress and build resilience.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): FLY uses SEL to help youth develop self-awareness, relationship skills, and confidence. This foundation prepares them to face future challenges with courage and promotes a sense of self-love.
Family and Community Support: FLY also supports families, creating a stronger network of empathy, communication, and understanding that fosters growth for the entire family unit.
These initiatives are transforming lives, one young person at a time.
A Message from Monica Marrow, Executive Director
Dear WMYFB Community,
As we release this report, I am reminded of the strength, resilience, and potential of every young person we serve. At WMYFB, we see firsthand the challenges our youth face, and it’s our commitment to stand with them, offering hope, guidance, and the belief that their future is bright. But we can’t do this alone.
Your support—whether as a volunteer, donor, or community advocate—means that we can reach more young people, provide the resources they need, and build a Maui where every young person feels valued and empowered.
We believe that Maui’s youth deserve every opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make that vision a reality. Let’s continue to build a community where our young people feel beautiful, capable, and ready to shine. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With gratitude,
Monica Marrow
Executive Director, What Makes You Feel Beautiful (WMYFB)
Get Involved and Make a Difference
We invite you to join us in creating a better future for Maui’s youth. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our mission with others, your support goes a long way. Together, we’re building a community where every young person has the resources and encouragement to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
Contact Us to Learn More For more information on how you can support WMYFB, visit our website or contact us directly. Let’s work together to uplift Maui’s youth and empower them to reach their fullest potential.
For additional reports and insights, please visit the WMYFB.org homepage, scroll to the bottom, and select the link provided. https://www.wmyfb.org/wmyfbreports
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