Founded in 1989, the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui (FCJC), a private, non-profit corporation and non-partisan group of community and business leaders, have been steadfast in their concern for the social welfare of children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and severe neglect.  

Presently, the Friends work with 40+ other agencies to support needs requests for children that are starting or in the process of healing. Some needs are as simple as basic hygiene and clothing, while others include the safe and nurturing facility where suspected victims of child sexual abuse and extreme physical abuse are brought. 

Since the organization’s leadership transition announcement in March 2026, Danielle (Dani) Egeberg, the incoming FCJC Executive Director, is following in the footsteps of outgoing director, Paul Tonnessen. Like Tonnessen, Egeberg is committed to supporting the healing journey of every child who walks through the FCJC doors. 

“I plan to lead the FCJC with my heart and passion for the next generation and to support the healing of the most vulnerable, while working on prevention to create a safer future for our keiki,” Egeberg said. “Having worked with Child Welfare Services for 11+ years, I have collaborated with many different agencies and service providers; connections and resources that will support the children and families. Plus, I believe we can create even more prevention movements. FCJC has a Board of Directors and subcommittees, one of which is dedicated to prevention and community awareness, working on education and training programs for the community that could make a long-lasting impact.” 

She continued, “We strive to educate children and adults about child abuse by participating in community events and producing and distributing related materials. We have a webpage, www.mauicjc.org, that has a prevention page with Maui County contact resources. There is also a drop-down menu that has a few videos to watch along with trainings. Financial support is always welcome. FCJC runs on the generosity or our donors and grants. It takes a village to prevent abuse and neglect from ever happening, and to be here for our keiki if it does. Children need to be heard, and they need to know that someone sees them, hears them, and will support and fight for them.”