Ginny Wright, a former resource caregiver (formerly referred to as a foster parent) for the Hawai`i Department of Human Services, was awarded, “Parent of the Year” at the 2011  SPIN Conference.   Ginny is a mother of five adopted children, two of whom have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).  Ginny has been a pioneer in bringing awareness to parents and professionals in the field of FASD. 

After unsuccessfully searching for FASD experts in Hawai`i to address the needs of her child, Ginny finally initiated a trip to Cedar Sinai Medical Center where her child was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).  Since then, Ginny has raised awareness and knowledge about FASD by bringing an FASD expert to her children’s schools which positively impacted her child’s situation at school as well as with other children.  She is a co-chair of Hawaii’s FASD Task Force, is a member of the SAMHSA Center for Excellence for FASD Native Expert Panel, is a field trainer for the Center, and is on the Planning Committee for the National Building FASD State Systems 2010 Conference.  She also volunteers her time by presenting her story at statewide FASD workshops.  Her dedication to improving the life of individuals with an FASD and their families in Hawaii is reflected in her decision to, on her own time and using her own resources, accompany the FASD specialist to the neighbor islands to provide training on FASD to professionals and families.  Her work at the Legislature has helped to bring FASD to the forefront and she continues to be engaged in bringing awareness for the needs of children with FASD.

We send a big MAHALO to Ginny for helping to  pave the path to a better future for many of Hawaii’s children.