After experiencing houselessness and addiction, Gerry Crespo never imagined becoming a counselor. However, in May 2025, he earned his Certificate of Competence in Substance Use Disorders (COSUDS) Counseling at Leeward Community College’s Waiʻanae Moku education center—and now works full-time for Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services.
“It’s one of the most rewarding professions,” said Crespo. “I feel extraordinarily fulfilled whenever I witness someone achieve recovery and transform their life.”
Crespo is one of 10 recent graduates of the COSUDS program, and among the eight who received an award and support from the Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute (HBHTI), which was created to support individuals from across the state seeking careers as substance use disorders counselors. Crespo’s grant helped to cover his rent and bill payments.
“This program enables you to transform lives, including your own,” he said.
“This program fills a vital gap in our community,” said Gwen Williams, co-principal investigator of HBHTI and coordinator of Leeward CC’s COSUDS Counseling program. “We’ve seen how tuition coverage and stipends make education possible for individuals who might otherwise never have this opportunity. If our grant is renewed, we hope to continue supporting those ready to serve Hawaiʻi in one of its most urgent workforce needs.”
Leveling up
HBHTI has included the Level 1 COSUDS program at Leeward CC and a Level 2 apprenticeship coordinated by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health, Department of Social Work. Apprentices work at state-registered treatment sites as they pursue certified substance abuse counselor (CSAC) credentials. A four-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration has helped to provide tuition assistance, stipends during fieldwork experiences, and stipends for apprenticeships. An award for tuition is expected to be available for one more year for qualified candidates.
Like Crespo, Edmond Pulu Jr. entered the program with a history of addiction—and a desire to change his life.
“HBHTI has been life-changing. Coming from addiction, incarceration and having to start over with nothing, the program gave me more than training—it gave me a second chance,” said Pulu Jr.
Now a CSAC at Kokua Support Services, he facilitates group sessions, mentors clients and supports Chuukese individuals in recovery. He earned degrees from Leeward CC and UH West Oʻahu and is completing his Master of Social Work at UH Mānoa.
“What drives me is knowing every client I serve could’ve been me,” Pulu Jr. said.
For current UH students interested in enrolling in the COSUDS program, contact gwenw@hawaii.edu or HBHTI at hawaii.edu/hbhti.
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 1 M01HP42453‐01‐00, Hawaiʻi Behavioral Health Training Institute, totaling $2,216,000, with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.
