Jaime A'ana was just 16 years old when drug abuse in her family tore her apart from her 2-year-old brother. The two siblings were removed from their home: She went to live with her grandmother, and he ended up in foster care.

It would be three long months before A'ana would see her brother again.

"It was really hard to not see him," said A'ana, now 23, of Kalihi. "For him to be gone, it was rough."

Stories like A'ana's strike a chord with Giovanna Neuman, 52, a Honolulu resident who — through sheer compassion — is dedicated to helping foster children. Neuman will host an all-women fundraiser, Giovanna's Goddess Gala, on Sunday at her home to benefit Project Visitation, a program that connects siblings separated by foster care. (See box)

"They are the future," Neuman said. "If these children are wounded, then society is wounded."

Neuman said she hopes the event not only raises money for the program, but also awareness of what foster children experience.

"Many people have no idea what it means to be a foster child and how traumatic it can be," she said.

Part of Family Programs Hawai'i, formerly Foster Family Programs of Hawai'i, the Project Visitation program was created in 2001 by the First Circuit Family Court and the state Department of Human Services. The program provides monthly visits and special events to siblings separated by the foster care system.

"It's so extremely important for these siblings to be able to spend quality time together in a nonthreatening way, in a fun way, in a relaxing way," said Liz Weske, a Project Visitation volunteer.

The program, which has an annual budget of about $171,000, is funded entirely through private contributions, said Connie Sizemore, development director of Family Programs Hawai'i.

About 75 percent of the program is funded by local grants from organizations including First Hawaiian Bank (its largest donor), Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association — Visitor Industry Charity Walk, and Friends of Hawaii Charities.

The remainder of funding comes from donations from individuals and companies. Local companies sponsor events that foster siblings and volunteers attend. Gift cards and gas cards are also donated from companies such as Tesoro for volunteers to use for program events.

"There's always a need (for donations), especially in this economy," said Sarah Fairchild Beaucage, a case assistant with Project Visitation.

A generous supporter and volunteer, Neuman and her family are covering all expenses to host the fundraiser, which includes a buffet lunch, live music by Simplicity, dancing, fashion show and silent auction. Neuman's event last year, its first year, raised nearly $11,000.

"The money is used specifically for the (children) who are separated to see each other," Neuman noted.

Project Visitation helped A'ana reconnect with her brother after their three-month separation. With the help of a Project Visitation volunteer, the siblings spent a fun-filled day together at Dave & Buster's, followed by a barbecue at the beach, A'ana said.

"It was very special," A'ana said, her eyes tearing up.

Today, A'ana is a volunteer for Project Visitation, hoping to help foster children the way she was helped. And as a mother of two little ones of her own, A'ana understands even more the importance of keeping siblings — and families — together.

A'ana, a customer service representative at a jewelry design center, encourages others to support the program — whether by attending the gala, making an individual donation or volunteering. Not having enough time to help should never be an excuse, A'ana noted.

"Anytime you positively impact another person's life, it's always worth your time," she said.