YWCA of Oʻahu - $80,000
Awarded 11/9/2023
Phase 3
Founded in 1942, YWCA of Oʻahu is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. It has expanded its services to Maui, offering Adult & Youth Leadership Development, Workforce Recovery, Economic Advancement, and Youth Leadership programs. It also oversees the Take a Kid Fishing (TKF) program, a free ocean stewardship and mentorship program for Maui youth ages 7-12 from Lahaina and West Maui. The program was sponsored by the West Maui Sports and Fishing Supply company, which lost its storefront in the Lahaina Fires. TKF is held on Saturdays at D.T. Fleming Beach Park, with permission from the County of Maui, offering a four-hour program that includes traditional oli, beach cleanup, introduction to fishing and fishing supplies, fish identification, knot tying, introduction to snorkeling and free diving, reef awareness, breathing techniques, arts and crafts, and education in resource management and environmental stewardship. All participating youth come from families affected by the fires, having lost family members, homes, schools, jobs, or businesses. Funding supports personnel costs, travel, program supplies, fishing equipment, contracted instructors, and other direct costs.