Aloha all,
Have you ever found yourself wandering in downtown Honolulu, looking for things to do, places to see, or people to meet? On 1040 Richards Street, tucked away, lies an old building, YWCA O’ahu Laniākea center- which stands as a safe haven for women to gather and find community. Founded in Hawai’i in 1950, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women through any stage of transition in their life.
Walking into the YWCA, Laniākea, meaning ‘open skies’ or ‘wide horizons’ in Hawaiian, greets those with exactly that feeling. The lobby is open door facility with greenery, tropical flare and walls decorated with murals and art created by local artists (picture 1). The interior of the building is an open air, atrium with a community pool, and garden, offering a peaceful treatment for women to relax, reflect and grow. (picture 2).
YWCA O’ahu is a wonderful program designed to help women gain independence and stability. The organization is mainly volunteer driven, offering support to over 500 women each year within their three programs to provide success:
- Dress for Success Boutique – A secondhand clothing program that provides women with professional attire for job interviews and internships. Clothing donations come from the community and designers, ensuring women have access to choose the door they want to achieve their dreams.
- The Bella Project – A community driven collection of prom dresses, to then distribute to local high schools on the island, making special occasions available to all
- Fernhurst – A transitional housing program that provides safe, affordable living for various life stages. Including meal services, financial planning assistance and loving support to ultimately help women get back on their feet.
Unfortunately, despite their impact, YWCA O’ahu faces challenges with securing funding. With a decreasing federal and state support for non-profit organizations, maintaining staff has become difficult.
For college student looking to make a different, YWCA O’ahu offers plenty of opportunities to give back. Whether it’s volunteering at the Dress for Success Boutique, donating professional attire, or supporting community events, every effort helps sustain these essential programs for the people of Hawai’i! And- they’re always looking for interns, so stop by and check out the YWCA O’ahu Laniākea, the next time you’re on a stroll in the downtown area.
Mahalo for tuning in this week,
Bronwyn
