The YWCA of Kauai has served the community since 1921 and we are very excited about recent changes that will benefit our island. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for
The YWCA of Kauai has served the community since 1921 and we are very excited about recent changes that will benefit our island.
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Some of the past programs have included craft and fitness classes.
However, with ongoing crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault and their traumatic effects on women and children, our work now focuses on ending violence in our community. The YWCA’s focus is on three areas: Crisis response and victims support, counseling treatment and prevention.
YWCA crisis staff and advocates work 24 hours a day, year-round to serve the victims/survivors in their greatest time of need. Services include hotlines, in person crisis counseling and a family violence shelter where safety is the priority.
Treatment programs provide counseling addressing the effects of violence and general counseling for individuals, couples and families who are seeking help for other challenges they may be experiencing.
The YWCA also provides specialized treatment for batterers and sex offenders. These programs are designed for participants to lead violence-free lives and to prevent reoffenses.
The prevention programs raise community awareness, educate youth, help adults and youth learn skills and tools needed to make lifelong positive choices. Programs include school presentations, after-school programs, community events and training opportunities.
The recent grand opening of the Women’s Center on Hardy Street solidifies the future of the YWCA and as a result we are very excited that we are now poised to serve future generations.
As a nonprofit agency, we will soon expand our prevention work in the Women’s Center with new classes and workshops that encourage the economic empowerment of women and girls. Feel free to take a tour of the Women’s Center and stop by Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mahalo to everyone who contributed their time, money and other support for this important Center dedicated to serving women.
In April, the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes International Men’s March to stop rape, sexual assault and gender violence will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kukui Grove Center. This free event is also co-sponsored by the PAU Violence Kauai. And, in May will be the 4th Na Wahine Alaka`I O Kauai Annual Women’s Leadership Awards honoring the accomplishments of Kauai women. Nominate a deserving woman today at ywcakauai.org. The deadline is March 21. Don’t forget to also make your reservations early.
For more information about the YWCA programs or events, please feel free to contact me, Renae Hamilton, executive director at 245-5959. Mahalo Kauai for 93 wonderful years of serving our community!
