YWCA of Kaua’i is ready to accept applications from women who may need financial assistance for childcare expenses as they return to work, enter school or begin a training program. Through a collaboration with Outfitters Kaua’i, an island bicycle and
YWCA of Kaua’i is ready to accept applications from women who may need
financial assistance for childcare expenses as they return to work, enter
school or begin a training program.
Through a collaboration with Outfitters
Kaua’i, an island bicycle and kayak tour company in Po’ipu, the program is
targeting single mothers who may be victims of domestic violence, especially
those from the Niumalu area.
Since Outfitters does lots of business in the
Niumalu area, owners Rick and Julie Haviland wanted to give back to that
community, said Nancy Peterson, program director for YWCA’s Family Violence
Shelter.
The temporary assistance, though, is available to women from all
parts of the island, Peterson said.
“We’re trying to empower women to stand
on their own two feet, do it on their own,” she said. “We’re giving them a hand
up.”
Na Makuahine Kila Kila, which means “strong, proud mothers” in
Hawaiian, is the name of the program.
Peterson and Rick Haviland worked
together to develop eligibility criteria for the funding. Criteria includes
history as a victim of domestic violence, income level, reason for the need, as
well as the person’s possible eligibility for other assistance.
Priority
for funding will also be based on marital status, with single mothers receiving
priority.
As well as providing an ongoing scholarship, the Havilands have
created an endowment fund, which Peterson hopes to build upon as a source of
childcare assistance that isn’t reliant on government funding.
“The high
cost of quality childcare prevents some mothers from becoming independent of
public assistance,” Peterson said. “This is a wonderful program that will
provide dual benefits. Mothers in transition will get help, and their children
will get the benefit of daycare in a stable environment from trained
providers.
“We would welcome additional donations from anyone who’d like to
help us build this program.”
The program is a way to help “single mothers
who are getting on their feet through employment or training, and also trying
to get off of government assistance,” said Judy Haviland, who once worked for
YWCA. “We want this project to provide short-term financial assistance to help
single mothers in transition.”
The program will have a step-down process
before the final termination of assistance.
Staff writer Paul C.
Curtis can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) and [
HREF=”mailto:pcurtis@pulitzer.net”>pcurtis@pulitzer.net]
How to
apply
Those interested in applying for the assistance should go to the YWCA
of Kaua’i main office at 3094 ‘Elua St. in Lihu’e, near the Kaua’i Community
Federal Credit Union.
After completing a short application, mothers will be
contacted by Nancy Peterson, program director for YWCA’s Family Violence
Shelter, for an interview.
Additional information is available from
Peterson at 245-8404. Those interested in applying for the assistance should go
to the YWCA of Kaua’i main office at 3094 ‘Elua St. in Lihu’e, near the Kaua’i
Community Federal Credit Union.
After completing a short application,
mothers will be contacted by Nancy Peterson, program director for YWCA’s Family
Violence Shelter, for an interview.
Additional information is available
from Peterson at 245-8404
