Nonprofit organization helps families WIN

LIHU‘E — Women In Need, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families undergoing difficult circumstances, recently celebrated its one year anniversary on Kaua‘i.

“Women In Need is a very unique nonprofit that empowers families who have been through domestic violence, homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration,” said Mary Scott-Lau, executive director of Women In Need. “We take a holistic approach and work with the whole family.”

While the name suggests that women are the primary focus, everyone is invited to use their services; all of which are confidential.

“Our goal is to educate our clients on domestic violence in all its forms and what goes with it. Homelessness, substance abuse, child and family neglect,” said Kimberly Cummings, Kaua‘i program director for WIN, in a written statement. “We provide a safety net and network for which they can turn to for support and strength.” 

Cummings, a former Kaua‘i Drug Court graduate, brings her personal experience to the table and feels blessed that she has been given a second chance to do so.

“This is my way of giving back,” she said.

Scott-Lau is thankful to have Cummings on board, as she can relate to those undergoing the various programs and treatments which help individuals maintain a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Cummings teaches several classes for WIN, including Domestic Violence/Anger Management, Parenting and Basic Life Skills. 

“The good thing about the classes is they are totally free,” she said about the 16 weeklong courses.

Another service that Cummings provides is working with women from each of the two WIN structured transitional living homes, one of which is for women and children, the other for single women only. She assists them on a weekly basis, helping them “get back on track.”

Scott-Lau, who founded the organization 14 years ago on O‘ahu, has already seen  success in its services for men, women, children and teens on Kaua‘i.

“We help all situations,” said Scott-Lau. “We literally hold their hand and help get them back on their feet.”

“It’s really easy to be a drug addict on the streets, but it’s not easy to face up to what you’ve done and admit you need help,” she added.

According to WIN, substance abuse and domestic violence are two of the most critical issues facing Hawai‘i today and “usually go hand in hand.”  They also estimate that 4,000 women die each year as a result of domestic violence.

“There are people that are really down and out right now,” said Scott-Lau. “This is a hard economic time, so abuse rises and abuse in the work place even rises because people are afraid to lose their jobs.”

Staci, a Kaua‘i Drug Court and WIN client who continues to live at the Bridge II Success Transitional House run by Cummings, said she feels as though WIN provided her with a safe environment, according to a press release.

“If it wasn’t for the WIN Bridge II Success House on Kaua‘i, I don’t know where I’d be right now. Probably back in jail,” she said. “They have helped me so much. With domestic violence issues, relapse prevention and parenting. I’m proud to say I’m a better mom today and my baby is healthy and happy.”

Another success story comes from Michael, a WIN Domestic Violence client.

“If I never took the Domestic Violence/Anger Management class from WIN, I’d be stuck in the same cycle of abuse,” he said. “I learned there’s a better way. I can have a good life, a healthy life. I learned that it’s okay to get angry as long as I don’t get physical or explosive. Before I would hide my feelings of being angry until I would actually explode, but now I know it’s okay to express my anger by being honest and saying what I truly feel.”

Women In Need is at 2980 Haleko Road in Lihu‘e. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 245-1996. 

“If we’re not here to help, than what are here for?” said Scott-Lau.

• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com