Student could use help with next step

Ku‘uipo is a 17-year-old female. She and her two siblings are currently in foster care after their stepfather sexually assaulted her and her sister. In addition to this, the children have experienced exposure to domestic violence and neglect, and all three of the children are developmentally delayed and receive special services in school. Unfortunately, the children are in separate homes.

Over the last few months, Ku‘uipo has been having a particularly hard time because she rarely gets to see her siblings or friends due to the pandemic. Additionally, she is now in her third foster home since entering foster care, and is having a hard time adjusting to this new home. Ku‘uipo is a strong, insightful adolescent preparing to become an adult. She is working hard in school to graduate and hopes to move to the mainland for college.

This Christmas, Ku‘uipo would love to buy the snacks and food that she prefers and is not provided in her new foster home, and would love to save money for her move to the mainland.

Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help.

The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social-service agencies.

Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kauai.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766.