Affinity group Aloha United Way, known as Women United, awarded three grants this fall to nonprofits that serve women and women-led families. The chapter is part of a global group of more than 70,000 women dedicated to creating a world of opportunity by focusing on health, education and financial stability.
Dee Lim, President of AUW Women United, notes the importance of the investment for 2022.
“We are directly impacting the growth of women and families on Oahu. Families are fed, housed and supported to grow thanks to the grants provided. This is an investment that will pay off for generations to come,” Lim said.
The group’s signature fundraiser, Chocolate, Champagne, and Couture-for-a-Cause, returned in April 2022 after a two-year hiatus. Hundreds of women attended the fundraiser at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu in Ko’olina and raised funds to make these grants possible.
“We are extremely grateful to our members and the hundreds of women who supported the fundraiser last spring. The sense of camaraderie and hope in the room was palpable and the opportunity to present these awards comes full circle,” said Emmaly Calibraro, Vice President, Resource Development and Donor Relations.
The three nonprofit organizations are well known in the community, but the programs they fund vary significantly. Waimanalo Health Center receives $25,000 Improving access to healthy food and produce in rural, underserved areas of O’ahu. The program will allow the organization to expand access to existing WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) support and the existing Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which provides local produce and meal prep information for women, that are considered unsafe.
The Institute for Human Services The Holomua Na Wahine program received a $15,000 grant and aligns with Women United’s focus on education. The program empowers female employees to increase their economic mobility through post-secondary education and training.
“HIS frontline employees work every day to help our customers move forward in their lives. This grant also allows them to invest in their own successes. Additionally, the educational paths they typically choose, such as social work and counseling, are focused on helping people and giving back to our community,” said Jill Wright, IHS director of philanthropy and community relations.
The last scholarship for $25,000 was awarded to the Domestic Violence Action Center and serves to accommodate and care for three families and a total of nine children. These tools will transform their lives and create a stable path to recovery from the trauma of domestic violence.
For those in the community looking to impact their community through volunteerism and fundraising, Women United welcomes new members year-round. The group will hold its signature fundraiser on March 4, 2023 and will award grants again later this fall. Anyone with questions about Women United or the grants process can email [email protected] or visit auw.org/women-united.
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