YWCA of Hawaii Island

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YWCA of Hawaii Island

YWCA of Hawai'i Island is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA of Hawai'i Island is a not-for-profit membership organization and a partner United Way agency. YWCA Hawai'i Island is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The YWCA of Hawai'i Island first organized in Hilo in 1919 when a group of courageous women recognized the need for a women's organization and for programs geared pri

marily towards women and girls. From a very humble beginning with 14 women housed in a small cottage, the YWCA has expanded from the original residence in both activities and facilities. Throughout our history, the YWCA of Hawai'i Island has offered valuable programs and activities for the benefit of women, children and their families. The YWCA of Hawai'i Island was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1965. We provide services to Hawai'i families through Healthy Families, Islandwide S*x Assault Support Services and our Accredited Preschool in downtown Hilo. A partner agency of the Hawai'i Island United Way since 1979.

04/07/2026

YWCA’s Until Justice Just Is (UJJI) Challenge here! Our national invitation to learn and act for justice launched on Monday, April 6.

This year’s theme, Democracy in Progress: Voting Rights at 250, invites us to reflect on the generations who fought to expand access to the ballot—and to confront the real threats to voting rights happening right now as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

When you sign up, starting this week, you will receive 21 days of engaging, bite sized emails with articles, videos, and tangible action steps. Together, we’ll unpack the history of voting rights, examine how voter suppression harms communities, and identify practical ways each of us can help build a more inclusive democracy.

Whether you’re new to this work or deeply engaged already, UJJI is a powerful way to grow your understanding, take meaningful action, and stand in solidarity with people across the country who believe democracy only works when everyone can participate.

The Challenge is free and open to all.

Learn with us. Take action with us.

Register today at https://www.ywca.org/what-we-do/national-campaigns/until-justice-just-is

03/05/2026

FRONT PAGE NEWS! Our expansion plans, including a new Preschool facility, made the front page yesterday. Mahalo Tribune-Herald and reporter Stefan Verbano for sharing our good news with the community we strive to serve! Read the entire story on our website,https://www.ywcahawaiiisland.org/front-page-renovation-expansion-eyed-for-ywcas-hilo-campus/.

02/28/2026

Thanks for joining us in uplifting Black History month! To celebrate America's 250th anniversary we will be sharing more moments in YWCA history throughout the year, stay tuned!

02/24/2026

In the 1980s, the fight for fair voting rights was alive and urgent. YWCA continued to stand strong, championing the preservation of the Voting Rights Act and defending efforts to ensure everyone’s voice is heard in democracy. Change is a journey, and we’re in it together.

02/19/2026

In 1960 The Atlanta YWCA cafeteria became the first public dining space in the city to serve Black Americans, demonstrating concrete action.

02/15/2026

Imagine a time when women and girls of color needed a safe haven, a place to gather, learn, and grow. The Blue Triangle opened it first branch in Houston, Texas in 1918 during World War I and was sponsored by the National YWCA. It became that vital community space, empowering countless women to thrive and find their voice through campsites providing recreation for young girls of color.

02/08/2026

In alignment with State of Hawaiʻi and due to current severe weather conditions impacting Hawaiʻi Island, YWCA Preschool will be closed tomorrow Monday, February 9 to prioritize the safety of our children, families, and staff.

02/06/2026

This year we are celebrating Black History Month at YWCA of Hawaii Island with the inspiration from our history to change what we could not accept! Join us throughout the month as we highlight inspiring events from YWCA and stories that honor Black resilience, achievements, and hope.

01/29/2026

YWCA of Hawaii Island is honored to administer the highly effective Healthy Families program in East Hawaii. Our team of Aunties and staff work with scores of eligible client families with babies age 0-3 to ensure developmental progess, safe home environment, and connection to vital services. After three years, Keiki "graduate" ready for preschool and a new generation of healthy life patterns. Free. Confidential. No judgement.

01/09/2026

WOW WOW WOW! It's Aloha Friday and we're celebrating😃😍
Mahalo First Hawaiian Bank for your generous $25,000 contribution to our Building a Bright Future capital campaign! We're that much closer to funding Phase 1 of the campaign: the creation of a larger, modernized YWCA Preschool on our Ululani St. campus in downtown Hilo. Pictured: Dawn Hao DeMotta, YWCA President & Kathleen McGilvray, YWCA CEO with FHB superstars Anna Liu , Lara Sonoda , Chuck Erskine, and Joshua Vierra. It's amazing to see this community come together for our keikis' future.

Address

145 Ululani Street
Hilo, HI
96720

Telephone

+18089357141

Website

http://www.ywcahawaiiisland.org/

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