TOGETHER, WE ACHIEVE, BELONG AND THRIVE!
Aloha Friends,
Mahalo for being a part of our YMCA ‘ohana. We are grateful for your support and excited to share the impact of our work in 2023.
Together, we achieve, belong, and thrive! Research shows that achieving goals, building meaningful relationships, and finding a sense of belonging are essential for personal growth and well-being. At our Y, these fundamentals come to life for all ages, abilities, and circumstances, strengthening our community.
Our YMCA remains relevant and responsive to community challenges, like the Maui wildfires and the teen mental health crisis mentioned in this report. The Y ensures no one feels alone.
Inclusive memberships and programs promote equity and connect individuals to essential resources needed to thrive. From fitness classes to skill-building and educational programs, our Y supports every journey to success.
Our preschools nurture lifelong learning and social connection so keiki can make friends and prepare for kindergarten. Youth programs provide a safe and supportive environment where children and teens can explore interests, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.
Y summer camps foster achievement and belonging. Each year, thousands of children and teens share experiences, overcome challenges, and create lasting memories. These camps encourage every child to be themselves, strive for personal growth, and support one another.
For at-risk teens, our Y offers refuge and opportunity. This year, over 700 teens received free ‘Opio Memberships, others attended College Camp, and others received help for their mental health or substance abuse. With mentorship, support, and a safe environment, our Y helps teens change the trajectory of their lives.
Our health and wellness programs foster physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as you’ll find in the story about Carmael, who battled cancer. From exercise classes to programs for arthritis and other chronic conditions, individuals achieve their health goals feeling supported and included. Our stories about Joanne and Ed illustrate how our kuˉpuna programs help seniors stay active, engaged, and connected, combating the isolation many older adults face.
Thanks to the financial support provided by many of you, all programs and services are accessible to everyone. The impact of your generosity is evident in every story of achievement, friendship, and belonging.
Together, we are creating a community where everyone can achieve, belong, and thrive.
GRED WAIBEL
President & CEO
ANDREW ROSEN
Chair
Board of Directors
Helping Keiki Thrive
Every child deserves opportunities to reach their full potential. From toddlers to keiki, the Y provides safe places for children to develop connections, interests, skills, and talents, and become their best selves through preschools, early learning, and afterschool programs.
YMCA Pali Nu‘uanu Preschool
With a single income and rising childcare rates, “Kay” was thankful when the YMCA Pali Nu‘uanu Preschool offered financial aid and openings for her two- and four-year-old children. “This took a heavy load off my shoulders, and I am so appreciative that my children can go to school without worry. They look forward to preschool each day and excitedly talk about their teachers and the new things they are learning.”
Healthier Families = Healthier Children: A Single Mother’s Story
As a single mom stuck in an unhealthy relationship, Keitha sought a better life for herself and her daughter, Christa. “The Y has really positive people,” said Keitha, “It’s like a second family.” With most of her paycheck going to essentials like rent and food, the Y provided financial aid. “By myself, I wouldn’t have been able to afford a membership or childcare,” said Keitha. Now, young Christa can attend day camps that help her learn and grow while giving Keitha the time she needs to get healthy and earn a living for her family. “The Y has put us in a really good spot,” said Keitha, “I know that we have a bright future ahead of us.” Learn more about Keitha and Christa's story in this video.
Teens: Finding Themselves, their Potential, & Community
The Y gives teens opportunities to explore their strengths, challenges, and the world around them. A free summer Y membership opens doors to fitness and friends. The Y's mentorship and leadership programs help young people find their purpose, while our mental health programs nurture resilience in teens and identify those who need extra help.
Junior Leaders
The Y’s Junior Leader Program connects young people ages 13-18 with adult mentors and the opportunity to intern in our Summer Day Camps to develop their leadership potential while fostering a culture of service.
‘Opio Summer Memberships Keep Teens Engaged
In 2023, 745 teens enrolled in the ‘Opio Free Teen Summer Membership program, funded by the David C. Ai Charitable Trust for the third summer in a row. Making the Y available at no charge over the summer months helps keep teens active and engaged in a safe setting and out of trouble. Survey responses from these participants confirm the program does just that:
- 93% said they became more physically active.
- 86% said they gained new knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.
- 88% said their membership helped them stay away from drugs and alcohol or other unhealthy behaviors.
Luca: Embracing his Future with the Y’s Support
Luca is a little nervous—but in a good way. Luca, set to graduate from Farrington High School in spring 2024, is eagerly looking ahead to his journey from his hometown of Kalihi to Emmanuel College in Boston and an exciting future.
Just two years ago, Luca was unsure if college was an option due to finances and a lack of clarity about what he could or wanted to achieve. However, attending the YMCA College Camp changed everything.
The camp, a week-long experience in the UH dorms, offers underserved teens leadership and college-access resources, fostering their educational aspirations. Luca also formed lifelong connections with other campers and adult mentors who are currently college students themselves. Now, Luca is on his way to becoming a pediatric nurse - his journey exemplifies the life-changing impact of the Y’s programs.
Class of 2023 College Camp
Students who participated in our Y’s 2023 College Camp learned more about the college experience and resources available to help them pursue higher education. Here’s a video of their experience.
Health & Well-Being: Mind, Spirit & Body
The Y is committed to serving individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering health and well-being in mind, spirit, and body. In 2023, we supported 13,759 members and expanded access by launching the Y360 virtual platform, offering over 1,500 online exercise and wellness classes available 24/7. Our holistic community challenges engaged many more, and our corporate partnership program supported employees. Surveys showed that 94% of members felt the Y aided in achieving their goals, with 84% forming new friendships.
The Y Offers a Place to Heal
The Y can give people facing life’s toughest challenges the chance to recharge their body, mind, and spirit. While raising her kids as a single parent in Kalihi, Carmael had always relied on the Y. So when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she turned to the Y. “I told my kids that should I die, there were friends who would help them,” said Carmael, “And one of those friends was the Y.”
Undeterred by the illness, Carmael’s son Aissea helped her stay fit on the treadmill. And to steady her mind and spirit, she enrolled in Tai Chi. “Before the mastectomy, my classmates sent me a card, and when I lost my hair, a crocheted beanie,” said Carmael, “That really touched me.” Now in remission, Carmael rebuilds her strength at the Y, working out with sons Esaias and Aissea, while daughter Adeline enjoys Day Camp. “Mom, we got this,” is what her kids tell her. Learn more about Carmael’s story in this video.
Kūpuna
Kūpuna: Living Life to the Fullest
Keeping active, having good nutrition, and engaging in social engagement contribute to health at any age, but especially as we grow older. That’s why the Y offers programs for our kūpuna that influence these health determinants. In fact, our Y is the largest provider of kūpuna programming on Oahu. For example, our Kūpuna Food & Fun program provides camaraderie along with lunch, tai chi classes help prevent falls and manage arthritis, and kūpuna learn digital literacy through Kūpuna Connect. These are just a few of many kūpuna-focused activities.
A Joyful Welcome Helps Defeat the Blues
It is more than programs and activities that make the Kaimukï-Wai‘alae Y special. The warm embrace of the staff and the inclusive atmosphere transcend backgrounds. It’s where a joyful greeting can be a lifeline. Knowing only her cousin, Joanne felt alone after moving to ‘Oahu for health reasons. She joined the Y, but within a few months, the pandemic brought everything to a standstill, and Joanne felt even more isolated.
When the Y reopened, Joanne returned and found friendships and community. She participates in the Kūpuna Program, where seniors share meals and socialize “The Kūpuna Food & Fun Program really helps my mental health. It gets me out of bed and gets me here.”
Joanne also benefits from the free kūpuna meals, which provide her with essential nutrition, including much-needed protein. She swims, rides a stationary bike, and practices tai chi. The exercise helps her feel better mentally and physically and improves her balance.
Thanks to the Y, Joanne found a place where she belongs.
Community: Meeting Critical Needs – Together
From raising more than $1 million each year to community-focused programs here and abroad, we engage others to join us in giving back, providing support to our neighbors in need, and inspiring action in our communities.
The Maui Wildfires: Responding to neighbors in need
The Maui wildfires devastated our community, leaving us grieving the tremendous loss of life and property. The YMCA is committed to addressing our community’s most urgent needs, and on O‘ahu, our members, participants, and staff were eager to help. The Maui Family Y was on the front lines, providing shelter for first responders, childcare for displaced families, 24/7 access to showers and critical support for victims. We mobilized our network, reaching over 50,000 people through our newsletters and on-site postings, encouraging direct contributions to the Maui Family Y Wildfire Relief Fund. Additionally, the YMCA of Honolulu development office received $32,000 in donations, including one from Hiroshima, to support Maui. Through these efforts, we stood together, supporting our neighbors in their time of need.
Houseless but Not Hopeless
This year marked the 5-year anniversary of the Windward Houseless Care program. Since January 2018, our Windward Y, alongside other service organizations and volunteers, has provided free showers, toiletries, clothes, hot meals, and health and social resources to houseless community members each month.
One regular attendee appreciates having all services in one place, including bus passes, legal aid, and welfare assistance, and is grateful for the volunteers’ aloha. “Sometimes, just a hug, a meal, or a bottle of water makes a world of difference.”
John, a former regular, no longer needs the program's supplies.
He first arrived with long hair sticking out of his helmet and riding a dilapidated moped. Over time, John made friends, got fresh haircuts, and picked up supplies. When recovering from major back surgery, staff would send supplies and snacks. Once healed, his life improved with better employment. This spring, John stopped by to say hello, surprising everyone with his upgrade from a moped to a car!
Meeting Needs and Raising Spirits.
For the third year, our Kaimukï-Wai‘alae Y, with support from HomeStreet Bank, has distributed holiday food boxes to Palolo Homes residents. The boxes included 20 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, Spam, ramen, kids’ clothing, toys, books, and toiletries, helping residents meet their needs and enjoy the season. See news coverage of this holiday tradition.
Addressing Teen Mental Health – a Public Health Crisis
Youth today face unprecedented mental health challenges. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called this the defining public health crisis of our time, acknowledging the YMCA’s crucial role in addressing it with our extensive reach and resources.
Since the 1960s, the YMCA of Honolulu has provided outreach to prevent gang involvement, substance abuse, and truancy. Currently, we serve 25 middle and high schools on O‘ahu and Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i.
Building on this experience, and with funding from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) and our Hawai‘i Congressional delegation, we launched a new mental health initiative to enhance teen resiliency in 2023.
This initiative focuses on stress management, social connection, and physical wellness while providing intervention support for teens who need more individualized guidance. The teen intervention program began in October thanks to a federal earmark from Hawai‘i U.S. Representative Ed Case and supports 11 schools, screening and aiding hundreds of teens. Here’s what some of our participants have shared about their experiences.
“Before the Y, I was in a very bad space and I kept to myself, but after I’ve been coming more often with my friends, it made me feel better about myself. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone.”
“This program is helping me because it helps me with distractions and helps me with learning how to socialize. Today, I made a new friend. Yippee!”
“I learned just to embrace things in the moment. Whatever you dealt with in the past it’s just a moment you will leave in the past. I learned to be grounded.”
Wai‘anae is Covered!
The Kosasa Family Youth Program Building at the Wai‘anae Coast YMCA provides vital programs and safe spaces for teens to thrive. In 2023, we enhanced this facility with a new Sports Center Shade Structure, funded by the James and Abigail Campbell Family Foundation and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. This new addition protects the outdoor court users from the sun and rain. Wai‘anae young people and families are enjoying the upgraded facility.
YMCA Camp H.R. Erdman Community Day
Each spring, hundreds of families enjoy a free day at Camp H.R. Erdman’s Community Day, experiencing the best of camp from ropes course, archery, fireside cooking, and more, while discovering the benefits of camp and outdoor adventure. Watch the fun in this video.
Healthy Kids Day
The Y celebrates Healthy Kids Days at every Y location to give children an opportunity to have fun with their families and learn how nutrition and exercise play key roles in health. This free event features games, healthy food, and community booths that entertain and educate. See Healthy Kids Day in action in this video.
College Student Service Trips
College students experienced an intensive week-long YMCA community service-learning program in the Philippines that introduced them to diverse communities and an array of important social issues. This year, they focused on building classrooms in Palawan. Past projects included restoring and improving a school, health clinics, and birthing clinics. This is one of several service opportunities offered by the Y, including week-long conservation and social service trips to Moloka‘i and Hawai`i Island.
