Today was a good day at Ulu Wini housing. Kids were enjoying the weather while playing baseball on the grass, families were hanging out and talking story, and YWAM was here to play with the young keiki! It felt so good to “see” all the smiling faces. I want to send a big mahalo to all of you.
We survived on-line education, on-property covid testing and vaccinations, health challenges and unemployment needs. Our staff came in to work every day and faced their own fears of covid and survived. They never took a break and never complained. I am so fortunate to work with such a committed team.
We want to thank all of our partners beginning with Alpha Delta Kappa and Sharon Skibby, this amazing group of teachers made sure that our children had something for every holiday, they never forgot us. Kaloko Lions Club, Big Island Collision Center and Dixon Construction for providing gifts and food every Christmas holiday. To Mercy Worldwide who also made sure our kids were not forgotten during the holidays. To St. Michaels Church for providing healthy fruit and vegetables every week, they never stop giving! To Kathy Peters, Linda Stanek, Nancy Fann and Makalei Golf Course for raising funds for our Domestic Violence Program. Unfortunately, we needed these funds more than ever this past year.
To Kona Sunrise Rotary, the Keiki Closet and Bev and Mike Fraser for supporting the birthday bash that provided much needed clothing, haircuts and make-overs for our domestic violence program participants in honor of Hailee, we appreciate you.
There were many more donations and support throughout this time and we are deeply grateful. It affirms what our tenants at Ulu Wini know, that we live in a special place and that our community truly cares, even during a pandemic!
We are looking forward to opening up our programs again and welcoming volunteers back on property to help with Feed & Read, tutoring and homework and holiday fun. We have missed you! Contact me at Ulu Wini if you are interested in helping! We are open to new ideas and projects. Especially things focused on health!
From the bottom of our hearts we give thanks to all of you who care about us.
Looking forward to the future!
Toni Symons is program director at Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini in Kailua-Kona.