3 days ago
Nonprofits join to serve community at Opportunity Center in Kakaako
Two Hawaii nonprofits celebrated a new partnership serving children and adults on a shared site in Kakaako.
Goodwill Hawaii and Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai 'i on Friday announced their recently opened Opportunity Center after hosting a Hawaiian blessing for the property, which they bought in December for $6.3 million from Hawaii State Federal Credit Union.
The property bordering South and Halekauwila streets along with Quinn Lane includes office space, classrooms and large multipurpose rooms where Goodwill plans to run programs for at-risk youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, while BBBS runs its youth mentoring programs.
Goodwill also is using part of the property, which includes about 14, 000 square feet of interior space and a parking lot, for executive and administrative staff.
'We are excited to mark this next chapter for Goodwill Hawaii with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Hawaii and grateful for all of the companies and community members who helped to make it possible, ' Bob Fricke, Goodwill Hawaii board chair, said in a news release.
Jared Kashiwabara, BBBS board chair, said the new space will allow for enhanced services that reach more people.
'This new space is more than just a brick and mortar, ' he said in the release. 'It symbolizes the culmination of our efforts and unwavering commitment to better serve our keiki and their families.'
BBBS connects youth with caring mentors who help build confidence, skills and new pathways for the children they serve.
Tyler Kurashige, BBBS president and CEO, said the new Opportunity Center reflects the heart of the organization's mission.
'This blessing marks the beginning of a new chapter rooted in shared purpose and community impact, ' he said in the release.
Goodwill serves more than 7, 000 people annually at facilities on all major islands. The nonprofit also operates thrift stores that help generate revenue for program operations.
'When people think of Goodwill, we want them to know that not only are we a thrift store and donation center, but that we're also helping some of our most vulnerable residents to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient, ' Katy Chen, Goodwill president and CEO, said in the release. 'This new campus further strengthens our commitment to uplifting the community thru the power of work.'
