Part of the campaign plans includes the building of “a new preschool, a reimagined multipurpose building and a small housing complex with 10 units” to support vulnerable women and their families.
HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — A $21 million campaign was launched at the YWCA of Hawaii Island to transform its historic 1.4-acre downtown campus to benefit Hawaii County residents.
The “Building a Bright Future for our Keiki, Families and Community” program aims to enhance programs such as the YWCA Preschool, Healthy Families and Sexual Assault Support Services.
Part of the campaign plans includes building “a new preschool, a reimagined multipurpose building and a small housing complex with 10 units” to support vulnerable women and their families.
Phase one calls for building the $6 million YWCA Preschool, which will replace the current structure that was originally built in 1926.
“YWCA will create a modern early childhood education campus featuring four dedicated classrooms for children ages 2 to 5, shaded outdoor play areas, covered walkways and a commercial kitchen,” officials stated in a press release.
Currently, the YWCA Preschool is at capacity serving 90 students and has a full waitlist. The new school will allow up to 130 students to be enrolled in school, a 45% increase.
“We had less than one-third of the population we have today. We need to build for a brighter future which means taking care of our next generation, the keiki,” explained Senator Tim Richards, Building a Brighter Future Chair.
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Richards announced the campaign has already raised $2.8 million for the project. The preschool is expected to be completed by summer 2026.