Kaiser Permanente Hawaii (No. 2 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) announced Dec. 12 that it will give four local nonprofits more than $188,000 in community benefit grants. The grants support Kaiser Permanente’s mission of total health by funding programs that improve the mental, physical and social well-being of Hawaii’s residents.
Get Fit Kauaireceived $68,550 to promote community health on Kauai. Get Fit Kauai will use the funding to support three key areas of focus: worksite wellness, safe school routes, and research and development of new health and safety programs. The grant will also support the Mayor-a-thon, a family-oriented event that includes walking, running and biking. More than 30,000 Kauai residents are expected to benefit directly from this initiative.
University of Hawaii Foundation The Hawaii Initiative for Childhood Obesity Research and Educationreceived $65,000 for the Hawaii 5210 Let’s Go program. HICORE will use its grant funds to develop and disseminate educational resources on topics related to early childhood health for families and early childhood care centers. The resources will focus on practical strategies that caregivers and early childcare centers can use to develop healthy lifestyles in children. This grant is expected to benefit 7,000 children and their families.
Hawaii Primary Care Associationreceived $29,500 for its Feel Good educational initiative. The program aims to develop resources and tools to raise awareness and encourage actions to prevent the onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes. These actions include healthy eating, physical activity and reducing stress. The program is expected to reach 100,000 adults and children through nine participating community health centers.
Catholic Charitiesreceived $25,000 for its counseling services and Ohana Time Visits program. Through these efforts, Catholic Charities provides counseling to individuals, couples and families in Hawaii to promote healthy relationships and reunify children with their biological parents. The Ohana Time Visits program provides case management services to nearly 250 families each year.
