2 Kauaʻi organizations awarded Hawaiian Telcom Bell Charitable Foundation grants

Two Kauaʻi organizations were recently uplifted by a total $30,000, each awarded Bell Charitable Foundation grants from Hawaiian Telcom.

Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges received $20,000 and Permanently Affordable Living — or PAL — Hawaiʻi was given $10,000 for its Beyond Housing program.

It is the mission of Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges to promote better understanding, appreciation and conservation of the natural history and environment of Kauaʻi’s national wildlife refuges and native Hawaiian ecosystems.

The Kīlauea-based nonprofit for more than 40 years has fostered educational, interpretive and scientific activities and projects for the benefit of the public and — most importantly — the wildlife of the Garden Isle.

“This generous grant from Hawaiian Telcom comes at a critical time for the Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges as we continue our focus on helping fund wildlife rehabilitation and scholarships that create opportunities for the next generation of conservationists,” Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges Executive Director Thomas Daubert said in a release announcing the grants. “Our partners are navigating an uncertain environment of reduced federal resources and funding, and this grant will help alleviate the impact and allow us to continue to focus on our core mission of protecting wildlife and the environment.”

Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin said her telecommunications company is proud to support Friends of Kaua‘i Wildlife Refuges, which she added plays such a critical role in protecting and preserving Kaua‘i’s ecosystem.

“The animals and their natural habitats are a source of inspiration to thousands of residents and visitors every year — and the work of Thomas and his team will inspire many for generations to come,” Shin said in the release.

PAL Hawai‘i’s Beyond Housing program provides stability and pathways to self-sufficiency for the nonprofit’s formerly houseless and low-moderate income tenants.

It helps tenants build necessary skills and gain needed resources to move toward self-sufficiency and homeownerxxship. The program includes financial literacy, life skills training and community engagement opportunities.

Anahola-based PAL Hawai‘i also helps tenants navigate various social services organizations.

Shin said the nonprofit is doing vital work to help community members who need it the most achieve lasting affordable living.

“PAL Hawai‘i operates with the belief that success is possible only when everybody works together and rows in the same direction,” PAL Hawai‘i Executive Director Larry Graff said in the announcement release. “That’s really what the Beyond Housing program is about — collaborating with other organizations in the community to help our residents achieve their goals.”

Shin added: “The Beyond Housing program is a terrific example of how the right investments in the right programs can create powerful and sustainable outcomes.”

Bell Charitable Foundation was launched in 2022 by Hawaiian Telcom’s parent company altafiber. Its mission is to support nonprofit organizations in areas where its companies provide service.

Bell Charitable Foundation to date has given more than a total of $300,000 in grants to Hawai‘i-based organizations.