2024 Malia Silva-Duarte Employee Giving Program
Learn more about the organizations that Foundation staff have chosen for this year’s Employee Giving Program — and the story behind their selections — below.
To find out more about the Weinberg Foundation’s work, visit the Grants page.
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Purpose:
To support this organization’s community programs, which aim to improve the health of people with disabilities through beach access and adaptive water sports.
Why I chose this organization:
AccesSurf Hawaii’s mission deeply resonates with my belief in the transformative power of ocean healing. I live on an island surrounded by the most beautiful beaches, and it would be unfortunate if I could only view them from a distance. AccesSurf's mission also directly connects with my belief that everyone can enjoy a day at the beach regardless of disability, age, gender, or financial or ethnic background. By contributing to this cause, I am actively participating in building a stronger and more resilient community, one person at a time.
Purpose:
To support the general operations of this organization, which uses counseling and therapy techniques to reduce violence and increase educational and career opportunities for youth.
Why I chose this organization:
I selected Adult Friends for Youth because of its work serving youth who are at risk for incarceration, unemployment, and homelessness. For every student served, there are a variety of positive outcomes for both that individual and the larger community, including improved community safety and family and friend relationships, as well as reduced law enforcement interventions and crime. It is clear that the students respect and trust the counselors and staff and that this organization has created an environment where all the kids are accepted and loved.
Purpose:
To support the care and services provided by this chapter to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Why I chose this organization:
In February, my wife and I attended a caregiver support group hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Aloha chapter, where we obtained resource materials and suggestions for dealing with my mother-in-law’s battle against Alzheimer’s. The director of programs for the Aloha chapter personally reached out to us, ensured our comfort about attending the meeting, and followed up professionally and caringly to address any further questions. I will continue to seek help from this organization as my mother-in-law’s disease progresses. It’s nice to have the opportunity to give back to this outstanding organization.
Purpose:
To support the general operations of this organization, which provides a safe, positive after-school environment for youth that includes mentoring, youth development programs, tutoring, sports, and summer programs.
Why I chose this organization:
The after-school hours are a critical time for youth, when many are without adult guidance. The Windward Clubhouse provides a safe and fun environment for youth in the Kailua community who need a place to go. It has been a lifesaver to me as a working parent with a spouse who works a 48-hour shift. Both of my sons have been members of the Windward Clubhouse, which has provided a safe place to hang out with friends, work on homework, get affordable healthy snacks, and explore recreational activities.
Purpose:
To support the general operations of this organization, which provides out-of-school-time programs focused on academics, health and wellness, workforce readiness, leadership development, and recreational activities for youth ages 8–18.
Why I chose this organization:
In a lot of the volunteer work I do, I often choose to volunteer with children. I care deeply for the children and the future of the Hawaiian community, as it is my home, and those children are my community. I am so passionate about helping where I can to start kids and teens on the right track when it is most powerful and giving them genuine love and support, especially when it might be lacking in their lives. Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui does a phenomenal job of both.
Purpose:
To support the general operations of this organization, which provides leadership training and paid work-based learning opportunities to high school students.
Why I chose this organization:
Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders puts young people at the center of its work and supports them in envisioning and actualizing how they might lead a successful career and life. I appreciate how the organization connects youth with recent graduates and young professionals in their careers of interest, allowing them to explore different college and career paths and build relationships with people from similar backgrounds who are early in their careers — opportunities I would have appreciated when I was younger. I also am inspired by this organization’s commitment to increasing educational work-based learning opportunities for as many young people as possible.
