Modern ‘Ohana
From keiki to kupuna, WCC provides opportunities and activities for Honolulu residents, young and old.
Photo courtesy Waikiki Community Center, by Mary Moran
The tagline of the Waikiki Community Center (WCC) is “Caring for our keiki, kupuna and community,” and that is certainly what they do best.
Founded in 1978, the WCC is devoted to ensuring that the local community flourishes, regardless of age. WCC promises to protect the well-being of our kama‘aina and strengthen the community as a whole — something which became especially important at the peak of the pandemic.
By the numbers, they have helped 1.7 million people impacted by COVID-19 gain access to special rental assistance. They’ve also provided more than 8,900 help sessions to vulnerable seniors during a crisis. And in their 42 years of service and counting, they are now proud to offer an impressive 6,403 resources a month via their Virtual Community Center online.
“WCC continues to serve our community coming out of the pandemic,” shares Caroline Hayashi, WCC President. “As all of our programs are once again offering in-person services, and we have seen the ongoing needs in our community: from emergency food to case management assistance, to making meaningful connections with others.”
From leisure to necessity, WCC’s projects are diverse and deeply meaningful. One recent community project involved compiling toiletry packets for emergency food bank patrons. This year’s leisure activities have included poke-making with a chef and harvesting vegetables on a local farm. From classes and excursions, to activities and concerts, there is so much to learn and do, whether you be a senior or a tyke.
Kupuna are brought up to speed on the latest technology in tech-savvy se- niors-only training sessions—or kept in form with physical fitness classes
— while keiki enjoy beach clubs, butterfly gardens, and other outdoor activities. WCC even boasts a preschool program to help prepare your little one for kindergarten and beyond.
And Hayashi insists that all these offerings and activities are due to the immense support of community members like you: “Our generous supporters help us make a difference in the lives of our kupuna, keiki and community members in need.”
Members of the WCC are given access to program discounts and early-bird alerts, and at $40 annually, it offers affordable activities and local support to those going through tough times. Donating to the WCC helps our island continue to provide support to community members in need, as well as nurturing educational activities to flourish our island ‘ohana.
For more info or to join and/or donate, visit waikikicommunitycenter.org.
