YWCA Recipient of Grant, New Coat of Paint

The YWCA of Hawaii Island has received a $10,000 grant – and a new coat of paint on its preschool as well.

“Sweat equity” in the form of the paint job by the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay paved the way for the grant from the Harry & Jeannette Weinberg Foundation Friends Program.

The work project was part of the Weinberg Friends requirements for hands-on community service in order to earn the grant for the agency.

Rotarians worked for four hours on Saturday, Feb. 22, painting the Ululani Street preschool in warm vanilla and bright persimmon, the YWCA’s signature color.

“Preschool is expensive for many of our island families,” said Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of the YWCA, who noted that more than 70% of the families of the preschool students are at or below the federal poverty level.

“We intend to use the Weinberg grant money to help defray the cost for some families who need it, both for tuition assistance and for nutritious snacks,” McGilvray said.