Hale Kipa Inc. has received a $452,500 grant from the Hauoli Mau Loa Foundation to support the nonprofit’s work throughout Hawaii.

“Hauoli Mau Loa Foundation’s commitment to unrestricted funding of Hale Kipa’s operations is a blessing,” said Punky Pletan-Cross, chief executive officer of Hale Kipa. “We are so grateful for the continued support of these critical services.”

Hale Kipa specializes in working with at-risk youth and their families, and has served more than 40,000 youth since beginning in 1970 as a single group home on Oahu. Today, it has 19 locations on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

HONOLULU NAMED ONE OF 100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The Department of Community Services announced today that the City and County of Honolulu has been named one of 100 Best Communities For Young People by the 2011 America’s Promise Alliance.  ING will present the award to Mayor Peter Carlisle on Thursday, March 1, at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.

The America’s Promise Alliance competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and creating brighter futures for young people.  Honolulu was acknowledged for its initiatives to help young people. 

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said, “I am very proud of this national recognition.  It highlights the hard work of many community members who have dedicated their time to making a difference in the lives of our young people, and demonstrates our commitment to local young people.” 

This is the fourth such award for Honolulu. Other winning years were 2006, 2008, and 2010.  Honolulu competed with more than 300 communities from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for this honor.  The City was named one of the nation’s top communities because Honolulu continues to promote the growth and development of its youth through education, leadership opportunities, and community service learning projects.