Spectrum Awards $5,000 Grant to YWCA O'ahu

Spectrum announced a donation of $5,000 to YWCA O’ahu through the company’s employee-driven grants program that recognizes the value of community service, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

Founded in 1900, the mission of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Oʻahu (YWCA) is to empower women, eliminate racism and to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people. YWCA Fernhurst, also empowers women to successfully transition from prison to the community.

"The support from Spectrum through this generous grant will make a significant impact on women reentering society after incarceration,” said Noriko Namiki, YWCA O’ahu Chief Executive Officer. “We are deeply grateful to Spectrum for recognizing the importance of family reunification during this critical and sensitive stage in the lives of these women and for providing the resources needed to help them succeed."

The grant will support the Ka Hale Ho`āla Hou No Nā Wāhine re-entry program to aid family reunification activities, a crucial aspect of women's growth. The YWCA facilitates family activities and gatherings as part of its programs promoting reunification in a safe environment.

Lt. Gov Sylvia Luke and Sen. Glenn Wakai joined Spectrum executives to celebrate the YWCA O’ahu at their Fernhurst facility.

"Supporting organizations like the YWCA O’ahu is vital for the well-being of our community,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke. “The Spectrum Employee Community Grant will significantly enhance the Ka Hale Ho`āla Hou No Nā Wāhine re-entry program, enabling women to reconnect with their families and reintegrate into society successfully. This kind of community support is foundational to building a stronger, more compassionate Hawai‘i."

Spectrum Government Affairs Director, Rebecca Lieberman, nominated the organization for the grant.

“It’s inspiring to see how the YWCA Oʻahu’s Ka Hale Ho`āla Hou No Nā Wāhine program empowers women to develop life skills, build independence, and successfully transition back into society,” said Lieberman. “By providing a safe space and supportive environment, the program helps these women create new opportunities and pathways for their futures. I’m proud to work for a company that values community partnerships and supports programs that make such a meaningful difference.”

Earlier this year, Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services, announced its commitment to award $2.5 million over the next five years to local nonprofits through Spectrum Employee Community Grants. Charter pledges to support a minimum of 500 nonprofit organizations across its 41-state service area, impacting more than 70,000 community members, through 2028.

“Spectrum Employee Community Grants support local nonprofits that hold a meaningful connection to the Spectrum employees who nominate them, and to the communities they serve,” said Gregg Fujimoto, Area Vice President, Field Operations, at Charter Communications Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services. “Looking forward to the next five years, we’re increasing our investment in the program, in support of our employees’ dedication to volunteer work and vital community organizations that enhance the lives of local residents.”

Launched in 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants support nonprofits nominated by employees with a personal connection to the organization through at least one year of their own volunteer work, including $123,500 in grants in Hawaii to date. Recipients deliver a broad range of critical social services to underserved community members, including food pantries, homeless shelters, clothing distribution, job training for veterans and paying overdue rent and utility bills for those in crisis.

More information about Spectrum Community Employee Grants is available here.