HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0404.001 2008-2010
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County Council July 7, 2009
Committee on Human Services and Economic Development
Communication 404
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Members of the Committee,
My name is Andy Kahili and I am here representing the YWCA Hawai'i Island Healthy
Start Program. Today 1 am speaking on communication number 404: Presentation on
the status of the YWCA Healthy Start Program. There are 3 components to my
presentation.
Presentation Components:
• Status on the Hawai'i Healthy Start Program
• Mahalo Presentation, YWCA Healthy Start
• Special Request of Committee Members (Group Photo)
Status on the Hawai'i Healthy Start Program:
On December 23, 2008 Governor Linda Lingle announced during a press conference
her intention to eliminate funding for the Hawai'i Healthy Start Program effective July 1,
2009. In response to the Governor's decision we began a statewide campaign to
restore funding for the Hawai'i Healthy Start Program. The campaign empathized
putting children first in making public policy and resource decisions so that all of
HawaiTs children will have a better chance for a bright future in difficult times.
The campaign gained support from Hawai'i citizens who demanded a halt to this ill-
devised plan that would effectively pull the safety net out from under Hawai'i's most
vulnerable our babies, children and their families.
On February 19, 2009 the County Council adopted Resolution number 55-09:
Requesting the Governor and State Legislature to Continue Funding the Hawai'i
Healthy Start Program, introduced by Councilman Guy Enriques. The resolution played
a significant roll in the Governor and State Legislature's decision to continue funding the
Hawai'i Healthy Start Program. Similar resolutions were also adopted by the Maui and
Kauai County Councils.
On June 9, 2009 the YWCA Healthy Start Program was informed by the State of Hawaii
Department of Health of its decision to commit $4.5 million dollars to the Hawai'i Healthy
Start Program home visiting component of which 12% ($491,270) has been allocated to
the YWCA Healthy Start Program. Hawai'i County overall received a total 21 % (YWCA
$491,270/WHFSS $383,260) of the $4.5 million. For more details, please refer to
attachment "Healthy Start Allocation Distribution" worksheet. Then on June 15, 2009
we received our grant award letter from the County of Hawai'i indicating an award
amount of $125,000 for fiscal year 2009-10.
The YWCA Healthy Start Program has been funded since July 1, 2009 by the State of
Hawai'i to provide Healthy Start services to families who reside on the east side of
Hawai'i Island. We believe with the funding commitment from the State of Hawaii and
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County Council July 7, 2009
Committee on Human Services and Economic Development
Communication 404
the County of Hawai'i it will allow the YWCA Healthy Start Program to continue to serve
our East Hawai'i families. Right now, we are applying for other grants, planning an
annual Healthy Start fundraiser, collaborating and networking with other local, state and
federal (H.R. 2205, the Education Begins At Home Act of 2009) funding sources. In
addition, we are developing a "donor pool" for our program.
Mahalo Presentation, YWCA Healthy Start:
The YWCA Hawai'i Island would like to recognize Councilman Guy Enriques who
introduced the County Council, County of Hawai'i Resolution Number 55-09:
Requesting the Governor and State Legislature to Continue Funding the Hawai'i
Healthy Start Program. We would also like to acknowledge Guy's staff for their
assistance, patience and support with this resolution.
The YWCA Hawai'i Island would like to present the members of the County
Council with a small token of our appreciation for your support of Resolution
Number 55-09 and the awarding of funding to the Healthy Start Program.
Special Request:
Finally, we would like to like your permission to take a group picture of today's
presentation.
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Healthy Start
Allocation Distribution
July 1, 2009
Provider Name Location Funding # of Child
Information/Training 1% N/A
CFS Kauai Kauai 8% 100
CFS Oahu Oahu 23% 286
Cathloic Charities Oahu 8% 100
Parents And Children Together Oahu 23% 286
Family Support Service West Hawaii Hawai'i 9% 110
YWCA Hawai'i Island Hawaii 12% 141
Maui Family Suppoprt Services Maui, 16% 200
Molokai,
Lanai
TOTAL 100% 1223