Now this is the kind of news I like to hear on a Friday. Or any day, really.
Three years ago, I wrote a grant to the Hawai’i State Legislature on behalf of one of my dear long-time clients, The La’a Kea Community Farm of Maui, founded in 2000 by the 501(c)3 La’a Kea Foundation.
At long last, the State released the grant, awarding them $400K to build the first long-term residential home for adults with developmental disabilities on Maui. Check out the announcement here:
On the farm, special-needs adults receive the care they need while also participating in meaningful work. They farm the fields, and sell produce and other goods at an on-site farmer’s market–giving them an opportunity to engage as a community themselves, as well as with the community at large.
Why is this a big deal? On Maui alone, hundreds of adults are developmentally disabled and in need of residential care; however there has been no long-term housing options available, nor the opportunity to engage in meaningful work or community living. For years, these circumstances forced many adults to leave the island–their home, and their families–moving to the mainland for the care they need.
That’s about to change, thanks to the tireless efforts of executive director Andrea Hall-Rodgers and the La’a Kea Board of Directors and supporters, who have worked–and more than patiently waited–for the money needed to make this decade-long dream a reality.
Congratulations to the La’a Kea Foundation, and to the special needs adults who will finally be able to call The Community Farm their home. I’m honored that my grant writing played a part in this huge success.
This reminds me how important it is to step back from the work we do, and celebrate our successes, large and small. What success are you celebrating today? Tell me about it in the comments section.
Great news…big thumbs up!! Was looking at a couple of therapeutic communities in VT & MA for Emily to work for just a couple of weeks ago. We want to incorporate the same kind of idea, on a much smaller scale, more like a cooperative, with the kids aging out of foster care. As soon as our new bathroom is built, we’ll have room for 2-4 kids. Yay!! Oh, btw, did I tell you I’ve got the property for the natural burial cemetery? It’s beautiful…tell you more later!!