What We Do

YWCA of Kaua’i is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

When founded in 1921, our early mission was to help young women who had very few or no contacts outside the home. In our 100 year history, the needs of Kaua’i’s residents have changed greatly and the work of YWCA Kaua’i has evolved to meet those needs. Today, our programs focus on women’s empowerment, racial justice, and violence prevention and intervention in response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. We seek to eliminate family violence in all of its forms, provide treatment to those who have been traumatized by violence, and provide the skills necessary for individuals who were once violent to live productive and caring lives.

YWCA Kaua’i is a leader on issues of women’s empowerment and the elimination of racism on the island of Kaua’i and across the state of Hawai’i.

Who We Are

24 Hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline, Crisis counseling, risk assessment, information, referrals, safety planning, and support for survivors in Kaua’i County 24 hours a day.
CALL: (808) 245-6362

Web chat and text support services. Available Monday through Friday, 10 am – 10 pm; Send a text to (808) 245-6362 or chat with us via the button below. Our web chat is confidential with end-to-end encryption.

Crisis Intervention Specialists serve as a first point of contact for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. This dedicated 24/7 response team provides confidential crisis counseling, emotional support, medical forensic exam advocacy, resources, emergency assistance, and referrals.

Services available at the Family Violence Shelter include: Crisis counseling, Support groups focusing on psycho-education, the cycle of violence, and the impact of violence on children, Safety planning, Referrals and advocacy, Temporary restraining order assistance, Case management, Housing assistance, Individual therapy, Children’s services and a children’s support group

School Based Education and Prevention Services
The YWCA Prevention Education Team is available to make presentations to students at all education levels, from preschool to university. Topics for young children include information on safe and unsafe touch/talk, safety rules, boundaries, and where to find help. Presentations for older students include topics on understanding healthy relationships, the dynamics of interpersonal violence and sexual assault, bystander intervention, and accessing resources for survivors.

The Prevention Team uses a curricula developed specifically for Hawaii students that is culturally aware and age appropriate. This curricula has been used across the state for over a decade and meets several of Hawaii’s Health Education Standards. Presentations are offered to schools at no charge.

LGBTQ+ Services
YWCA Kaua’i is committed to the advocacy and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals and the empowerment of all people regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We are proud to offer various resources and services for people who identify as LGBTQ+ while also providing a safe space. Among the resources available are LGBTQ+ support groups for adults and teens, Hawaiian LGBTQ+ culture and awareness seminars, transgender cultural competency seminars, and trainings for allies and providers on how to best support LGBTQ+ needs.

Racial and Social Justice Initiatives
Previously known as the Stand Against Racism Challenge: A Virtual Community of Growth, YWCA’s Racial Justice Challenge is designed to create dedicated time and space to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.
You will be presented with challenges such as reading an article, watching a short video, listening to a podcast, reflecting on personal experience, and more. Participation in an activity like this helps us to discover how racial and social injustice impacts our community, connect with one another, and identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice.

Cause Areas

Gender & Equality, Social Services, Advocacy, Human Rights