Kahala Nui Sharing Its Kokua With Elder Sites

Kahala Nui residents are proving that “retirement” doesn’t mean just sitting back and relaxing.

Through two in-house programs, they are able to reach out to the greater community of elders and help where they can.

A recent $45,000 gift to Aloha United Way is one example. The donation is part of more than $167,000 the East Oahu retirement facility has given through its Social Accountability Program since 2009.

Residents are the primary donors, and recipients will be Catholic Charities Hawaii (help with independent living for seniors), Kokua Kalihi Valley (elder care and caregiver support) and Project Dana (companionship, respite, transportation).

“Our residents truly do enjoy supporting various organizations; philanthropy is a part of their makeup,” explained Stacey Schiller, coordinator of Fund Development and Social Accountability for the upscale residence.

“The more I educate them, the more their interest grows.”

Schiller noted that the hands-on approach also works. They volunteer through a Buddies Program, which coordinates visits to Kahala Nui’s care center residents, through Meals on Wheels (sealing the meal trays for delivery) and through gifting packages for Palama Settlement.