3 minute read

Residents of Hawaii continue their recovery from devastating economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, causing over half of residents to face hardship.  Additional factors, such as having one of the fastest growing aging populations in the country, spurred First Foundation Bank into action, bolstering and enhancing our ongoing commitment to the Honolulu community. Our recent partnership with the Waikiki Community Center allowed us to expand our support to include thousands of additional seniors and families in need in Honolulu.

Waikiki Community Center (WCC) has been providing resources and services to care for kupuna (seniors), keiki (children) and their community since 1978. In addition to hosting over 95,000 residents each year for community events such as community projects and neighborhood board meetings, WCC also provides support programs and services through the WCC preschool and early learning initiatives, as well as their Senior Program’s active aging initiatives and assistance those in seniors in need.  They also spearhead a variety of community mobilization initiatives, covering areas such as disaster preparedness, pedestrian safety, and food insecurity, feeding thousands of residents annually through their food pantry as a Hawaii Food Bank site. WCC’s partnership with six other local nonprofits on their campus allows them to bring access to a wide array of additional programs and services to residents. 

Waikiki Community Center was identified by First Foundation Bank’s Honolulu branch manager, Emari Hunn, as one of local organizations providing vital support to the community and was brought on as a partner through an initial “Supporting Our Communities” grant in 2023. Emari began volunteering with WCC in 2022 by teaching a financial literacy class to seniors on “How to Avoid Being Scammed”, and recently taught a class covering “Retirement Basics” to community members of all ages.  

Acknowledging the impact the partnership has already made on their program, Caroline Hayashi, Waikiki Community Center’s President, remarked, "Waikiki Community Center is so grateful for First Foundation's partnership, which has not only strengthened our holistic services for seniors, but helped our seniors to thrive. Emari’s financial education workshops provide critical information to help them manage their limited resources. But beyond her expertise, Emari's joy and true love of serving the community really shine through. It's been such a privilege to work with her!” 

The partnership between the Waikiki Community Center and First Foundation Bank is an excellent example of how businesses can support their communities in meaningful ways and become a true partner in their community’s well-being. The “Supporting Our Communities” grant provided the center with the financial resources it needed to expand its services, while Emari’s financial education workshops provide seniors with the knowledge and tools they needed to manage their finances effectively. 

Emari Hunn commented, “I just love teaching. I teach in children’s ministry and with Junior Achievement, as well as speaking at events on empowering youth.  Teaching Financial Literacy gives me joy knowing I’m helping someone by simply sharing my knowledge and making it a fun experience. The opportunity to partner with WCC has allowed me to teach valuable topics to multiple generations and I am excited to continuing the workshops for my community.”  

By leveraging Emari’s expertise in financial education, WCC can offer these workshops at no cost, making them accessible to individuals from all walks of life. This commitment to accessibility and inclusivity ensures that everyone in the community has an equal opportunity to learn and grow. 

The presence of Emari as a financial education instructor highlights the genuine dedication of First Foundation Bank to continue their multi-faceted support of the Honolulu community. Both organizations shared values of promoting financial literacy, education, and community empowerment will continue to impact the lives of community members of all ages well into the future. 

To learn more about Waikiki Community Center and the great work they are doing in the community, visit theier website at https://www.waikikicommunitycenter.org/.