Kid’s Day Event at WCCC Reunite Mothers and Their Children
HONOLULU — Mothers at the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) spent a day with their children for Kid’s Day Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, thanks to a collaboration between WCCC and community and faith-based organizations.
It was the first Kid’s Day held at the facility since the COVID-19 pandemic. In years past, the event was held at least three times a year to bring mothers and their children together to reconnect and bond with one another. The event was last held in 2019 due to the pandemic.
Volunteers decorated the WCCC Maunawili Cottage courtyard with holiday-themed balloons where mothers and their children enjoyed hot dogs, burgers and cupcakes donated by the Pu‘a Foundation.
Kids also enjoyed shave ice and face painting also donated by community organizations as well as games and a puppet show organized by staff and volunteers.
The Pu‘a Foundation is a non-profit organization that has been working with WCCC since 2007. The organization partnered with the Office for Social Ministry – Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu and the Oahu Going Home Consortium to volunteer and raise funds for Kid’s Day.
Twelve mothers and 18 children participated in the event.
Public Safety Director Tommy Johnson said, “Events such as this are invaluable to the healing and family bonding process, and l want to personally thank the Pu‘a Foundation, Warden Guillonta, the staff and everyone involved in this event.”
Warden Ione “Noni” Guillonta of WCCC said, “I am so proud of my staff and thankful to the Pu‘a Foundation for helping us bring this joyous event to fruition. We are committed to giving women in our custody and care opportunities to deepen their bonds with their children and strengthen their role as parents.”
Executive Director Toni Bissen of the Pu‘a Foundation said, “It’s all about family, taking time to be together this season.”
The event was donated by the Pu’a Foundation and community partners.
Media Contact:
Rosemarie Bernardo
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety &
Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement Office: 808-587-1358
Cell: 808-683-5507