WOA was started as a project of Partners in Development Foundation (PIDF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity serving disadvantaged Native Hawai‘ian communities throughout the state of Hawai‘i. PIDF mentored the Core Team and key stakeholders in the Micronesian community and helped to develop, over approximately three years, WAO into a viable 501(c)(3) dedicated to the development, implementation, and management of initiatives aimed at addressing various Micronesian community needs.

About PIDF

PIDF is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1997 to help families and communities overcome difficult challenges in ways that would make them, in turn, teachers and helpers of others in need. With previous experience in coordinating resources and providing technical support to new non-profits, PIDF provided mentorship and direction during WAO’s early stages. PIDF supported WAO in its transition to become self-sustaining over three years until WAO was established in 2014. PIDF has years of experience managing a wide range of programs serving the Native Hawai‘ian community through private, State, and Federal grants. The Foundation recognizes the importance of integrating cultural values, traditional knowledge, and indigenous language to reach communities with an approach that is meaningful, valuable, and applicable. PIDF also implements a holistic approach of providing support, training, and education that builds on the strength and health of the individuals, families, and communities for long-term success. This approach has not only proven to be successful and replicable throughout communities in Hawai‘i but has been successfully adapted in various communities on the mainland through a partnership with PIDF’s Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool program and the YMCA of the USA. In addition to PIDF’s commitment to a culturally relevant approach is PIDF’s dedication to sound fiscal management and programmatic excellence. With PIDF’s extensive experience in grant-writing/grant management, developing and implementing a wide range of culturally relevant programs, and in working with the Micronesian community through Ka Pa‘alana’s Homeless Family Education program, the Foundation has mentored WAO to achieve these same successes with the Micronesian community in Hawai‘i.