Making Ends Meet

Governance & Guidance

Making Ends Meet is governed by a Board of Directors with members who wholeheartedly believe in and support the organization's vision and mission.

Current board members are:

Sherrie M. Takushi-Isara, President: Dr. Takushi is a clinical psychologist currently in private practice in Aiea and employed part-time with the Sex Abuse Treatment Center. Her interest in establishing Making Ends Meet was influenced by the people she has served as a psychologist. As such, she is committed to accomplishing the mission of this organization.
Dyan Kiyuna, Vice President: Licensed Psychologist at the US Army Health Clinic, Schofield Barracks, Child & Family Behavioral Health Services. Her personal commitment evolved after learning about Making Ends Meet’s philosophical mission and recognizing the potential it has for directly impacting people’s lives. “Our fulfillment comes in seeing people achieve their personal/professional dreams and aspirations. MEM is simply providing an impetus for the resiliency and innate potential that already exists in individuals.”
Diana Caro-Salvador, Secretary: Diana is self-employed as a Wedding Coordinator. Serving as a board member for Making Ends Meet is a way for her to be directly involved in impacting those in need.
Robin Freitas, Treasurer: Robin is an audit manager at a local CPA firm in Honolulu. He is very supportive of those who strive to achieve and/or maintain their independence. Serving as a member of Making Ends Meet allows him to give back to the community through an organization with which he shares a common vision.
Alana Peacott-Ricardos, Director: Alana is the Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel of a local financial institution. She recognizes that financial independence can give a person a boost of self-confidence to reach their many goals in life. Alana supports the mission and vision of Making Ends Meet and its commitment to making a difference in lives of the many people it serves.

Making Ends Meet is also guided by an Advisory Board with the following:

Darryl Salvador: Dr. Salvador is a Behavioral Health Consultant/Staff Psychologist at the Primary Care Medical Home, Desmond T. Doss Health Clinic, Schofield Barracks. He has worked in rural, medically underserved areas across the state so is aware of the financial stressors that can impact individuals and their families. Dr. Salvador has always believed in the value of helping others and feels strongly that Making Ends Meet allows him an opportunity to do just that.

Our Background

A Note from the Director

Making Ends Meet was established to benefit individuals who have, for whatever reason, encountered a hardship that significantly impacted their ability to be financially independent. The idea of providing individuals with emergency assistance was inspired by the people that I have had the benefit of meeting through my work as a clinical psychologist. Many of these amazing and wonderful individuals have endured years of hardship and trauma, yet they have maintained a sense of hope as evidenced by their ability to continue to strive towards their goals.

Upon experiencing a significant setback due to illness, job loss, domestic violence, homelessness, unexpected death in the family, estrangement due to abuse and neglect, or becoming a victim of crime, many have been unable to “make ends meet.” Although they are employed or attending school, they cannot pay their bills, buy food, pay for medical costs, or find shelter. Consequently, they often experience a loss of self-worth and confidence in their ability to maintain independence. It is the goal of Making Ends Meet to assist these types of individuals in maintaining their sense of dignity and self esteem so they are able to continue to thrive and be productive.

In my life I have been blessed with many opportunities and experiences that have allowed me to achieve my goals. As such, it is my hope as Executive Director to provide others with the same opportunity. I hope that you will join me and our Board of Directors in providing a valuable service to the people in our community.

Sherrie M. Takushi-Isara, Executive Director

Check eligibility

Let's check if you're eligible to apply for & receive a grant award from MEM. Complete both items 1 and 2 below.

I am able to provide documents to confirm the following (select one):

I am employed full-time (at least 32hr/week; within the past 3 months).

I am enrolled full-time in an institution of higher learning.

I am employed part-time (up to 20hrs/week) AND in school half-time.

None of the above apply to me.
I experienced an identifiable but unexpected setback, hardship, or traumatic event that prompted financial difficulties, AND I am able to provide a brief explanation.

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Based on your answers, you are eligible to apply.

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Application

Here's how to apply for a grant award ($500 maximum) from MEM.

1) Complete the Application Form

Fill out and submit the Online application form
or
Download and complete the Application form PDF.

2) Write a Personal Statement

Individuals interested in applying for financial assistance must provide a brief statement about an unexpected setback, hardship, or traumatic event that resulted their current financial difficulties. Identification of a specific need should also be included in the personal statement. Appropriate documents that reflect financial need must be provided. Preference will be given to individuals who are not currently receiving public assistance with the exception of those receiving federally funded grants, disaster relief, food stamps, Medicaid, Quest healthcare services, Social Security, or Section 8 housing.

3) Submit All Required Documents

After completing the application form and personal statement and gathering copies of all supporting information, make a copy of the set for your records. Submit the original completed application form and other documents as instructed on the form.

Award Information

Individuals will be awarded one-time financial assistance (up to $500) if they meet the above-stated criteria. Awards will be issued directly to the institution, company, organization, or retail outlet. Individuals are allowed to reapply but there is no guarantee of a subsequent award. All awards are based on availability of funds and number of applicants.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted throughout the year. Effort will be made to process applications expeditiously in an effort to best serve those who are in need.

News Archive

May 2024: Visitor Industry Charity Walk fundraising event on May 4, 2024
September 2023: Charity Walk awarded a $1,000.00 grant to MEM
July 2023: Finance Factors awarded $1,000.00 to MEM for our annual solicitation drive
July 2023: Sherrie Takushi-Isara on K5's "Inspire You & Me” and interviewed by Jessica Lani Rich, July 1, 2023

Watch the K5 "Inspire You & Me” segment (aired 07/01/23)
January 2023: Making Ends Meet a Partner Agency with Aloha United Way (AUW), which means we are edible to receive designations through the Donor Choice program. Our designation number is 81870 and can be selected on AUW’s pledge form.
December 2022: MEM received another $1,000 grant from the 2022 Charity Walk.; Also in December, MEM board members participated in the Helping Hands Hawaii Adopt-A-Family program for the 3rd year.
November 2021: On November 23, 2021, Making Ends Meet received $1,000.00 by the Oahu Visitor Industry Charity Walk during an awards ceremony at the Hawaii Prince Hotel.
November 2020: MEM will participate in the Oahu Charity Walk on Saturday, November 14, 2020! Please checkout our Charity Walk fundraising page.
November 2016: In November, MEM also participated in a fundraiser with Victoria Ward’s Festival of Giving. We managed to raise just under $1000 from ticket sales, as 100% of the tickets sold are awarded to the nonprofit.
October 2016: MEM was selected as one of 3 local nonprofits to participate in the Home Street Bank “Vote Your Heart” social media campaign. As the second place winner, we were awarded a check in the amount of $5000.
May 2016: MEM participated in the Visitor Industry Charity Walk and was awarded a donation in the amount of $1065.
November 12, 2014: Charity Walk awards MEM with $1000.
May 17, 2014: MEM participated in the Hawaii Hotel Industry Annual Charity Walk.
December 2, 2013: Solicitation Letter raised $2765.
November 2013: Festival of Giving raised $1185.
December 12, 2012: Charity Walk awards MEM with $1,000.
May 19, 2012: MEM participated in the Hawaii Hotel Industry Annual Charity Walk.
November 2011: Festival of Giving raised over $2,000.
May 2010 - MEM selected as beneficiary: MEM selected as a beneficiary for the Finance Factors charity breakfast to be held on July 30, 2010.
April 2010 - 2009 Fundraising: MEM reaches 2009 financial goal of collecting approximately $10,000.
November 2009 - Festival of Giving: MEM participates in Ward Center's Festival of Giving. MEM receives 100% of proceeds collected (approximately $1,200) from our ticket sales.
Summer 2009 - First Grant!: MEM receives its first grant in the amount of $5,000 from the Harry and Jeannette Weindberg Foundation.
May 2009 - MEM hosts Gold Party: MEM hosts Gold Party with the Wedding Ring Shop who donated 20% of event proceeds to MEM for a total of $500.
February 2009 - First donation drive!: MEM launches our first donation drive bringing in approximately $2,000.
October 28, 2008 - Non-profit status is official: Making Ends Meet receives IRS approval of its 501(c)(3) status effective February 21, 2008.

Making Ends Meet

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