The New York Life Foundation recently donated $10,000 to Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and mentoring programs for orphans, foster children, and children separated from one or both parents due to divorce, incarceration or other causes.

The $10,000 grant will be used for a year-long program that mentors and supports children and families who have experienced a death of a family member. Participation will include 60 children and teens who will take part in activities such as:

• "Surf for the Soul," teaching children to never give up while learning ocean safety;
• "Poi for the Soul," teaching Hawaiian values of caring for one another and family values related to the agriculture of taro; and
• "Seeds of Love," teaching how to cultivate plants and work together as a family.

"We are grateful to New York Life for its support of our organization and programs," said Cynthia White, executive director. "There are many local families and children in grief who need support. Private donations are a key to sustaining our programs."

"New York Life is thrilled to support the people and programs at Kids Hurt Too," said Michael Ceci, Managing Partner of New York Life Hawaii.  "Their organization provides an important service to our community and is aligned with our company's Foundation that focuses on youth education and social services programs."

About Kids Hurt Too Hawaii

Founded in 2001, Kids Hurt Too Hawaii provides support services for children impacted by death, divorce, and placement in foster care; training for workers and parents; and crisis intervention after deaths from homicide, suicide, accidents and disasters.