Ka Lima O Maui, founded in 1955, is a community-based vocational rehabilitation program providing job training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. One of Maui’s oldest non-profit businesses – we are also its largest employer of the disabled.
Ka Lima proudly serves Maui as an independent 501 (c)3 non-profit agency and is not a member of the United Way. Truly an extension of our island community, Ka Lima was originally conceived to help tuberculosis patients rehabilitate through learning new skills and craftwork and has since expanded to serve a greater population of persons with disabilities in need of job training. What began as a simple sheltered workshop now includes countywide grounds and custodial contracts, as well as formal job placements within private business.
The original Ka Lima O Maui facility was a converted two-story house in a coconut grove on the shoreline at Kahului Harbor, where Hoaloha Park and the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale are now located. Its first director was Katherine Feddes.
It is our mission to provide training and employment, as well as the support necessary for our clients to enjoy sustained success in the workplace. We use real work opportunities to achieve this goal. Annual service contracts with the County of Maui departments of Parks and Recreation, Fire, Police, and Public works account for many of our largest projects and work crews in grounds and custodial services. For clients who seek employment in private business, Ka Lima’s programs provide job training, job coaching and job placement.
For adults with developmental disabilities, Ka Lima operates a successful Medicaid Waiver program. This non-vocational day program focuses on health and personal assistance. Our participants learn basic living skills through participation in domestic lessons, cultural activities, crafts, and social outings.
Funding
Ka Lima is unusual in the non-profit sector in that we are a working agency, earning over half of our operating budget through our own work contracts. Diversified income sources reflect our mission of self-reliance, balanced with state and community support. Our income can be divided up into three categories, which are:
- Service Contracts (63%) – revenues generated by our agency-run grounds and custodial services.
- State Purchase of Service (POS) Contracts (31%) – annual bid for State funds allocated to specific vocational rehabilitation and Medicaid Waiver programs.
- Private Fundraising (6%) – Trusts and Foundations, special events, and an annual mail drive.
Ka Lima O Maui has helped me get some work experience and get out more with all the activities and excursions. With my paycheck, I can buy my own things.
Ka Lima gave me a full time job. The whole staff is really supportive. I can talk to anyone and they take the time to help me. I love the special activities.
It’s good to work at Ka Lima O Maui. The people are good to me. With my paycheck, I can help my family.
