The Junior League of Honolulu provided the foundation for The Bella Project, and in 2009 it became a 501©(3) organization with a mission is to make prom affordable for every high school student by collecting formal dresses and accessories and providing them free of charge so all youth can participate in milestone events. Between 2009 and 2023, The Bella Project distributed over 4,000 dresses to low income, special needs, and critically ill high school students.
In 2023, YWCA Oahu’s Dress for Success Honolulu program celebrated 20 years of empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. In that year, the YWCA Oahu was given the opportunity to acquire The Bella Project as a program of Dress for Success Honolulu. The Bella Project, like DFS Honolulu, gives young adults a boost of confidence, by giving them the opportunity to participate in special events by lessening the financial burden it may cause their families.
“YWCA O‘ahu and The Bella Project have shared a common goal of empowering young adults to have confidence in how they present themselves in the world,” said Noriko Namiki, chief executive officer of YWCA O‘ahu. “We are looking forward to continuing the wonderful work built by The Bella Project over the years and helping students shine at their school events.” The Bella Project promotes self-confidence, individual beauty and diversity among young adults in Hawai‘i and provides a fun, respectful atmosphere for volunteers and the students they serve.
BELLA BOUTIQUE 2024
Youth Testimonials
“I loved the dresses I picked and would definitely recommend” – Hi’ilei K.
“I loved the whole experience, and everyone was so nice.” – Mascha C.
“I felt really comfortable and was able to enjoy myself while shopping” – Malina G.
“My stylist was amazing and made great conversation! Everyone involved was empowering.” – Breanna B.
Volunteer Testimonials
“All of the girls were very grateful!”
“It was a great experience and truly filled my cup.”
“Girls were so excited and being able to help them choose their dresses was a special experience. Some never shopped for a dress for a special occasion before, which was rewarding in itself.”
“Many of the youth were very thankful and looked thrilled to find their special dresses.”
Maui distribution for Lahainaluna High School Juniors and Seniors
100+ Dresses shared with Lahainaluna High School students and distributed between November 17-19, 2023. Stephanie Hamano, Director of Economic Advancement, and Colleen McAluney, Director of the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, had the pleasure of participating in the dress distribution that was organized by Lahainaluna High School staff and Terri Ewbank, owner of Elly’s Formal Wear in Kihei.
Schools Represented at Bella Boutique 2024
Aiea HS
Campbell HS
Castle HS
Damien
Dreamhouse
Farrington HS
Halau Ku Mana
Kaiser HS
Kahuku High and Intermediate
Kailua HS
Kaimuki HS
Kalaheo HS
Kalani HS
Kamaile Academy PCS
Kamehameha
Kapolei
King Intermediate
Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue
Lanakila Baptist
Leilehua
Maryknoll
McKinley
Mid-Pacific Institute
Miliani HS
Moanalua HS
Myron B. Thompson Academy
Nanakuli High and Intermediate
Pearl City HS
Radford HS
Roosevelt HS
Sacred Hearts Academy
St Andrews Priory
University Laboratory School
Waialua High and Intermediate
Waianae HS
Waipahu HS
BELLA BOUTIQUE 2023
Building
Confidence
Students Served: 157
Dresses Distributed: 239
Volunteer Hours: 142