Breaking Cycles Together

Supporting Hawaiʻi Island families with dignity, faith, and opportunity.

A group of children and an adult are sitting around an outdoor cooking area with a pot on fire. The children are wearing colorful traditional clothing. A motorcycle is parked in the background near some makeshift shelters. The atmosphere is rustic and informal.

Why Cota Exists

Born from Shaunna Cota’s experience in Hilo, Cota Foundation helps Hawaiʻi Island families find stability, opportunity, and a stronger path forward—together.

A blue tote bag with the words 'WE CARE' and 'RIVERCITY CHURCH' printed on it, filled with various items including snacks. The bag is placed on a black surface in an outdoor event setting. In the background, there are open tents with people sitting on the grass, enjoying the sunny weather.

Breaking Cycles Together

A person crouches in front of a clothing and shoe donation bin with colorful graffiti-covered walls in the background. The bin has text indicating it's for the National Children's Cancer Society. The person is wearing a black shirt and ripped jeans, pointing towards the camera. A pile of clothing items is visible on the ground nearby.

Food, clothing, and essentials delivered with dignity to Hawaiʻi Island families.

Wooden Scrabble tiles are arranged to spell the word 'FOUNDATION' in a pyramid shape on a plain white background.

Scholarships and family support create pathways toward education and lasting self-sufficiency.

A group of children gather closely together in an outdoor setting, some looking directly at the camera while others are engaged in different activities. The environment appears lively and filled with a mixed group of kids wearing casual clothing. A blue tarp and wooden beams are visible in the background, suggesting a makeshift or temporary shelter.

Faith, mentorship, and service help Hawaiʻi Island youth grow into community leaders.

Real Support

A man in a white polo shirt is gesturing with his hands while speaking to an older man wearing a red cap and a floral shirt. A partially visible person stands to the side. A banner from the Inkanyezi Foundation is displayed in the background.

”Cota helped our family breathe again and believe tomorrow could be different.”

A bronze statue depicting a woman and a child, both looking upward with expressions of hope and determination. The woman's hair is pulled back, and she wears a shirt with visible buttons. The child, wearing a cap, stands slightly behind her, peering over her shoulder.

”Their support gave my child confidence, direction, and a real path forward.”

Help Break Cycles

Help Hawaiʻi Island families find stability, opportunity, and a stronger future across generations.

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