More than 40 volunteers from three Rotary Clubs are teaming up today to beautify the new Beacon of Hope House, a converted residence in Kailua for women making the transition from prison to the community.

The Windward Rotary, the Windward Sunrise Club and the Metro Club are installing a new lanai seating area, a "butterfly" garden (plants that attract butterflies) and vegetable/herb gardens. A $10,000 grant from the Weinberg Foundation will fund an additional shower room and upgrade an existing bathroom, a press release said.

The Beacon of Hope, now in its sixth month of operation, is a transition house for women released from the Women’s Community Correctional Center. Up to five women at a time are able to stay for up to a year while they test the waters of employment and take part in recovery programs. Beacon of Hope "graduates" will be urged to join a mentorship program to keep other women from returning to the old lifestyles that landed them in prison.

The home works in partnership with Kailua and Keolu­mana United Meth­od­ist churches in addition to the support of more than a dozen faith congregations. Participation in faith-related activities is not a requirement for its residents.