HCAP Weekly December 15, 2014

Photo of Waianae Christmas Parade

In this week’s issue:

Bank of Hawaii Presents HCAP With Donation from Live Kōkua Campaign
STEM Students Share Projects at Junior FIRST LEGO League Tournament
Community Action is Apparent in our Communities
Kumuhonua Residents Give Back
Welcome to our newest staff members!


Bank of Hawaii Presents HCAP With Donation from Live Kōkua Campaign

Photo of Bank of Hawaii Live Kokua
Mahalo to Bank of Hawaii employees who selected Honolulu Community Action Program as one of the 22 beneficiaries in their Live Kōkua Giving Campaign. The Bank of Hawaii ohana, which includes employees and retirees, donated a total of $12,382.95 to our organization. This is the fifth year of the campaign where employees actively fundraise and donate money to help nonprofits better serve their community. Robert N.E. Piper, Executive Director, was presented with a check on Monday, December 8, 2014 at BOH’s tree-lighting celebration.


STEM Students Share Projects at Junior FIRST LEGO League Tournament

Photo of Windward Junior FLL

On Saturday, December 13, 2014, HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students competed in their first Junior FIRST LEGO League Tournament at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. This year’s Junior LEGO League challenge was to think of a place and build a LEGO model of a tool that could help them learn about that place.

The Windward Jr. FIRST LEGO League team consisted of one first grader, three second graders, and two third graders. In order to prepare for the tournament, they brainstormed and came up with a park as the place they wanted to learn about. They chose a compass as their learning tool, which could help them navigate in a park. The final LEGO model had a pulley belt that the team used to show how to find True North, and a motor that demonstrated Magnetic North.

Although a little bit shy at first, the Windward team soon opened up and eagerly shared their LEGO model with visitors. They also got the chance to see other teams’ LEGO models and visit the high school section of the tournament, where the construction of life-size robots was under way.

After the judges interviewed the team about their LEGO model and research project, Ms. Heather asked them how the presentation went. “Nailed it!” they said, proudly showing off their medals from the event. The team had a great time, and the two third graders are looking forward to joining the FIRST LEGO League (which is for older students) next year.


Community Action is Apparent in our Communities

Photo of Central District
For the past couple of years, the Central District Service Center, Saint John’s Outreach Center in Mililani and other community groups have been supporting homeless families and individuals in their communities with hygiene kits. These kits include essential items such as travel size shampoo and conditioners, razor’s, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wash cloth, etc. Distributions of these kits have been coordinated with the help of the Institute of Human Services, US Vets, Catholic Charities, Waikiki Health Center and Youth Challenge. In 2014 over 1,348 kits were distributed through these agencies! Pearl Bates, the coordinator of Saint John’s Outreach Center works tirelessly putting these kits together once she has collected the donation of these precious items. Because most homeless individuals are transitional and don’t have the ability to carry many personal items, Pearl felt that trial size products in small bags would work well. Pearl organizes many unique projects such as this and is truly a guardian angel to many. Mahalo Pearl, for your support and generosity towards your community. You are truly an agent of Community Action!


Kumuhonua Residents Give Back

Photo of Kumuhonua
Kumuhonua residents volunteered and participated in a community awareness event on December 5th at Kahe point in Nanakuli, for the Waianae Coast Coalition. They sign waved and represented the City and County “Be A Jerk” Campaign, which is against underage drinking. This was one way for residents to give back to their community and they really enjoyed themselves.


Welcome to our newest staff members!

Jacqueline Dabu – Head Start Assistant Teacher Substitute

Jasmine Fangupo – Head Start Assistant Teacher Substitute

Megan Namu – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Juliana Oliveira – Head Start Assistant Teacher Substitute

Rachael Palompo – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Susan Rivero – Senior Accounts Payable

Deja-Sierra Santana – Head Start Assistant Teacher Substitute

Crystal Tummins – Head Start Family Advocate Trainee

Kimberly Unten – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Ashley Valoroso – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Joleen Wood – Resident Aide

Welcome to new staff