HCAP Weekly September 17, 2018

WAP Client Benefits From Wraparound Services
SCSEP Participant Obtains Permanent Job
HCAP Head Start Parent Gains Work Experience
Ala Wai Head Start Hosts Family Engagement Event
Leeward STEM Students Discuss Internet Safety

WAP Client Benefits From Wraparound Services

Elizabeth found out about HCAP’s Windward District Service Center from a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) flyer that was passed out in her community. She came to the Windward District Service Center to inquire further about the WAP program as well as learn more about other HCAP services.

During the past few months, Elizabeth has benefited from the variety of wraparound services offered by HCAP. In the spring, she filed her tax returns through HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. Elizabeth also started participating in the Ohana Produce food distribution, picking up produce once a month.

In August, WAP staff conducted a free in-home energy audit at Elizabeth’s home and gave her LED light bulbs, a new showerhead, and sink aerators to help save on her electric bill. Elizabeth was very appreciative of the small energy efficient devices installed around her apartment and the energy conservation tips provided by the WAP staff during the in-home energy audit.

SCSEP Participant Obtains Permanent Job

Lydia enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in May 2018. With only social security as her monthly source of income, she was having a hard time keeping up with her living expenses. She wanted to return back to work.

During her time at SCSEP, Lydia was placed at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center as a SCSEP Janitor Trainee. As a SCSEP participant, Lydia was very motivated and full of energy. She attended a Pre-Employment Preparation workshop and was referred to a job fair. She attended the job fair and submitted her resume with several employers. Not long afterwards, Lydia interviewed and received a job offer from Alliance Personnel Inc. as a full time housekeeper. Congratulations Lydia!

HCAP Head Start Parent Gains Work Experience

For the past 13 years, Tepa has been out of the work force, focusing on raising her children. Now that her youngest child is in pre-school, she was ready to re-enter the work force. She contacted HCAP’s Central District Service Center, seeking assistance with employment. Tepa was referred to the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Service (ECS) Program and completed intake. As an ECS participant, Tepa completed Job Readiness Training class, brushing up on her resume and refining her interviewing skills. When she expressed interest in working with children, Central District Service Center staff worked with HCAP Head Start staff to help Tepa gain classroom experience. She is currently volunteering in her child’s classroom at Halawa Head Start. Tepa is very grateful and enthusiastic to be given this opportunity.

Ala Wai Head Start Hosts Family Engagement Event

Last month, the children at Ala Wai Head Start gathered with family members for their first family engagement event of the year. Family members included moms, dads, aunts and uncles, older siblings, and grandparents. Family engagement events allow families the opportunity to foster positive, trusting relationships with teaching staff. The children and their families worked together to make a family tree craft project. The teachers provided supplies for families to borrow and use to make their family tree craft, including pipe cleaners, foam shapes, felt letters and plastic gems. The finished family tree crafts will be displayed in the classroom for everyone to see.

Leeward STEM Students Discuss Internet Safety

The students at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After School Program’s Leeward STEM Exploration Center, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, recently learned about cyberbullying and internet safety. Just like regular bullying, cyberbullying has become a timely issue among children and adolescents. The students learned about who is at risk for bullying. They also learned about what to do if they see somebody getting bullied. During the discussion on Internet safety, the children learned about ways to stay safe, such as being discreet and not telling strangers where they live.