HCAP WEEKLY April 27, 2026

Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. Names New Director of Planning, Program Development and Communications

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”), is pleased to announce that Chelsea Ann Baxa has been named as its newest HCAP Director of Planning, Program Development and Communications. Chelsea will replace Grant Kogami who has held the position of Interim Director of Planning, Program Development and Communications over the past few years and is the current Director of Head Start. The Director of Planning, Program Development, and Communications is responsible for developing strategic plans for the organization, developing and evaluating programs based on a community needs assessment, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of a fund development plan. Additionally, this position manages the development and implementation of the agency’s overall corporate communications plan.

Chelsea Ann Baxa has been with HCAP as a Planning and Development Specialist for 2 years before taking on the Director of Planning, Program Development and Communications position. Previously, she has held positions leading communications and marketing at various radio and communications agencies. Chelsea possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications with an emphasis on Public Relations and Advertising from Weber State University. “I am honored to take on this role in HCAP’s Executive Management Team and to oversee all of the work taking place in our Planning, Program Development and Communications Department. I am confident in the work of our department and eager to see everything we will accomplish in the future,” Chelsea shares entering her new role.

Robert Piper, HCAP Executive Director, states “It is with great pleasure that we are welcoming Chelsea to HCAP’s Executive Management Team. After seeing all of the work she has done these past two years with HCAP, I believe she will effectively lead her department and is more than capable of executing HCAP’s Planning, Program Development and Communications initiatives moving forward.”

HCAP welcomes Chelsea as a new member of the Executive Management Team and looks forward to her leadership and continued contribution to the Planning, Program Development and Communications Department.

Click here to learn more about HCAP Programs and Services.

Head Start: Making Physical Activity Fun!

Across the program, Head Start children built strength, balance and coordination through physically engaging their muscles while participating in various activities. From pretending the floor is lava while balancing across stepping stones to keeping colorful balloons afloat, they increased their mobility, flexibility and hand-eye coordination all while having fun! 

As they learned about the importance of physical activity and how it relates to bodily movements that support everyday functions such as walking and running, the children also enhanced their spatial awareness, motor planning, tracking of moving objects and concentration. Coupled with color and shape recognition, these intentional, well-rounded and developmentally appropriate activities promoted school readiness and confidence in all children.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

Kalihi Client Receives Employment Resources Through Nā Lima Hana

Paul, a client referred by the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center, was seeking help with his long-standing struggle with substance abuse. Recognizing the severity of his situation, Paul enrolled in and successfully completed a rigorous six-month residential treatment program at the rehabilitation center, where he engaged in counseling, group therapy, and life skills workshops that contributed to his recovery.  

After completing the program, Paul expressed a strong desire to rebuild his life and to be more productive in his community. He had been out of the workforce for over three years due to the impact of his substance abuse, which presented additional challenges in securing stable employment. He visited HCAP’s Kalihi-Palama District Service Center for assistance with his transition, specifically requesting support with transportation, job search resources, resume preparation, and guidance on accessing public benefits. 

To address his immediate needs, the Kalihi district staff helped Paul to enroll in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program. ECS provided Paul with bus vouchers and connected him with local clothing closets to obtain appropriate attire for interviews. He was also referred to the American Job Center, where he was enrolled in the Rent-To-Work program – a collaborative initiative designed to help individuals with barriers to employment find stable housing and sustainable jobs. Through the ECS program, Paul received individualized case management, job readiness training, and access to employment opportunities tailored to his background and interests. 

Throughout his journey, Paul will continue to receive ongoing support from HCAP and partnering agencies. Regular check-ins and progress reviews will help ensure that he remains on track with his recovery and employment goals. These combined efforts aim to empower Paul to achieve long-term self-sufficiency and reintegrate successfully. 

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.