HCAP WEEKLY March 11, 2024

Forging a New Partnership with He Ala Hou O Ke Ola

Earlier this month, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center and Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) staff attended the first monthly in-service meeting with He Ala Hou O Ke Ola (HAHOKO) Therapeutic Living Program. Founded in 2012, He Ala Hou O Ke Ola is a faith-based 501c3 that focuses on re-integrating men struggling with addiction and alcoholism back into the community.

This treatment program has several tiers of services available for its participants, ranging from the initial residential program to entry-level home support, and even permanent housing assistance. Within these tiers, HAHOKO staff emphasizes the importance of healing spiritually, physically, and mentally to achieve self-sustainability and contribute positively to society.

Through the ECS program, HCAP can provide further support in vocational development services. The staff in attendance were able to complete several intakes and conduct a group Job Readiness Training. Participants shared their career goals and what paths they are interested in pursuing to achieve them. Active discussion between the participants and HCAP staff fostered a sense of camaraderie, as many were interested in Vocational Training assistance and computer/media skill-up training.

Amber Keaulana, ECS Program Specialist, expressed her high hopes for this newly established partnership as she reflects, “We are in a position or have the opportunity to make a difference in their transition back into society and help them get back on their feet.”

“I look forward to more. Glad this partnership has been established,” exclaimed ECS staff Ashely Fidow.

Clear communication, mutual understanding, and commitment to personal goals encompassed this meeting. HCAP District Service Center Staff and ECS Staff would like to extend their thanks to the staff and residents of He Ala Hou O Ke Ola and look forward to continuing to nurture this important partnership!

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Hā Initiative Creates Animal Habitats

Recently, students of the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program at Windward STEM Exploration Center, located at Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School, learned about the natural environment of plants and animals. Students focused on habitats and researched different types of animals. The study asks, “Amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals, and reptiles – where do you think they live?” As students discovered and learned they also began building dioramas of their animal habitat. When the projects are complete, the students will introduce the animal they chose to their peers and share about the environments in which their animals live.

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.

Family Engagement at Head Start

Family engagement is an essential aspect of HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start programs. From volunteering in the classroom to attending monthly parent meetings, and engaging in at-home activities with their children, parents play a vital role in their children’s early childhood education journey. Over the past month, parents have engaged in activities such as decorating a tote bag, creating a memory book, and completing an activity provided by Home Depot. Thank you to all of our parents and guardians!

Click Here to learn more about Head Start & Early Head Start.