HCAP Weekly April 2, 2018

Kumuhonua Resident Secures Permanent Housing
Head Start’s Foster Grandparents Honored at Luncheon
HCAP to Participate in Charity Walk ’18
STEM Students Show Off Exhibits, Projects During Family Nights
Windward District Service Center Establishes Partnerships with Community Organizations

Kumuhonua Resident Secures Permanent Housing

Before moving into HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, John was a resident at Hale Mauliola, the city’s Housing Navigation Service Center at Sand Island. Looking to get off the streets, John secured temporary shelter in one of the shipping container housing units at Hale Mauliola. Through the Institute of Human Services’ case management support, John accepted a referral to HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in November 2017.

During his stay at Kumuhonua, John stayed focused and determined in obtaining a home. He complied with program policies and house rules and maintained consistent communication with staff. John worked with Kumuhonua’s Rapid Re-Housing Specialist on securing permanent housing, continued to apply for housing, and attended all the housing workshops that were provided in-house. In March 2018, John’s hard work paid off: he secured permanent housing through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Kumuhonua’s Rapid Re-Housing Program will provide John with rental assistance to help him achieve long-term housing stability.

Head Start’s Foster Grandparents Honored at Luncheon

On Friday, March 23, 2018, the Hawaii Foster Grandparent Program held its 53rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Pagoda Hotel and Restaurant, International Ballroom. Community leaders, such as State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Pankaj Bhonat and Corporation for National & Community Service Program Director Derrick Ariyoshi, were present to honor and recognize all of the program’s volunteers. HCAP Head Start has 12 program volunteers at nine Head Start classrooms throughout Oahu. Most of HCAP Head Start’s volunteers were able to attend the luncheon.

Established in 1965, the Foster Grandparent Program offers a multigenerational approach to community volunteerism. Seniors are given the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships and deep connections with children and youth in local communities. To be eligible for the program, an individual must be at least 55 years of age, be physically and mentally healthy, and meet income guidelines. HCAP Head Start is proud to be a part of this exceptional program.

HCAP to Participate in Charity Walk ’18

HCAP will be participating in the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association’s Charity Walk ’18 on May 19, 2018. This is a great opportunity to get together with fellow HCAP employees, board members, and supporters to get some exercise, enjoy good food and entertainment, and get to know one another better, all at the same time.

Donation proceeds will benefit HCAP programs and services. This is HCAP’s third year participating in the Charity Walk, and we look forward to having an even bigger turnout than last year. Please encourage your co-workers, family, and friends to join you at Charity Walk ’18 or make a donation to support HCAP’s participation. Let’s make this a memorable day and represent HCAP well at this community event. You may register to walk or donate online through this link. Click here for more detailed instructions. Please email HCAP at hcapcommunications@hcapweb.org if you would like to be emailed a paper registration form.

STEM Students Show Off Exhibits, Projects During Family Nights

Family Nights for the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After School Program, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, were held in late March. Each STEM Exploration Center hosted families who came to hear about the latest projects and work created by STEM students. Students shared with their parents what they learned in STEM Exploration Center through presentations, exhibits, and activity stations. For example, the students at the Windward STEM Exploration Center created a VeggieU indoor garden space on one corner of the room and a rock station, displaying different types of rocks, in the other corner. The students also had the chance to work with their parents on their new STEM Passport, a rewards system that lets the kids collect stamps representing different parts of the world to use as a pass to future field trips.

Windward District Service Center Establishes Partnerships with Community Organizations

In a single week, HCAP’s Windward District Service Center has established partnerships with multiple services and programs in the community: New Life Kahuku, a Christian church, Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels, and Kupuna Wellness Centers. Windward District Service Center staff will begin working with the “emergency” ministry and staff of New Life Kahuku in offering wraparound services to the Kahuku and Hau’ula community. Windward District Service Center staff will also collaborate with Lanakila Pacific Program Manager Lisa Letoto-Ohata on Lanakila Pacific’s Meals on Wheels and Kupuna Wellness Centers. Windward District Service Center staff look forward to receiving and exchanging referrals with Lanakila Pacific.