HCAP Weekly April 20, 2015

In this week’s issue:

2015 Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Program
Kumuhonua Resident Transitions to Permanent Housing
HCAP Volunteer is an Asset to the Organization
Leahi District Service Center Provides Outreach Services Through Collaboration
Head Start Children Tour Boeing 767 Aircraft
HCAP Winter 2015 Quarterly Newsletter
Welcome to our newest staff members!

2015 Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Program

As staff and volunteers complete another successful year supporting the Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program, the impact of this program continues to grow. As of April 15, 2015, 768 tax payers electronically filed their federal returns through the Honolulu Community Action Program, with returns totaling $1,405,362. Of these filers, 377 received the Earned Income Credit (EIC), totaling an amount of $718,151. HCAP’s Income Tax Assistance and EITC Program continues to excel at serving our working, low-income families, as evidenced by the 48.45% of filers receiving the EIC.

Kumuhonua Resident Transitions to Permanent Housing

Evelyn came to the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center from Ohia Women’s Shelter after surviving a brutal accident, in which she was severely burned on the right side of her body and required extensive graphing to mend her skin. While living at Kumuhonua, Evelyn participated in all the programs that were offered and was assisted with financial help through Parents and Children Together (PACT). In less than 8 months, she secured permanent housing in Waianae, which enabled her to reunite with her daughter and grandchildren. Evelyn’s health has improved and she has healed almost 100%. Kumuhonua staff wish her all the best and are so happy that she is with her family.

HCAP Volunteer is an Asset to the Organization

Pearl has utilized the services at HCAP to the fullest and has given back along the way. She participated in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), the Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Program, Ohana Produce Food Distribution, and the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services program (ECS).

Most recently, Pearl enrolled in the ECS program, completed the Job Readiness Training, and earned a Certificate of Completion. Pearl’s diligence in looking for employment paid off when she was offered a full-time position as a baker at the Waianae store. Pearl loves her new job.

Throughout the years, Pearl has volunteered many hours of her time to various programs at the Leeward District Service Center. Although she now has a full-time job, she still returns to HCAP to volunteer. As Pearl puts it, “I will continue to volunteer and refer people to HCAP because the programs work.”

Leahi District Service Center Provides Outreach Services Through Collaboration

The Leahi District Service Center staff attended the Parents and Children Together (PACT) leadership class, which meets at the Palolo Valley Homes Community Center. HCAP staff spoke about enrolling children in HCAP Head Start, the Ready To Learn Program that gives out school supplies, and the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services program. The staff also talked to the Palolo residents and parent leaders about the HCAP services, resources, and tools that are available to these parents, so that they can become more self-reliant and better parent advocates within their community.

Leahi District Service Center staff also provided outreach to many individuals and families in Waikiki. They collaborated with the Waikiki Community Center to reach out to food distribution recipients. Many of the families who receive food are on a monthly fixed income and run out before the month is over. Community Worker, Reiko, was able to share resource information with these individuals and families. Many people were interested in HCAP’s Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services program and senior citizens inquired about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

Head Start Children Tour Boeing 767 Aircraft

Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii Head Start classroom visited the Honolulu International Airport Hawaiian Airlines Terminal and Aircraft. They were given presentations by TSA, the Agricultural Inspection Station, and even went through the security checkpoints. The highlight of the day was when everyone went on a tour of the Aircraft, Boeing 767.

HCAP Winter 2015 Quarterly Newsletter

We’re excited to share the Winter 2015 issue of Ku`i Na Lono: Spread the News
Featuring these stories and more:
• HCAP Participates in #GivingTuesday 2014
• Stories from the Field
• Senator Daniel K.Akaka Attends HCAP Board Installation Dinner
• HCAP in the News

To view the Winter 2015 Quarterly click here.
To view past Quarterly Newsletters click here.

Welcome to our newest staff members!

Lilly-Jean Cantero Gallen – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Deborah Coleman – Head Start Family Advocate

Amanda Kaleikula-Velleses – Head Start Teacher I

Nadia Hernandez – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Dawlani Keliikuli – Head Start Family Advocate

Margaret Magno – Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Resident Aide

Erin Northrop – Head Start Teacher I

Desiree Serapion – Head Start Assistant Teacher Trainee

Reiko Titong – Leahi District Service Center Community Worker