HCAP Weekly April 25, 2016

In this week’s issue:

Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Students Visit the Lo’i
SCSEP Participant Gains Work Experience and Permanent Housing
Kupuna Independent Life Series Comes to a Close
Head Start Children Learn About the Life Cycle of Caterpillars and Butterflies
Na Lima Hana Sees Increase in Program Participants from Laumaka Work Furlough Program
HCAP is Hiring LIHEAP Intake Aides
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Students Visit the Lo’i

This past weekend HCAP’s five Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Exploration Centers visited the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Ka Papa Lo’i ‘O Kanewai taro patch. Forty-two students and eleven parents attended the field trip. Also in attendance were Honolulu City Council Chair Ernie Martin and Representative Isaac Choy, House District 23, Chair of the House Committee on Higher Education who inspired the students with their personal stories of opportunity and hope. Guest speaker Anthony Kelling, teacher and adjunct faculty at Chaminade University of Honolulu, was joined by staff from the UH Manoa School of Hawaiian Studies and spoke about STEM values of the lo’i kalo.

The students started their excursion at the hale wa’a (canoe house). In the hale wa’a, the guest speakers spoke to the students about STEM values and the “dream of college.” Later, the STEM students learned more about Hawaiian culture. They learned that the ancient Hawaiians used engineering properties to build hales (houses). The students learned that building hales was a huge task and that the ancient Hawaiians chose precise materials in order to build a strong hale structure. The students also listened to the story of Kāne and Kanaloa, two Hawaiian Gods.

The students and families then took a short hike to the po’owai (water source) and learned about the water system. They learned how the water is diverted to the lo’i. Upon their return from the hike, the students were introduced to the traditional way of preparing the lo’i for planting. To prepare the lo’i for planting the students gathered leaves to lomi (massage) into the soil of the lo’i. Then the students and parents entered the lo’i and began stomping the leaves into the taro patch. The students had lots of fun and got very muddy! After lunch, the students participated in a STEM activity. They tested the water quality from the water ditches and documented results. The students continued this experiment in their classrooms this week.

This field trip would not have been possible without a lot of collaboration and hard work. A huge mahalo to all those who made this event a success!

SCSEP Participant Gains Work Experience and Permanent Housing

Mr. English is a United States veteran who came into the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) with the challenges of being homeless and unemployed. When he enrolled in SCSEP, he was sheltered at U.S.VETS – Barber’s Point, which provides supportive housing for veterans. To add to his challenges, Mr. English is too young to qualify for social security benefits.

On May 20, 2015, Mr. English was enrolled into SCSEP and was assigned to the HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center as a groundskeeper trainee. The staff also began helping Mr. English find permanent housing. As a resident at U.S. VETS- Barber’s Point, Mr. English received assistance from U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program (VASH). With the rental assistance from HUD-VASH combined with the SCSEP wages, Mr. English qualified for subsidized housing.

Mahalo to all the partners who worked together to help Mr. English on his path to self-sufficiency.

Kupuna Independent Life Series Comes to a Close

On April 28th, kupuna bid farewell to Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) students after a 13-week workshop series covering topics such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and ageism. The Kupuna Independent Life Series is a collaboration between Leeward District Service Center and HPU School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Head Start Children Learn About the Life Cycle of Caterpillars and Butterflies

Lanakila II Head Start children learned about metamorphosis by observing the life cycle of caterpillars and butterflies! This topic is perfect for learning about sequencing, predicting, and increasing vocabulary. Jonah, one of the Head Start children, read his favorite book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, to the class. The story helped the children better understand the concept of a life cycle. In addition to the many activities that were part of the study, the children also had the opportunity to go on a nature walk to look for caterpillars, butterflies and other types of insects.

Na Lima Hana Sees Increase in Program Participants from Laumaka Work Furlough Program

Kalihi Palama District Service Center had an influx of referrals coming from the Laumaka Work Furlough Program recently. These referrals requested assistance from the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services program for Job Readiness Training (JRT) and help in finding employment. The staff completed intake for four new clients, of which two have already completed JRT. In addition to JRT, referrals are provided with professional clothing they can use for interviews and their future employment.

HCAP is Hiring LIHEAP Intake Aides

HCAP is currently accepting applications for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Intake Aides. LIHEAP Intake Aides are responsible for screening and interviewing applicants for appropriate admission to the program. This is a temporary position from May to July 2016. Multiple openings are available for this position.

To download the job description click here.

To apply for a LIHEAP Aide position click here.

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.