HCAP WEEKLY April 7, 2025

Beyond the Boxes: Imagination and Creativity with Head Start

HCAP Head Start children across the program are expanding their imagination, developing their creativity and engaging in teamwork through box related art projects completed at home and in the classroom. With a box as the base of their project, Junmark and Olivia from Waipahu II Head Start created replicas of a Target store and an apartment building. Junmark created a Target store because it reminded him of where his favorite toys were bought. Olivia constructed a colorful replica of the apartment building where she lives. Head Start children at Makakilo created a car and a fast food restaurant with a drive-thru and made their real life experiences a part of their large group time in the classroom.

Click here to learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start.

Windward ECS Client Receives Commercial Driver’s License

Stansie first came to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center through a referral from Alu Like. At the time, she was recently furloughed due to lack of work in the construction industry and decided she wanted to seek steady employment. With her lifelong dreams of operating heavy equipment as well as driving heavy duty trucks and trailers, Stansie applied and was accepted into the Professional Driving Academy to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), however, she lacked funding for tuition and registration because of her financial situation.

HCAP Windward District staff immediately walked Stansie through a complete HCAP centralized intake assessment and she was found eligible for services, including enrollment into the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program. Through ECS, Stansie participated in the Job Readiness Training program that included resume building, interview skills and mock interviews. Furthermore, Stansie was approved for tuition assistance of $1,500 through Nā Lima Hana.

After months of dedicated hard work and training, Stansie received her certificate and CDL. HCAP Windward District staff applaud Stansie and her drive to reach her goals of self-sufficiency.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Windward STEM Students’ Huakai Preparation

Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students at Windward STEM Exploration Center experienced an exciting lesson about the screwpine tree–lau hala, its cultural significance and history in Hawaiian traditions. Students had fun making lau hala bracelets, which helped them connect with the Hawaiian art of weaving.

Students also learned a fascinating Hawaiian legend about the lau hala tree. This myth of goddess Pele explains the widespread growth of hala trees throughout the Hawaiian islands, symbolizing both Pele’s power and the resilience of the tree. Throughout this lesson, the students gained a deeper understanding of the connection between Hawaiian culture, the environment, and how legends are intertwined with nature. The experience was a beautiful reminder of the significance of the hala tree and the rich stories that shape Hawaiian heritage.

On the south side of O’ahu, students at Honolulu STEM Exploration Center celebrated Spring Family Day with their families and friends. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and snacks, and also played games, where the prizes for the winners were chocolate rabbits. STEM students made ribbon leis to hand out to the guests and the event ended with a slideshow of all the fun STEM activities throughout the year.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.