HCAP Weekly April 8, 2019

HCAP Selects a New Leahi District Community Services Manager
Na Lima Hana Helps Parent Re-Enter the Workforce
WAP Staff Attend HPC National Conference in Chicago
Pope Head Start Hosts Family Engagement
Windward Kupuna “Get Moving”

HCAP Selects a New Leahi District Community Services Manager

HCAP is pleased to announce that Tekawitha Iese has been selected as Community Services Manager at HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center in Palolo.  She will be responsible for coordinating and delivering programs and services offered at the Leahi District Service Center.

Tekawitha started with HCAP as a Head Start Assistant Teacher in 2006, then served as a Head Start Family Advocate, Head Start ERSEA Family Advocate, Head Start Family Advocate Mentor, and Head Start ERSEA Program Manager.  Tekawitha has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Chaminade University.

Tehani Diaz, HCAP Director of Community Services, states “Having worked at HCAP Head Start since 2006, Teka is very familiar with HCAP’s wide range of programs and services.  I am confident she will be able to step right in and continue the good work being done in the district, as well as develop new strategies and partnerships to grow our programs and services.”

Na Lima Hana Helps Parent Re-Enter the Workforce

Georgelyn came to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center seeking job search assistance. As a single parent to her young grandson, Georgelyn had been out of the workforce for some time. Now that her grandson was getting older, she was ready to re-enter the work force, but was worried about being able to find a job that would align with her past experiences and goals for the future.

Georgelyn enrolled and completed the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program, where she developed a professional resume, improved her interview skills, created a budget and financial goals, and updated her computer skills. She also received assistance in finding employment opportunities that would be a good match for her.

Shortly afterwards, Georgelyn secured an interview with H&R Block. She was offered a position as secretary, and happily accepted the offer. Georgelyn is enjoying her new job, and learning new skills every day.

WAP Staff Attend HPC National Conference in Chicago

Last week, HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) staff attended the 2019 Home Performance Coalition (HPC) National Conference & Trade Show at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Chicago. Residential energy efficiency professionals from across the country came together for four days of educational seminars and workshops, networking, and inspiration.  HCAP staff were also able to obtain information and resources from other states relating to their weatherization programs.

Seminars included sessions on strategies for getting a program off the ground, healthy home assessments and reporting, and best practices on how to conduct client education and interactions. Staff also learned about the required certifications and qualifications for Energy auditors and Quality Control Inspectors in other states.  A trade show was also held during the week with over 60 vendors specializing in home performance. HCAP staff was happy to have had the opportunity to attend the conference and look forward to bringing the knowledge gained back to our WAP program.

Pope Head Start Hosts Family Engagement

Last month, the children at Pope Head Start gathered with family members for a family engagement event. Family engagement events allow families the opportunity to foster positive, trusting relationships with teaching staff. The children and their families worked together to make sensory bottles. The teachers provided supplies for the activity, including recycled VOSS bottles, liquid watercolor, soap, glitter, and confetti.

Windward Kupuna “Get Moving”

Participants of Windward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series Program recently completed their fourth Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) session.  SNAP-Ed educator Lori Matsuoka led a session called “Let’s Get Moving.” The kupuna sat down and went over the lesson plan with Lori, and discussed what it means to get moving. The kupuna shared their own ways of how they get up and move around every day. Doing yard work and household chores were some of the things the kupuna did to stay active and busy at their age.

After their discussion, Lori brought out resistance bands for the kupuna to use in their physical workouts. They were able to participate in a 15 minute routine and get their hearts pumping. After they were done with the workout, Lori did a food demo and made strawberry smoothies, which made for a great post-workout treat.  Following the food demo, the kupuna enjoyed lunch, and wrapped up with a Zumba session with Siona. The kupuna enjoyed Siona’s spirit and enthusiasm, and definitely got moving today!