HCAP Weekly April 9, 2018

Kumuhonua Resident Finds Financial Footing
Head Start Family Advocates Provide a Helping Hand at Ohana Produce Food Distribution
Wraparound Services Client Looking for New Start
Windward Kupuna Discuss Dementia
Energy Saving Tips from the Weatherization Assistance Program

Kumuhonua Resident Finds Financial Footing

Quinsin had been living in a shelter in Waianae, but due to safety concerns, he applied and was accepted into HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. Since moving into Kumuhonua, Quinsin made the most of all the opportunities available. He attended several workshops on financial literacy, enrolled in HCAP’s Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program, and applied for Hawaiian Home Lands. He has also established a MATCH Savings Account with Hawaiian Community Assets, which provides a match on savings for participants like Quinsin. Quinsin was recently offered permanent housing in Palolo, and accepted the offer. Quinsin was well-liked in the Kumuhonua community, providing help and support to Kumuhonua staff and residents and will surely be missed by all.

Head Start Family Advocates Provide a Helping Hand at Ohana Produce Food Distribution

As part of a continued effort to better serve families and communities, HCAP District Service Center staff and HCAP Head Start Family Advocates continue to collaborate on community events. This month, four HCAP Head Start Family Advocates came out to the Central District Service Center to provide help with the Ohana Produce food distribution. They assisted with the take-a-number setup for families and individuals waiting in line and helped with the bagging and distribution of fresh produce and bread.

The increased collaboration between the Central District Service Center staff and the HCAP Head Start Family Advocates was a win-win situation for everyone involved. Central District Service Center received additional help at the food distribution, and Family Advocates had an opportunity to provide outreach to families who might benefit from HCAP Head Start. Central District Service Center staff would like to give a big mahalo to all the Family Advocates who participated. Their help and support is always appreciated!

Wraparound Services Client Looking for New Start

As a returning participant of HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, Efren has been supporting his family with side jobs. When Efren told Windward District Service Center staff that he was looking to obtain full-time employment while enrolled in vocational school, the staff referred him to the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. The Windward District Service Center staff is happy to provide Efren with the wraparound services and support he needs as he continues his pursuit of a certificate in construction and a “living wage” job.

Windward Kupuna Discuss Dementia

The Windward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series recently had guest speakers Judy Mishan and Mary Getham from the Hawaii State Department of Health’s Public Health Nursing come to present a health presentation called “Living with Dementia.” Judy and Mary discussed the symptoms exhibited by people who have dementia and how to be a good friend to someone living with dementia. Many of the kupuna found the topic relatable as they have either been diagnosed with or know someone who has dementia.

Energy Saving Tips from the Weatherization Assistance Program

Did you know that washing clothes in cold water can save an average of $63 per household a year? Energy Star has reported that almost 90% of the energy consumed by a washing machine goes to heating water. Warm and hot water leave a much bigger carbon pollution footprint, so be cautious when choosing a setting. Switching to cold water can save you lots of energy as well as money! Ready, Set, Cold Wash!