HCAP Weekly August 3, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Visits HCAP Head Start Classroom
Central District Service Center Staff Congratulates Client on Reaching Milestones
Leahi District Service Center Community Worker Joins In on Fun at Palolo STEM Exploration Center
Kumuhonua Resident’s Perseverance Pays Off with Permanent Housing
A Hui Hou to AmeriCorps VISTA Members Brittany & Marissa

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Visits HCAP Head Start Classroom

On August 4, 2015, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and her staff visited the HCAP Head Start classroom at Reverend Benjamin Parker Elementary School in Kaneohe. The children gathered around while she read “Llama Llama Home with Mama” to the class. They followed the book with excitement and later asked Congresswoman Gabbard if she liked to read. Congresswoman Gabbard explained to the children how reading is very important, especially when growing up, and how much she and her siblings enjoyed reading together.

Later on, HCAP staff had the opportunity to discuss the positive impact HCAP Head Start has on its parents and children. Head Start Teacher Lisa shared the challenges she faced as a former Head Start parent, and how Head Start helped her earn her bachelor’s degree and gain full-time employment. Other guests and various HCAP Head Start staff also had the opportunity to connect and talk with the Congresswoman.

Mahalo nui loa to Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for graciously donating her time and supporting Head Start’s initiative of promoting literacy through early childhood education!

Central District Service Center Staff Congratulates Client on Reaching Milestones

In 2014, Chevis came to HCAP’s Central District Service Center seeking information on HCAP’s services to help him earn a diploma and employment. After dropping out of high school at the age of 16, Chevis was looking for an alternative solution to obtaining a diploma.

HCAP’s Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services (ECS) program at the Central District Service Center worked with Chevis to get a work permit so he could begin looking for work. While enrolled in ECS, Chevis decided to focus his career goals on securing work in construction. Chevis eventually found a company that allowed him to volunteer and gain work experience. After months of learning the trade, Chevis was hired as a full-time employee. Knowing how important education is, Chevis’ new employer also worked around his class schedule, to help him earn his Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma through the Central District Service Center’s C-Base program, this past July.

Staff at the Central District Service Center are so proud of Chevis. As a young man who is very smart and knew what he wanted, Chevis never gave up and achieved several very important milestones in his life.

Leahi District Service Center Community Worker Joins In on Fun at Palolo STEM Exploration Center

Cameo, a Community Worker at HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center, assisted with HCAP’s newest Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Palolo STEM Exploration Center, which is located near the Leahi District Service Center. The kids had a great time exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in a fun and creative environment. Last week, Cameo and the kids explored measurements and prefixes used in the metric system. Not only did they read about how important these measurements are, but were also able to connect what they had learned from the lessons to hands-on fun measurement activities and games.

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program is free to kids in grades 2-8. For more information about the program and STEM Exploration Center locations, please visit Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program or call 521-4531

Kumuhonua Resident’s Perseverance Pays Off with Permanent Housing

In 2013, Ingrid became homeless after she could no longer afford her rent. Multiple disabilities prevented Ingrid from being able to maintain employment, and her health conditions worsened as a result of not having consistent access to medical care.

In 2014, Ingrid arrived at the doorsteps of HCAPʻs Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. While living at Kumuhonua, Ingrid demonstrated great commitment to her goals and worked tirelessly to achieve all that she set out to accomplish. With the help of a monthly budgeting plan, Ingrid also diligently set aside money every month and was able to reestablish her savings fund.

Less than one year after coming to Kumuhonua, Ingrid’s hard work and dedication paid off. In early 2015, Ingrid secured permanent housing, and is now living in her own one-bedroom apartment that is equipped with all of her necessary accommodations. The staff at Kumuhonua are so thankful to have had the opportunity to help Ingrid, and wish her all the best!

A Hui Hou to AmeriCorps VISTA Members Brittany & Marissa

HCAP would like to thank AmeriCorps VISTA Members Brittany and Marissa for their hard work and the positive impact they have made at HCAP over the past year. Brittany has spent the past year continuing to develop the volunteer base for the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program. Marissa has helped to develop HCAP’s communications strategies, social media efforts, and promotional materials.

HCAP has been very lucky to have these two bright young ladies volunteer for the organization. We wish them the best of luck and success in the future!