HCAP Weekly August 6, 2018

Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Steady Employment
LIHEAP Participant Receives Weatherization Assistance
Palolo Parent Receives Ready to Learn School Supplies
HCAP Staff Attend Project Reach Event in Kahuku
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Steady Employment

Leeward District Service Center’s partnership with My Brother’s Keeper, a clean and sober/halfway home two year program, continues to flourish. Participants from My Brother’s Keeper continue to provide volunteer support to Leeward District Service Center on Ohana Produce food distribution days, while HCAP’s Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program continues to provide My Brother’s Keeper participants Job Readiness Training (JRT) and employment opportunities.

Henry is just one example of this beneficial collaboration. Henry had not worked in a few years; he had no resume and had no idea where to begin his job search. After completing JRT, he now had a resume, new-found confidence in his abilities, and networking skills. His networking efforts paid off when a friend of a friend was looking to hire someone new and called him in for an interview. Henry was hired immediately and has since been working as a full time driver and laborer for a dump truck company. The ECS Program has also provided Henry with work clothes and tools to support his new job. Henry has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and work ethic; he was proactive in seeking employment and continues to maintain employment.

LIHEAP Participant Receives Weatherization Assistance

As a full-time caretaker for his father, Clarence lives on a limited budget. The only income they have is his father’s social security and veteran benefits. Once a year, Clarence applies for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at HCAP’s Central District Service Center to receive assistance on their energy bill. Central District Service Center staff provided Clarence a referral to another HCAP program: the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Eligible for the WAP services, Clarence completed intake. In addition to the conservation energy education provided during their home energy audit, Clarence and his father also received a hybrid water heater. The highly efficient water heater will help Clarence reduce electricity use and hopefully provide more savings for their household.

Palolo Parent Receives Ready to Learn School Supplies

This year, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center was able to service over one hundred families with school supplies through the Ready to Learn (RTL) school supply drive operated by Helping Hands Hawaii. The RTL school supply drive is aimed to help families in need by providing basic school supplies for their children’s education. One of the parents who benefited from the program was Terry. A Palolo resident, Terry also enrolls her daughter at the Palolo STEM Exploration Center, one of the centers run by HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program.

HCAP Staff Attend Project Reach Event in Kahuku

On Saturday, August 4th, HCAP staff attended Project Reach Hawaii’s Back to School Bash at Kahuku High School. Established in 2016, Project Reach Hawaii has partnered up with local social service agencies such as HCAP to improve quality of life for youths, families, and individuals. The event was a great opportunity to raise awareness about bullying and substance abuse. HCAP’s Windward District Service Center staff used the event as an opportunity to provide information about HCAP programs and services.

Emcee Jelayne Shelton offered her own personal testimony about how HCAP has impacted her life. She had a great experience as a HCAP Head Start parent. “I loved being a part of the Head Start Ohana!” Jelayne shared with Windward District Service Center staff. “Not only do they provide excellent resources for you and your Ohana, but they also make you feel like you are not alone.” Jelayne believes that HCAP is the place to go to if you’re looking for a hand up, and not a handout.

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of comprehensive early childhood education? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2018-2019 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.