HCAP Weekly December 3, 2018

Central District Service Center Receives Donation from Down to Earth
Kupuna Receives Wraparound Services Through Rapid Re-Housing and Na Lima Hana
Leeward Kupuna Enjoy Annual Kupuna Prom
Leahi District Service Center Provides Employment Services to Ke Ola Pono Residents
Windward District Service Center Staff Connect with Community at Health & Wellness Fair

Central District Service Center Receives Donation from Down to Earth

As part of their ongoing efforts to give back to the community, the organic retailer Down to Earth made a donation to HCAP’s Central District Service Center. A giant check was presented to Central District Service Center’s Community Services Manager Katy Perry at Down to Earth’s grand opening at Pearlridge Center on December 1st.

Down to Earth’s CEO Mark Fergusson and Pearlridge Store Manager Steve Telander were especially impressed with Central District Service Center’s involvement in the Ohana Produce food distribution. In partnership with the Hawaii Foodbank, Central District Service Center (along with three of HCAP’s other District Service Centers) have been providing low-income households with fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost every month. In the spirit of their slogan (“Love Life! Eat Healthy, Be Happy!”), Down to Earth wanted to recognize a community organization that embodied their mission.

Central District Service Center would like to welcome the new Down to Earth location to the Aiea community. Central District Service Center staff would also like to give a very special mahalo to Vianca Cao, Account Executive at Down to Earth for all of her love and support for HCAP.

Kupuna Receives Wraparound Services Through Rapid Re-Housing and Na Lima Hana

In June, Pearl Ann, one of the regulars at Leeward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series, was faced with an eviction notice. She became homeless shortly thereafter. Pearl Ann turned to Leeward District Service Center’s Community Workers for guidance and support. With the help of HCAP’s Rapid Re-Housing Program and Leslie Young, site manager at Kulia I Ka Nu’u, a subsidized housing in Waianae, Pearl Ann was able to move into a place of her own before the holidays.

Leeward District Service Center staff also enrolled her in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. After completing Job Readiness Training, Pearl Ann received a job offer as prep cook at the new Restaurant 604 at Pililaau Army Recreation Center. Through the ECS program, she will receive work clothing to help give her a fresh start with her new job. This kupuna is living her best life and HCAP is humbled to have been of service.

Leeward Kupuna Enjoy Annual Kupuna Prom

Leeward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series celebrated their 6th Annual Kupuna Prom on Thursday, November 29th.

The annual event brought closure to the thirteen week series, through which kupuna learned about their health, socialized with one another and discussed important topics that keep kupuna aging in place.
The lively event brought together a number of partners and guests to celebrate this occasion, for which the Leeward District Service Center is extremely grateful.

For the second year in a row, the Marriott Ko Olina provided holiday assistance to the Leeward District Service Center. This year, instead of sheets, the Loss and Prevention Department headed by Lawton Mauai brought house wear for the kupuna penny sale: dishes, glasses, baking trays, cascade dish washing liquid, tea kettles, plastic containers, coffee pots and rice cookers. Mr. Mauai also brought his working staff to serenade the kupuna during lunch.

Unko, the owner of Honolulu Kitchen, supplied pans of food for kupuna. Additionally, One Kettle Korn provided table favors filled with colored popcorn. Shanylyn Lalawai, Miss. Teen Hawaii Plus from Waianae High school, performed a hula for kupuna.

It was a perfect ending to the 2018 Kupuna Independent Life Series.

Leahi District Service Center Provides Employment Services to Ke Ola Pono Residents

As part of Leahi District Service Center’s ongoing partnership with the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services, Leahi District Service Center staff provides employment services to Ke Ola Pono Program, a sober living program for women and children. Every Tuesday afternoon, Leahi District Service Center’s Community Workers meet with the women to provide hands-on employment training.

Once enrolled in HCAP’s Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, the women set career goals, learn about financial literacy, practice resume writing, prepare for the interviewing process, and apply for jobs. One of the participants, Christina, has attended the services and found full time employment with Macy’s. Leahi District Service Center staff have finished up their last session last week and will facilitate another group at Ke Ola Pono in March 2019.

Windward District Service Center Staff Connect with Community at Health & Wellness Fair

Windward District Service Center staff recently participated in Kahuku Elementary’s Family & Community Health & Wellness Fair. Kids were encouraged to bring their toiletries items to donate & participate in physical activities when coming to the HCAP booth. Windward District Service Center staff used the event as an opportunity to promote HCAP programs and services, including the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program – the Windward STEM Exploration Center is located at 54-010 Kukuna Road.