HCAP WEEKLY December 4, 2023

Hā Initiative’s Kaʻiulani Team Finishes Second in 2023 FIRST Lego League State Competition

HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program is celebrating a significant achievement by the “PalamaBots” of the Hā Initiative’s Kaʻiulani Elementary classroom. The robotics team secured a remarkable second-place finish out of over 40 teams in the recent Hawaii FIRST Lego League (FLL) State Competition. FLL invites only select teams to the State Competition based on their performance during the past Regional Competition.

The FIRST Lego League is a globally recognized robotics program that challenges students to design, build, and program autonomous robots using Lego kits. Teams are also required to research and present innovative solutions to real-world problems. The competition not only emphasizes technical skills but also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking.

Over the past several months, the teams have meticulously programmed and constructed their robot to navigate a series of challenging tasks during the competition. The PalamaBots team showcased their ingenuity and teamwork, earning them a well-deserved 2nd place in the highly competitive Robot Performance category.

This accomplishment not only reflects the students’ dedication to STEM education but also highlights the effectiveness of the Hā Initiative in nurturing young minds for future success. The Hā Initiative and the entirety of HCAP expressed their pride in the PalamaBots for their outstanding performance!

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.

Nā Lima Hana Client’s Continued Success

Crystal first contacted the Windward District Service Center over a year ago, for employment assistance through Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS). Crystal was able to complete all the required intake forms and participate in Job Readiness Training. ECS helped her successfully prepare for interviews, receive hygiene products, and receive a HOLO Card.

Since then, Crystal transferred to the Central District Service Center and has continued her employment and educational journey, as well as received wraparound services from different HCAP programs. Crystal shared that she was hired as a Project Manager at M. Torigoe Plumbing, Inc. as a full-time employee. She kept in contact with the Central staff and submitted all her paystubs to receive gift card incentives for maintaining employment for 30, 60, and 90 days.

Beyond ECS, HCAP was able to help Crystal with filing her taxes through HCAP’s Income Tax Services & Earned Income Tax Credit Program. In June, Crystal applied for Energy Credit through HCAP’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for assistance with her electric bill, since she was able to find stable housing with her two children.

In July of 2023, Crystal gave a testimony on behalf of HCAP. Crystal stated, “HCAP has been such a HUGE blessing for my family and me and I can only pray that they continue to encourage and help others who are struggling like I was so that people can get to where they need to be in life as God has allowed me to be with the help of HCAP services and the angels that work there.”

Now, Crystal has surpassed 180 days of employment and has begun taking phlebotomy courses with one of HCAP’s partners, Professional Healthcare Educators. ECS was able to provide Crystal with tuition assistance for her program and she is on track to complete her certification. Crystal shared, “HCAP’s Employment services and the tuition assistance program allowed me to… expand my knowledge in a career field that I could build on outside of my comfort zone.”

Crystal thanked HCAP staff saying, “They believed in me and helped me reach my goals during a very difficult time in my life and I will be forever appreciative and grateful for this program and the people who run it.”

The Central District Service Center staff are so excited and proud of all that Crystal has accomplished so far and will continue to support her in her future endeavors. Staff shared that Crystal has been a joy to work with and through every step of the process has continued to communicate effectively with every milestone she has reached.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs & Services.

Kumuhonua Senior Finds Permanent Housing

Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) participant, James, was able to achieve permanent placement into his own unit located at Pohulani Senior Living Housing in Honolulu. James was considered an ALEA-Bridge participant who was already connected to a housing program before moving into HCAP Kumuhonua. He has been actively working alongside Institute for Human Services Housing Coordinator, Eric Conway, and Assistant Program Manager, Carla Leigh, to get into a unit that was suitable for his physical needs. In November 2023 James was able to sign the lease agreement with his landlord and view his new home.

The staff at KTLC would like to congratulate James on obtaining permanent housing and wish him the best of luck in the future.

Click Here to learn more about KTLC.