HCAP Weekly February 1, 2016

In this week’s issue:

Kumuhonua Staff Volunteer for the Annual ‘Point in Time’ Count
Community Members Gather to Clean Up Makalapa Community Park
HCAP’s Youth Services Student on the Path to Graduation
The Kalihi-Palama STEM Students “Bridge the Gap” Using a Robot and Legos
Head Start Staff Present at Kamalapua O Ko’olau 2016 Annual School-Based Transition Conference
Award Ceremony Honors the 2016 Head Start Calendar Contest’s Artists
HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Kumuhonua Staff Volunteer for the Annual ‘Point in Time’ Count

The Point in Time count is an annual event conducted by outreach providers and housing programs to identify and count the number of unsheltered and sheltered individuals and families in the State of Hawaii. The data is then compiled and used for funding purposes, along with identifying needs in the community and information for homeless providers. Volunteers are needed to assist the outreach agencies that lead the count. Unfortunately, there are usually not enough volunteers to assist with the long process. Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Case Managers volunteered for a full day, helping the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center conduct the annual Point in Time count on the Leeward coast. They volunteered to interview and count the number of homeless individuals and families along the Leeward Coast. This is the third year that the Kumuhonua Case Managers have volunteered, and they were the only volunteers that participated outside of the Health Center. The data will be distributed in a report later this year and will be available as a public record.

Community Members Gather to Clean Up Makalapa Community Park

The Makalapa Community Park is hidden between residential homes, Pu’u Wai Momi Housing and the Central District Service Center. For many years the park has been the center of the community, hosting many cultural events and after-school activities for the children in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Over the past several years, the park has begun to look run down and neglected. The park has also had problems with drug activity and homelessness. As a result, many members in the community have stopped using the park.

Last Saturday, Central District Service Center staff along with their families joined the community in an effort to clean up the Makalapa Community Park. This was a joint effort that brought many community groups together. Participants included Pu’u Wai Momi’s Citizen Patrol, community members, Parents and Children Together (PACT) staff, Council Member Joey Manahan and aides, Dennis Arakaki- Community Liaison for Council Member Joey Manahan, Honolulu Police Department Police Officers, the Commander of the U.S Pacific Fleet, City & County of Honolulu staff, and students from HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School STEM Program.

Gallons of fresh paint donated by the City & County of Honolulu were used to cover up graffiti on the comfort station, basketball rims, and playground equipment. In addition, bags of grass and garbage were collected and disposed. Once the cleanup was completed, Makalapa Community Park looked as though it was brand new again. Everyone was amazed at how much a fresh coat of paint and fabulous partnerships could make such a huge difference. The group is now looking at making this event a quarterly project to help keep the park maintained and a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.

HCAP’s Youth Services Student on the Path to Graduation

Jhondell first came to HCAP Youth Services to obtain his Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma through the Competency-Based Community School Diploma Program (C-Base). The C-Base Program consists of two phases. Due to his low reading and math levels, Jhondell needed Individualized Tutoring services in order to start Phase I of the C-Base Program. He worked hard and quickly entered into the C-Base class a few months later. After Jhondell successfully completed three C-Base units, he was ready to start Phase II of the C-Base Program. In Phase II, participants have a choice between the following options: (1) acceptance for post-secondary educational training; (2) employment/volunteer; (3) obtaining or possessing a marketable skill; or (4) demonstration of home or life management skills. With the help of the HCAP Youth Services staff, Jhondell quickly landed a job at Jamba Juice on Bishop Street. Jhondell is entering his sixth month of employment and will be graduating with the Class of 2016 in June. Keep up the good work Jhondell!

The Kalihi-Palama STEM Students “Bridge the Gap” Using a Robot and Legos

Students at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi-Palama STEM Exploration Center are continuing to build their robotics STEM skills. The most recent activity was “Bridge the Gap”. The activity challenge was to get a Lego man across a ‘chasm’ between two tables, using only a robot and Lego parts. At first, the task seemed impossible!

“The robot cannot jump!” one 4th grade student declared.

But working together and using some innovation and ingenuity, they eventually came up with unique solutions such as lifting the Lego man across on a Lego crane and also building a bridge to drive over. With teamwork and brainpower, the STEM students learned how to “Bridge the Gap.”

Head Start Staff Present at Kamalapua O Ko’olau 2016 Annual School-Based Transition Conference

Cheryl Castro, Staff Development and Training Manager, along with HCAP Head Start Teacher Mentors Traci Garma, Leila Baldugo, Bobbi Beter-Moses, Dorothy Mahoney, Naomi Kahikina, and Kris Kuboyama had the opportunity to present at the Kamalapua O Ko’olau 2016 Annual School-Based Transition Conference on January 29, 2016 at the Ko’olau Ballrooms. Those who attended this annual event were educators from the Windward District who work with children 0-8 years of age, principals, directors, and community agencies. Attendees participated in workshops on successful transition into kindergarten and other early learning environments. The presentation from the HCAP Head Start team focused on Family Engagement, and Cognitive and Physical development. The team would like to thank Phyllis Ida, HCAP Board Member and Jonathan Gillentine, Early Learning Specialist at the Department of Education Windward District Office, for the opportunity to present at the conference.

Award Ceremony Honors the 2016 Head Start Calendar Contest’s Artists

An award ceremony was held at the Head Start Policy Council meeting to honor the little artists of the 2016 HCAP Head Start Calendar contest. Each child was recognized for his or her drawing that was inspired by a favorite children’s storybook. The children received a copy of the book that inspired their drawing along with the 2016 HCAP Head Start calendar.

HCAP Head Start Now Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.