HCAP Weekly February 11, 2019

HCAP Holds 2019 Annual Training Day
HCAP Head Start Selects a New Program Manager
SCSEP Participant Obtains Social Security Credits
Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Employment
Income Tax Services Volunteer Finds Work Rewarding

HCAP Holds 2019 Annual Training Day

On Tuesday, February 11th, the entire HCAP staff gathered at the ‘Ōlino by Consolidated Theatres for HCAP’s 2019 Annual Training Day. The Training Day theme, “Where the Heart Is” was reflected in the topics discussed and food provided throughout the day. Gift baskets, donated by HCAP’s various programs and departments, also contained items that promoted the theme.

The guest speakers reaffirmed the importance of doing what you love. Special guest speaker Shayna Makasobe shared with the audience about her transition from Head Start parent to current Head Start staff. Shayna talked about Head Start’s Aunty Colleen, who was always there when she and her family needed help. In her current position as Family Advocate, Shayna hopes to create the same kind of positive change and impact for current Head Start families.

Marion Lyman-Mersereau, the first speaker, shared with HCAP staff about the fateful 1978 Hōkūleʻa voyage that left her friend and crew mate Eddie Aikau lost at sea. Marion talked about the legacy Eddie left, and how giving back is still a mantra that she abides by. The next speaker, Elizabeth Anderson, an employee from Kaiser, did a presentation on mindfulness. She led breathing exercises and discussed the benefits that mindfulness can have for you in everyday life.

Following the guest speakers, HCAP Director of Community Services Tehani Diaz and HCAP Head Start Director Grant Kogami provided a comprehensive and presentation regarding HCAP’s programs and services. The goal was to ensure that all HCAP staff remain knowledgeable and kept up-to-date about HCAP’s programs and services that are available to help clients.

After recognizing employees for achieving educational goals and years of service milestones, and announcing the winners of HCAP’s third annual “I’m for Quality” contest, HCAP staff were treated to a surprise movie and popcorn.

HCAP Head Start Selects a New Program Manager

HCAP is pleased to announce that Shantel Griffin has been named as HCAP’s newest Head Start ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance)/Family & Community Partnership (FCP) Manager. She will be responsible for monitoring and implementation of ERSEA regulations and overseeing the daily operations of Head Start Family Advocates.

Shantel was previously a HCAP Head Start ERSEA Family Advocate and also has prior experience as a Housing Assistance Specialist with the City and County of Honolulu. Shantel has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services/Child and Family Development from the University of Phoenix.

Jennifer Tanele, HCAP Head Start Assistant Director, states “As an ERSEA Family Advocate, Shantel proved to be a natural leader and helped the program to meet monthly goals through her motivation and determination to get the job done. She was also instrumental in the development of our new systems and on-boarding process. I’m excited to have Shantel be a part of the ERSEA/FCP management team, as she will bring her knowledge, experience, and passion to help build and guide the ERSEA and Family Services component.”

HCAP congratulates Shantel for continuing to strive to reach her fullest potential for the benefit of HCAP, Head Start, and the people we serve.

SCSEP Participant Obtains Social Security Credits

When Gloria first applied for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), she did not have any income and was short of the credits needed to qualify for Social Security benefits. After participating in SCSEP for several years, she exited the program because she was unable to submit her timesheet in a timely manner.

After receiving counseling from program staff regarding program requirements, Gloria was reassigned to her training site to complete her SCSEP training. She continued to work very diligently and this time, was very punctual with her timesheet submittals.

Earlier this month, Gloria reached the time limit for program participants and acquired the required credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. Gloria is very happy that SCSEP helped her to qualify for Social Security benefits and that she now has a steady stream of income that she did not have prior to participating in SCSEP.

Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Employment

Leona came to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center seeking case management services. Her family had been going through a difficult time and needed resources to help them out. Windward District Service Center staff enrolled Leona in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. While enrolled in the ECS Program, she received referrals to YWCA’s Dress for Success and the Institute for Human Services’ housing services.

HCAP staff helped Leona with her resume and provided the support she needed to continue forward in her job search during difficult times. Leona’s hard work paid off when she was hired as Shift Supervisor at Kono’s Restaurant in Kailua. Leona has been employed for 30 days and counting at Kono’s, where she has been acknowledged for her impressive customer service skills.

Income Tax Services Volunteer Finds Work Rewarding

Eric first heard of HCAP a few years ago when he was working for a local non-profit; he met HCAP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) participants who were trained on-site at his workplace. Eric had always enjoyed filing tax returns for friends, so when Eric was informed by fellow Bank of Hawaii staff about the opportunity to volunteer for HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program, Eric was immediately interested.

He signed up and completed two training sessions organized by Hawaii VITA Program. Eric currently volunteers for the Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program at the Corporate Office. Even though it has been a bit of a challenge navigating the different tax deduction laws under President Trump’s new plan, Eric finds the volunteer work rewarding and likes the idea of giving back to the community.