HCAP Weekly February 26, 2018

Wraparound Services Client Obtains Employment, Self-Sufficiency
Income Tax Services Volunteer Finds Work Rewarding
Leeward District Service Center Establishes Partnership with My Brother’s Keeper PJJK
Windward District Service Center Holds Shoebox Drive for Homeless
STEM Staff Attend After-School Conference in Florida
HCAP Recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as Top 250

Wraparound Services Client Obtains Employment, Self-Sufficiency

Chantel is a single mom who has benefited greatly from HCAP’s wraparound services. She first came to the Kalihi-Palama District Service Center looking to fulfill community service hours. Upon fulfilling her volunteer hours, Chantel enrolled in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program, actively seeking permanent employment. Among the positions she applied for was the temporary position of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Intake Aide at the Kalihi-Palama District Service Center; Chantel was hired by HCAP soon thereafter. Chantel and her family applied and were approved for LIHEAP assistance, which helped with the family’s home energy bill.

Once her position as LIHEAP Intake Aide had ended, Chantel found work as Assistant Manager for a food pantry in Waikiki. She has been working there since September and is very dedicated to her job. Recently, Chantel came to the Kalihi District Service Center to file her taxes at HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. For her federal return, she received a significant amount in tax refund.

Income Tax Services Volunteer Finds Work Rewarding

Chris first heard of HCAP’s volunteer opportunities earlier this year. HCAP’s Windward District Service Center staff had given a presentation on HCAP’s mission and programs to Chris and other Bank of Hawaii employees, as part of volunteer recruitment and outreach. One of the programs brought to Chris’ attention was HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. Chris expressed interest in volunteering for the EITC program, and enrolled in a 3-hour training session. Led by HCAP staff, Chris received tutorials on TaxSlayer, the tax preparation software used by EITC. Upon completion of training, Chris chose to volunteer at the HCAP Corporate Office, which is near Bank of Hawaii’s Downtown offices. He dedicates three hours a week – his Friday afternoon – to the EITC program. So far, Chris has enjoyed his experience. He likes HCAP’s leadership (“very well-organized”) and finds the volunteer work really rewarding (“really appreciate seeing people happy when they get their tax returns”).

Leeward District Service Center Establishes Partnership with My Brother’s Keeper PJJK

In an attempt to build more bridges in marginalized communities, the Leeward District Service Center has partnered with My Brother’s Keeper PJJK, a clean and sober/halfway home two year program. The program’s clientele is 90% men who have been recently incarcerated, and 10% street walk-ins or referrals. The program is based on Christian principles and participants must comply with all requirements set by the State Board Parole Board. Nine participants have enrolled in HCAP’s Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. In March and April, the Leeward District Service Center staff will be organizing a program that will assist in providing clients with additional life skills; they hope to reach out to more formerly incarcerated individuals on the Waianae Coast.

Windward District Service Center Holds Shoebox Drive for Homeless

In collaboration with students from various elementary schools in the Kaneohe area and Parents And Children Together (PACT) Kaneohe, HCAP’s Windward District Service Center provided over 200 shoeboxes for the Windward homeless population and clients preparing for job interviews. The annual shoebox drive helps to provide basic hygiene necessities and to help prepare clients for employment search.

STEM Staff Attend After-School Conference in Florida

Last week, staff from the Ha Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program attended the Beyond School Hours National Education Conference in Florida. They participated in hands-on workshops to learn best practices in after-school programming, met other educators from around the country, and gained new ideas to bring back to Hawaii. In addition, they received program updates on the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. It was truly an inspirational and educational week.

HCAP Recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as Top 250

HCAP is honored to have been recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of the Top 250 of Hawaii’s Biggest Companies and Nonprofits. HCAP’s ranking was based on its 2016 reported total annual revenue.