HCAP WEEKLY February 26, 2024

Windward Client Earns CDL
Celebrating Fatherhood at Head Start
Kalaeloa District Attends Ceremony in Partnership with Lift HI
Recently, the Kalaeloa District Service Center received an invitation to attend a blessing ceremony with one of the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services’ new partners, Lift Hi Foundation. The Lift Hi Foundation offers individuals the opportunity to enroll in a 6-week nurse aide training. The program is completely free and, upon completion, participants can receive their certification as a nurse aide, allowing them to work in a hospital setting with Hawaii Pacific Health. For several weeks, the Kalaeloa District office worked very closely with the program director to discuss how the two programs could work together to help participants enter a career path that could offer increased financial stability and career longevity.
During the blessing ceremony, Kalaeloa District staff were able to meet and interact with the first group of students enrolled in this program, as well as many others in the community who have worked to make this program come to fruition. Another highlight of being in attendance for the ceremony was that the Kalaeloa District staff had the pleasure and opportunity to witness one of their own partake in this monumental event.
Adrienne has been actively working with the Kalaeloa District for the past eight months. She had recently lost hours with her previous employer and was looking to go back to a career in caregiving. When Nola, Kalaeloa’s Community Services Specialist, mentioned the opportunity with the Lift Hi Foundation, Adrienne was excited to embark on a new journey. Adrienne has expressed how grateful she is for the Lift Hi Foundation and the Kalaeloa District Service Center for working together and helping her achieve her goals. She now has a new lease on life and looking forward to beginning her career as a nurse aide within the next couple of months.
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Windward Client Earns CDL
Kealoha first reached out to the Windward District Service Center in May 2023, seeking employment assistance. After completing his intake and assessment, Kealoha was immediately determined eligible for all services. During the intake interview process with Community Service Specialist, Sheena Paaoao; Kealoha shared that he wanted to obtain his CDL license to better his future with financial and employment stability, but mentioned that he did not have the funds to pay for schooling. Sheena shared about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) and its vocational assistance program. Together, Kealoha and Sheena completed his application where he was later accepted into the Richard Hoapili Trucking School and received vocational assistance through HCAP.
At the same time, Kealoha completed the Job Readiness Training offered through ECS, including resume building, practicing interview skills, learning budget management, and basic computer skills.
By August 2023, Kealoha completed the CDL program and graduated with his PDA certificate. Sheena then assisted him with employment referrals. By November 2023, Kealoha was hired by International Express Inc. as a truck driver. Through his employment dedication, Kealoha has earned Target gift cards provided by ECS and continues to work with HCAP staff on completing all employment milestones.
We congratulate Kealoha and look forward to his future achievements!
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Celebrating Fatherhood at Head Start
Across Head Start & Early Head Start, classrooms celebrated fatherhood throughout February. Fathers and positive male figures engaged in various activities with their children, from drop-off to creating posters and suncatchers to volunteering in the classroom and enjoying a meal, they were welcomed and celebrated! Fathers play an important role in their children’s development and directly impact their well-being, social development, and emotional regulation. HCAP Head Start would like to thank all fathers and positive male figures for their dedication and time to this program and their keiki. We celebrate you!
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