HCAP WEEKLY February 7, 2022

After Two Years, Kūpuna Independent Life Series Returns to the Classroom

On February 3, the Kūpuna Independent Life Series returned to the classroom for the first time since 2020. With health and safety protocols in place, a limited number of kūpuna and students from Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s College of Nursing reunited for introductions, in-person lesson activities, and fun.

The spring 2022 Kūpuna Independent Life Series curriculum focuses on COVID-19 and other related health risks for seniors. Many kūpuna have avoided non-emergent medical care due to the pandemic, and the series will highlight the importance of continued check-ups and other preventative care. The spring series will also help the senior participants learn the basics of using technology to access factual information about the pandemic.

The Spring 2022 semester will run for ten weeks, with the final class scheduled to be held at Pokai Bay. The Kūpuna Independent Life Series is made possible through support from Friends of Hawaiʻi Charities.

2022 HCAP Income Tax Assistance Program Happening Now Through April 10

This year, HCAP is once again offering income tax preparation assistance to eligible Oʻahu households in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Financial Empowerment Coalition. The program is already underway at HCAP’s five District Service Centers. 

Susy, a senior citizen on a fixed income, was able to finish her tax returns early this year thanks to HCAP’s Central District Service Center staff. Susy lives in a senior living facility and relies on the Handi-Van for transportation. She decided to call HCAP for help filing her taxes this year because she had not received one of the 2021 economic stimulus payments and is on Social Security benefits. However, after preparing Susy’s tax returns, Central District staff learned Susy had suffered a mild stroke since her first appointment. While recovering at home, Susy was concerned about the risks of venturing out in public with her health in a fragile state.

To make sure Susy stayed safe and filed her taxes on time, Central District Service Center Manager Katy Perry decided to hand deliver Susy’s tax returns to her home. “Susy was so grateful and amazed with HCAP’s commitment to the community and to her,” Katy explained, “Over the past two years many of the VITA senior tax sites have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a huge need for this type of service.”

From February 1 through April 10, trained staff will assist households with an adjusted gross income of $66,000 or less to complete their federal and state income tax returns. To ensure the health and safety of all staff and participants, tax services are being offered by appointment only in a “drop-off” format. 

Click Here for more information about Income Tax Assistance.

Happy Lunar New Year from HCAP Head Start

Last week, HCAP Head Start’s Salt Lake Pre-Plus classroom welcomed the Lunar New Year with several fun activities.

Ms. Jacqueline and Ms. Mei first read the class stories that introduced the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year. After learning about the Chinese Drum Dance, the children crafted Chinese drums and employed their gross motor skills to rhymically parade around the classroom. Outside the classroom, the keiki moved and grooved to the sounds of drums and tambourines as they created their own Chinese Lion Dance.

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start applications for the 2022-2023 school year are open now! Click Here for more information and how to enroll your keiki.

Single Mother From Russia Finds Stability in Windward Oʻahu

Anna first came to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center in May 2021. The single mother had moved from Russia to Hawaiʻi seeking a better life and financial stability for her son. However, COVID-19 restrictions eventually made it impossible for her to make ends meet while employed as a restaurant server. 

Anna worked with Windward District staff to assess her household needs and expressed a desire for higher education and to pursue work in the medical field. “I want to become a nurse, giving back to others while providing a good life for my son. When COVID hit I realized I need job security, and healthcare seems to be needed at all times,” Anna shared.

Windward District staff helped Anna enroll in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program and referred her to the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program at Windward Community College. She was accepted into the CNA program and approved for vocational training tuition assistance through Nā Lima Hana. 

While attending the CNA program, Anna also worked with Windward staff on her resume and interview skills in preparation for her upcoming job search. Anna completed the CNA program in August 2021 and soon secured employment at Aloha Nursing in Kāneʻohe. She has now been employed as a CNA for over 120 days. 

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.