HCAP Weekly January 15, 2018

HCAP Offers Free Tax Preparation Services Beginning in February
SCSEP Participant Balances the Budget
Seniors at Kumuhonua Receive Angel Tree Gifts
District Service Center and Head Start Staff Meet to Network and Collaborate
Kumuhonua Residents Complete SNAP-Ed and Gardening Programs

HCAP Offers Free Tax Preparation Services Beginning in February

In partnership with the IRS and as part of the Hawaii Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) & Financial Empowerment Coalition, HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program will be offering free tax preparation services from February 1, 2018 to April 6, 2018. As part of the program, HCAP will also be helping working families and individuals receive the federal tax credits they have earned.

The success of the Income Tax Services program has been tremendous. Last year, 745 taxpayers electronically filed their federal returns at the Honolulu Community Action Program’s sites, with returns totaling $1,372,053.

Returns are prepared for working Hawaii families that have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $55,000 are required to file a relatively simple federal return. Volunteer preparers will e-file both the federal and Hawaii State return for FREE.

All sites require appointments to have your taxes prepared. Contact the District Service Center nearest you to make an appointment or call the HCAP Corporate Office for more information at 521-4531. Appointments are available on a first come, first served basis during the following days and times:

• Central District Service Center (Phone: 488-6834) Wednesdays 9am – 12pm
• Kalihi-Palama District Service Center (Phone: 847-0804) Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
• Leahi District Service Center (Phone: 732-7755) Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am – 12pm
• Leeward District Service Center (Phone: 696-4261) Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 9am – 12pm & 1pm – 3pm
• Windward District Service Center (Phone: 239-5754) Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9am – 12pm
• HCAP Corporate Office (Phone: 521-4531) Tuesdays 1pm – 4pm & Fridays 8:30am – 12pm & 1pm – 4pm

SCSEP Participant Balances the Budget

Two years into retirement, Joe realized that the cost of living was outpacing his fixed retirement income and began having hardship in paying his rent and monthly necessities. As a former social worker, he knew there was help in the community for seniors who were struggling to make ends meet. He decided to call HCAP to inquire about the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). He went in for an assessment and was found to be eligible for services and enrolled. Today, he is placed at Kealahou West Oahu as an Office Assistant helping the Waianae community in the computer lab. He is very thankful for the SCSEP program in helping him to meet his monthly expenses while learning new skills and keeping active in the community. He is currently continuing to seek employment and we wish him continued success.

Seniors at Kumuhonua Receive Angel Tree Gifts

On December 23rd, Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Housing Specialist Deborah Coleman and Lead Case Manager Chermane Stringfield attended a special Angel Tree Program event. The event, held at the KROC Center in Kapolei, was organized and hosted by Salvation Army staff. It was a fabulous morning filled with live music, games, and goodies for the community; treats included shaved ice and popcorn. Salvation Army volunteers, including the senior class of Kapolei High School, assembled and gathered gifts for Deborah and Chermane to give to Kumuhonua residents. Upon their return to the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, Deborah and Chermane presented gifts to 15 senior residents. Each senior resident received a large bag filled with gifts they had requested on their Christmas wish list.

District Service Center and Head Start Staff Meet to Network and Collaborate

On January 12th, HCAP District Service Center staff and HCAP Head Start Family Advocates spent the day discussing strategies to better serve our families and communities. The Community Workers from the District Service Centers and Family Advocates from HCAP Head Start agreed that increased collaboration and communication would be a benefit to everyone at HCAP; it will help staff build more comprehensive service plans for families by fully utilizing the programs and services already available. Some ideas for nurturing this partnership included the following: participation and outreach at Ohana Produce Food Distribution, combined outreach efforts in the community, participation of Head Start staff at District Council Meetings and Community Workers at HCAP Head Start’s parent meetings.

Kumuhonua Residents Complete SNAP-Ed and Gardening Programs

Recently, 11 Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center residents completed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and the Grow Your Own (GYO) Program, which was presented by the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. For their efforts, the residents received certificates of completion. Both courses took six weeks to complete. During the SNAP-Ed course, residents gained valuable knowledge in nutrition and food preparation. They learned how to eat healthy on a budget and the importance of food sanitation. With the GYO Program, Kumuhonua residents enjoyed hands-on activities, such as aquaponics and gardening. For the latter activity, the residents learned how to create a simple garden with resources they have, as well as proper ways to plant seeds and to transplant garden plants successfully. Kumuhonua residents were happy to have participated in both educational programs.