HCAP WEEKLY January 16, 2023

Oʻahu Women Get New Looks for the New Year at Dress for Success Event

On January 13, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center and the YWCA Dress for Success Honolulu program worked together to host a group Suit Fitting Day for the ladies of the Salvation Army Women’s Way and Ke Ola Pono transitional programs. 

Dress for Success Honolulu is headed by YWCA Oʻahu’s Director of Economic Advancement, Stephanie Hamano. Through the program, women are able to receive Interview and Employment Styling, which provides them with free professional attire of their choice, including a top, bottoms, dress, jacket, shoes, and handbag. The clothing provided in the Dress for Success “boutique” comes from donations collected by the YWCA and their partners.

During the Suit Fitting Day event, the women enjoyed an afternoon of interview preparation, style counseling, goal setting, encouragement, and empowerment without borders or biases. Kehau, a Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program participant, was ecstatic for a day to “shop” for new clothes. “The experience was really good because we got to pick out the clothes that we wanted,” she said, “It was helpful for me because I have limited funds and now I have a professional outfit for my future interviews.” Kehau is currently enrolled in classes with Ke Ola Pono and preparing for the next steps in her career journey.

The event participants expressed their gratitude to the Dress for Success team and are excited to be able to complete more of their employment goals. “There is no way but up for the ladies now, and I look forward to working more with Dress for Success for my current and future clients,” Leahi District Community Services Specialist Hanako Heine shared. 

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

Bookmobile Returns After Pandemic Hiatus

HCAP’s Central District Service Center is excited to welcome back the Bookmobile following a long hiatus. The Bookmobile is a collaboration between HCAP, Hawaii Literacy, and Parents And Children Together that gives local children the opportunity to enhance their reading skills by borrowing books. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bookmobile made weekly visits to Central District Service Center. The event was put on hold in 2020 due to health and safety precautions and was finally able to return last Friday. 

Central district staff members hope that the return of the Bookmobile not only provides the children with books, but also a sense of responsibility and an appreciation for reading. Families interested in participating can visit the Bookmobile from 2:30-3:30 p.m. every Friday in the parking lot of HCAP’s Central District Service Center (99-102 Kalaloa Street, ʻAiea, HI 96701). 

Click Here for more information about HCAP programs and services.

Kalihi-Palama Client Pursues Nursing Career

Christmeir recently moved to Oʻahu from the Philippines with the goal of pursuing new opportunities to further his education and begin a career in the medical field. He was referred to HCAP by Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program partner Professional Healthcare Educators (PHE). After meeting with Kalihi-Palama District Service Center staff, Christmeir was able to enroll in Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services and qualified to receive tuition assistance for PHE’s Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program.

Christmeir is now on his way completing the CNA course–the first step toward his ultimate goal of becoming a registered nurse. Kalihi-Palama district staff wish Christmeir the best of luck in his journey and will continue to support him in making his career dreams a reality. 

Click Here for more information about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.