HCAP WEEKLY January 17, 2022

HCAP Selects New Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Manager

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”) is pleased to announce that Julianna Lehman has been named its newest Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program Manager. The STEM Program Manager is responsible for the overall development, promotion, and implementation of the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program. The program focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in order to mentor, teach, and encourage students from 2nd to 8th grade to improve their skills, confidence, and interest in the STEM field.

Julianna has a strong background in social services, including experience with elementary students and families as a Family Support intern for Coordinated Care Services, Inc. in Syracuse, New York. She most recently worked as a Program Specialist for HCAP’s  Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program.

Julianna holds both a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

Robin Fakaosi, HCAP Director of Community Services, states, “Since Julianna joined HCAP in 2021 she has shown such dedication and commitment to our mission and the community we serve. As our STEM Program Manager I believe Julianna will continue to carry out that same commitment, and influence the next generation through our STEM Program.”

Painting Pictures with HCAP Head Start ʻEwa Pre-Plus

The HCAP Head Start keiki of ʻEwa Pre-Plus learned about the arts this week by exploring different painting techniques. Mazi, Lokelani, and Alessandra used crayons and watercolor paints to try out the “crayon resist method.” They first drew a picture of their choice using white crayon on white paper, then painted over the pictures using watercolors to reveal the drawing. Mazi painted with different shades of red, while Lokelani made a sun and Alessandra created a self portrait. 

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start applications for the 2022-2023 school year are open now! Click Here for more information.

Hā Initiative Students Experiment with Colors and Forces

This week, students at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Lincoln Elementary classroom learned about magnetic force by utilizing magnets and paints. Students first dipped magnets in paint and placed them on top of paper plates, then made the painted magnets move using another magnet underneath the plate. This painting activity demonstrated magnetic fields and how magnets can attract or repel each other, even with a barrier between them. 

Hā Initiative students were also able to make a creation using “fizzle drops” this week using vinegar dyed with food dye and  aluminum pans covered with baking soda. Using a dropper, students dropped different colors of vinegar onto the layer of baking soda to create a colorful chemical reaction. They observed that mixing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acetic acid (vinegar) produces carbon dioxide bubbles. 

At Kaʻiulani Elementary, Hā Initiative students participated in an “egg drop” contest. Students either worked individually or teamed up with a partner to engineer a device that would safely land an egg on the ground from the second story of the classroom building. Students utilized classroom materials such as foam, plastic bags, chopsticks, tape, plastic containers, straws, cardboard, and paper to build their devices. Once everyone finished building, each team took turns dropping their egg from the second story to see which eggs cracked and which stayed intact.

Click Here for more information about the Hā Initiative. 

Local Couple Becomes Self-Sufficient Again with HCAP Programs

Ana and Allan first contacted HCAP’s Central District Service Center for assistance with past-due electric bills. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Allan had been furloughed from his hotel industry job and Ana’s work hours at a local preschool had been significantly reduced. Though Allan was receiving unemployment benefits, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with expenses on their limited income. 

The couple was referred to the CARES Act-funded Hale Kākou Program and were approved for utility assistance. Because returning to his old job remained uncertain, Allan also expressed interest in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program. Central District staff helped him search for jobs and complete applications, and in October 2021 Allan secured employment as a sanitation worker. Since then, he has successfully completed 90 days of employment with Hawaiʻi Home Management and Cleaning Services in ʻAiea. 

Allan recently stopped by HCAP’s Central District Service Center to pick up the gift cards he received for reaching 30, 60, and 90 day employment milestones. Central District staff are proud of Allan for achieving his employment goals and are looking forward to seeing him again when he reaches 180 days of employment. 

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