HCAP Weekly January 19, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Head Start Children Receive Books from GO! READ Ohana 100
Employment Core Services Helps Recent High School Graduate Prepare for Job Interviews
The Hā Initiative Receives Books from Aloha United Way and Barnes and Noble
Spring 2015 Kupuna Independent Life Series Begins on February 5th
Tax Assistance Program Now Taking Appointments!

Head Start Children Receive Books from GO! READ Ohana 100

Dole Head Start was graciously selected by GO! READ Ohana 100 as the recipient of books for each child. Elizabeth and David Mattson, along with their Papa, Senator Daniel Akaka visited the classroom to distribute the books and read to the children. It was a pleasant surprise for all when the Senator entered the classroom.

GO! READ is designed to promote literacy, a love of reading and a lifetime of learning. It does so by providing kids with free books of their very own. Volunteers distribute these books to programs and individuals at book giving events.

Mahalo to Ohana 100 and Senator Akaka for all you do for the children and their families!

Employment Core Services Helps Recent High School Graduate Prepare for Job Interviews

Zhaneen entered the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services program at the Windward District Service Center in October 2014. She had graduated from high school but had difficulty finding a job due to her lack of work experience and fear of the interview process. Staff assisted Zhaneen in building her resume and spent time coaching her on her interview skills. With the skills she obtained from Job Readiness Training and the confidence instilled through coaching and practice, she was able to obtain employment at Ross Stores as Night Stock personnel. Congratulations, Zhaneen! We wish you well at your new job.

The Hā Initiative Receives Books from Aloha United Way and Barnes and Noble

In partnership with Aloha United Way, Barnes and Noble held a very successful book drive during the holiday season. Over 5,600 new books were purchased for donation. HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program received a box with 250 books. The selection donated to the Hā Initiative included picture books, young reader’s level novels, Disney character books, and an assortment of nonfiction books.

Shown above, Leeward STEM Exploration Center students were really excited to read the new books. At the Hā Initiative, our small library is much like the public library and students are encouraged to check out and read a book each week.

Spring 2015 Kupuna Independent Life Series Begins on February 5th

The Waianae coast has the largest percentage of people with diabetes and/ or hypertension in the state, many of which are Native Hawaiian seniors. In 2015, the Leeward District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series takes aim at diabetes and hypertension management for seniors 55 and over. Statistics have shown that many of the kupuna attending the workshops over the years have either one or both chronic diseases. This Spring, workshops will focus on hypertension: understanding the disease, how it works, the consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure, and making simple life changes in diet and exercise. The ultimate goal is for 100% of participants to have lowered their blood pressure readings. Besides concentrating on hypertension, seniors will also be exposed to the world of social media and hopefully by the end of the workshop series, will have been introduced to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

To register for the Spring 2015 Series, call the Leeward District Service Center at 696-4261.

Tax Assistance Program Now Taking Appointments!

On February 2, 2015, HCAP will begin assisting low-income individuals and families with preparing their tax returns. Training was held this week to teach staff and volunteers the changes in the tax law and to review the Tax Wise software that they will be working with. Facilitated by Susan Tamanaha, the training was hands on and scenario based. Ms. Tamanaha assists HCAP as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partner from Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED). HCAP’s District Service Centers and Main Office are now taking appointments for tax assistance. For more information, please call 521-4531.