HCAP Weekly January 2, 2017

In this week’s issue:

Leeward District Holds Keiki Camp
Hale Kākou Helps Women Secure Housing
Partnership with Salvation Army Provides Many Benefits
STEM Students Research the Relationship of Science Fiction to Science Technology
HCAP Selects A New Planning & Development Specialist


Leeward District Holds Keiki Camp

Photo of Leeward Keiki Camp
The Leeward District Service Center held their second Keiki Camp for homeless children living in the community. It was a week of crafts, games, and lots of fun. Games were centered on math and reading for all ages, to keep their minds active during the long school break. There were also prizes, and the kids gave each other stiff competition to win a prize. Of the many crafts created during the week, the children especially enjoyed learning how to make a finger yarn lei. The children also created their own vision boards. The vision boards reflect who they are, their inspirations, and their goals. It was a creative week, and we are already looking forward to next year!


Hale Kākou Helps Women Secure Housing

Jazmine is a single mother, of a one-year old and is also juggling two jobs. She currently lives with her aunt and cousin. Although her aunt is sympathetic to Jazmine’s situation, she recently told her that she could no longer live there. Jazmine, along with two acquaintances in similar situations needed to immediately find housing. Jazmine submitted applications at several affordable housing apartments, and subsequently received a call back.

Once they received word that they were approved to move in, Jazmine and her soon-to-be roommates realized that they did not currently have the finances to pay the deposit and first month’s rent. Frustrated yet hopeful, they quickly searched for resources. Jazmine called Aloha United Way, and was referred to HCAP. Jazmine contacted the Central District Service Center office, completed the initial phone screening, and then came in to complete the paperwork for the Hale Kākou- Rent, Deposit, and Utility Assistance Program.

Jazmine’s application was approved, providing her and her roommates the opportunity to be independent. They have arrangements to move into the apartment next week! We will be following this new household to provide them additional services if needed and help them continue on their path to self-sufficiency.


Partnership with Salvation Army Provides Many Benefits

Photo of Employment Training at Salvation Army
The Leahi District Service Center continues to build strong partnerships with all branches of treatment at the Salvation Army. Each week, the Leahi staff provides Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program‘s Job Readiness Training (JRT) classes for Family Treatment Services (FTS), Ke Ola Pono and Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) day patients and outpatients. The Leahi staff work closely with certified substance abuse counselors, psychologists, and social workers to assist with helping these individuals become self-sufficient and integrated back into their community.

Community Worker Mae discusses topics such as budgeting, employment goals, resume writing, and conducts mock interviews with the class. She also provides information about other resources such as housing, transportation, and referrals. Recently, a former ATS client obtained a full-time position at the Atlantis restaurant in Waikiki. He stated that the JRT classes and mock interview gave him the confidence he needed when applying for the job.


STEM Students Research the Relationship of Science Fiction to Science Technology

Photo of Central STEM Star Wars
For the past two weeks at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Central STEM Exploration Center has been looking at the technology of the Star Wars universe and discovering what made the jump from science fiction to science fact. There are many examples of life imitating art and Star Wars is filled with them. The STEM class had a discussion about other science fiction titles that also had an effect on modern technology. They talked about Raymond Bradbury’s technological predictions in Fahrenheit 451, and Back to the Future’s Hover Board before talking about Star Wars technology in real life.

The class then set off to research for themselves, what sorts of technological advances have been inspired by Star Wars, and have become a reality. The class took pleasure in finding all the different gadgets and vehicles that have been created with Star Wars as the inspiration. The children were amazed at the new technology that is being developed and had Mr. Mark running all over the computer lab looking at all the examples that they found.

The class then took their research and created a poster board with narratives to explain the different sections of the project, as well as images to show the Star Wars Tech and their real life counterparts. In the end, the class had a lot of fun discovering and creating. They are extremely proud of the poster they put together.


HCAP Selects A New Planning & Development Specialist

Photo of Planning & Development Specialist
HCAP is pleased to announce that Tram Ngo has been selected as its Planning & Development Specialist. She will assist and provide support in developing and evaluating agency programs and services, conducting community needs assessments, coordinating fund development efforts, and implementing an overall corporate communication strategy.

Tram has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Washington, and a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University. She was most recently a Program Coordinator for the South-East Asia Center in Chicago, Illinois.

HCAP welcomes Tram to her position, and looks forward to benefitting from her skills and experience.