HCAP WEEKLY January 2, 2023

Windward Family of Seven Receives Wraparound Services

With the cost of electricity on the rise, Kelly and her family of seven found themselves in a vulnerable situation as they fell behind on their utilities. One of Kelly’s community members who had previously received services from HCAP told her about HCAP’s programs. Kelly reached out to the Windward District Service Center and shared with district manager, Sonny-Jean, that her household needed emergency help with their past-due electric bill. Kelly was immediately assisted, step by step, for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and qualified for Emergency Crisis Intervention to aid with the past due electric bill. As part of HCAP’s wraparound services, Kelly was referred to HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for additional energy-saving opportunities.

WAP Specialist, Cory, took further action to help Kelly and her family create an energy-efficient and cost-saving home. After the application process, an in-home energy audit was performed and the WAP staff replaced small devices with energy-efficient LED lightbulbs, low-pressure showerheads, kitchen sink aerators, power strips, and smoke detectors. Not only did Kelly’s household receive these small devices, but she also qualified for a brand new energy star refrigerator and a solar water heater, at no cost to her!

Kelly shared her gratitude for HCAP’s programs and staff saying, “Sonny and Cory from HCAP really helped me and my family. They were there to help me with my paperwork. I got help to pay my electric bill, get this solar water heater, a new refrigerator, and lower my electric bill. With all their help, the paperwork and process weren’t too hard, and it was fast! Mahalo to HCAP!”

Click Here to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Windward District Service Center Welcomes SCSEP Worker

Forming partnerships within the community is an essential part of bridging the gap in providing employment and assisting vulnerable populations with self-sustainability. HCAP’s Windward District Service Center continues its partnership with the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and welcomed Grace Yim from the Workforce Development Division as a part of the Windward team. SCSEP provides employment assistance and training for low-income, unemployed seniors. Like many other seniors who were out of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace Yim left her job at Mcdonald’s with over 15 years of janitorial experience to take care of her health. After participating in SCSEP training, she is grateful for her health and is excited to use her janitorial experience to serve her community at the Windward District Service Center.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP Programs and Services.

Head Start Explores Trees

The keiki at Kunia III Head Start participated in a nature walk where they observed the various trees on campus. During their walk, they developed their gross and fine motor skills while collecting fruits, twigs, leaves, and tree bark. They expanded upon their logic, reasoning and math skills while making visual comparisons, grouping the collected items, and discussing their similarities and differences. The keiki also learned more about the mangos and avocados that were collected.

Click Here to learn more about Head Start & Early Head Start.