HCAP WEEKLY January 24, 2022

HCAP Selects New Director of Human Resources
Central District Family Regaining Independence with HCAP Programs and Services
Weatherization Assistance Program Conducts Staff Training at HCAP District Service Centers
Studying Trees with HCAP Head Start Keiki
Participant Update: Nā Lima Hana Tuition Assistance Recipient Secures Full Time Employment in Senior Care


HCAP Selects New Director of Human Resources

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”) is pleased to announce that Mele Kauvaka has been named its new Director of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources is responsible for all HCAP human resources activities, including personnel matters, benefits, performance management, health and safety, training, and compliance. As a member of HCAP’s Executive Management Team, the Director of Human Resources will work closely with the Board of Directors and serve as the staff liaison of the Human Resources Committee.

Mele is experienced in human resources and administration. She previously worked as a Human Resources Specialist at the Research Corporation for the University of Hawaiʻi, an Administrator for Perry Management Corporation, and a Personnel Administrator for Fastop Convenience Stores, Inc. Mele most recently served as HCAP’s Human Resources Generalist.

Mele holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management from the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu in Kapolei, Hawaiʻi. 

HCAP Executive Director Robert N.E. Piper states, “Mele has worked well with staff and management during her time as our Human Resources Generalist, and her long and varied experience in the field of human resource administration will continue to serve the agency well as our Director of Human Resources. I look forward to continuing to work with Mele as a member of my Executive Management Team.”


Central District Family Regaining Independence with HCAP Programs and Services

Nitnoi and Richard reached out HCAP’s Central District Service Center for assistance with past due utility bills in summer 2021. Richard was in the process of upgrading his Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to Class A, which would offer more job opportunities, when Nitnoi’s work hours were cut due to the pandemic. They had been falling behind on household expenses as a result. 

The family applied for the CARES Act-funded Hale Kākou Program and were approved to receive assistance with both their electricity and water bills. In addition to utility assistance, Richard was interested in the employment services HCAP offered. He was referred to the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program to strengthen his interview skills and begin searching for employment. 

Through Nā Lima Hana, Richard was able to secure a delivery driver position with Sysco Hawaiʻi while continuing to work toward his Class A CDL. The Nā Lima Hana program also provided him with work attire to begin his new job. 

Richard has now surpassed 180 days of employment with Sysco Hawaiʻi and received gift cards from Nā Lima Hana to celebrate completing each employment milestone. This fall, Central District Service Center also provided Richard and Nitnoi’s children with school supplies and holiday gifts while the family works to regain financial independence. 

Click Here for more information about programs and services offered at HCAP’s Central District Service Center.


Weatherization Assistance Program Conducts Staff Training at HCAP District Service Centers

Staff from HCAP’s five District Service Centers are starting off the new year with Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) training in preparation for in-person weatherization services. The training provides staff with the resources to conduct thorough home energy audits while maintaining health and safety protocols – this includes proper use of personal protective equipment, conducting a client health survey, educating clients on energy conservation, and installation of small fixtures such as faucet aerators and smoke alarms. “This training will help with the delivery of services to the community as well as give our staff the opportunity to assist their clients hands-on,” WAP Coordinator Georgette Aki shared.

The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy costs for eligible households by increasing energy efficiency of their homes. The program offers household-specific energy information along with a selection of free energy-saving measures such as faucet aerators, showerheads, LED light bulbs, and solar water heaters. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply.

Click Here for more information about Weatherization Assistance. 


Studying Trees with HCAP Head Start Keiki

This week, the HCAP Head Start keiki of August Ahrens II learned about trees and the different animals that call trees their home. The keiki then used their fine motor skills and new knowledge about trees to create their own tree projects. After ripping green and brown construction paper into pieces, students glued the pieces together on another sheet of paper to create a tree home for their handprint birds. 

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start applications for the 2022-2023 school year are open now! For more information and how to enroll your keiki, Click Here.


Participant Update: Nā Lima Hana Tuition Assistance Recipient Secures Full Time Employment in Senior Care

Tianaly’s story was first featured in the October 11, 2021 HCAP Weekly newsletter. She had reached out to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center in May 2021 in search of employment assistance and was referred to the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program

Nā Lima Hana assisted Tianaly to update her resume, plan her career goals, and learn interview and financial literacy skills. She was also approved for tuition assistance to begin vocational training with Professional Healthcare Educators and take the first steps toward becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). 

Tianaly successfully completed her CNA training in 2021 and recently secured full time employment with Home Instead Senior Care. Leahi District Service Center staff and the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program will continue to work with Tianaly and support her journey to self-sufficiency. “I would definitely refer others to HCAP who have similar needs and goals in mind,” Tianaly shared in a recent follow-up with Leahi district staff. 

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