HCAP WEEKLY January 25, 2021

Client Rises Beyond Personal Challenges With the Help of HCAP’s CARES Act Assistance Programs

When Sarmina first met with HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center staff she was experiencing a string of major changes in her household dynamic. As a result of these changes, Sarmina became the sole provider for herself and her daughter and had recently taken a job working at the McKinley Community School for Adults. Still struggling to make ends meet, Sarmina applied for rental and utility assistance through HCAP’s Hale Kākou Program in the hopes that the financial assistance would help lift some of her financial burdens. Sarmina also applied for HCAP’S Kokua Food Assistance Program and recently qualified to receive a Kokua Grocery Card. With the help of these resources and the support of the Leahi District Service Center staff, Sarmina is finding greater stability despite the many difficulties she has faced. She expressed gratitude for the help she has received so far from HCAP,  especially during a time of many uncertainties for her and her daughter. 

Our staff remain dedicated to serving those who have been affected by COVID-19 and need immediate assistance. To learn about HCAP’s Hale Kākou Program, visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/hale-kakou/

To learn about HCAP’s Kokua Food Assistance Program, visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/kokua-food-assistance-program/

Hā Initiative Students Meet Miss Hawaii USA 2021 Allison Chu!

This week the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program had a special guest speaker, Miss Hawaii USA 2021, Allison Chu! During her presentation, Allison shared with students that she is an aspiring dermatologist and is currently studying for her Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to get into medical school. While studying for her MCAT Test, Allison was also competing for Miss Hawaii USA 2021 and now is performing duties as Miss Hawaii. Allison then talked with students about the importance of skincare and what she personally uses to keep her skin healthy. She also talked about what inspired her to be a dermatologist and what it is like being a woman in the sciences. Juggling all her obligations has been no easy task, but Allison showcased to students how far hard work, passion and dedication can take you. 

At the end of the presentation,  the students had many questions for Allison, including how long it takes to become a dermatologist, where she wants to attend medical school, why she wanted to be Miss Hawaii USA, and the challenges of being Miss Hawaii during COVID-19. Allison answered the student’s questions and also shared that in addition to attending medical school, she also wants to go on to compete for Miss USA and on to Miss Universe. She told students to reach for their dreams and work hard to achieve what they desire.

Our Hā Initiative teachers and staff want to send a big MAHALO to Miss Hawaii USA 2021, Allison Chu for spending time with our students. If you are interested in exposing your keiki to STEM activities and opportunities, email hcapstem@hcapweb.org

Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Expands its Partnerships with River of Life Mission and Honolulu Police Career Center

HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program would not be able to provide as wide a range of employment services and educational opportunities without strong partnerships. That’s why our Nā Lima Hana team has been working hard on expanding its partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations. Here are a few of the many partnership building activities our staff have been involved with these past few weeks.

Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program Coordinator Reiko and Program Specialist Juliana met with the Executive Director of the River of Life Mission, Paul Gates, this past Tuesday. The River of Life Mission is a non-profit, faith-based organization that works closely with the homeless to provide hot meals, accessible showers, and clean clothing. Furthermore, River of Life Mission works to build up a residential program specifically for families. In their meeting, Reiko and Juliana spoke with Paul about providing outreach services to families at River of Life Mission. Through this developing partnership with River of Life Mission, our Nā Lima Hana Program will have the opportunity to better connect and serve the homeless and faith-based communities. A sincere thank you to Paul for meeting with us and we can’t wait to serve those in need of services at River of Life Mission!

Recently our Nā Lima Hana Program has also been exploring different opportunities for our clients who are interested in Law Enforcement. Program Specialist Julianna recently spoke with the Honolulu Police Career Center to develop a partnership that would allow eligible clients to become a Recruit in the Police Academy. Through talking with the staff at the Honolulu Police Center,  Juliana learned about the steps and qualifications interested clients would need to complete to join the Police Academy. She learned that the Police Academy is a 6 month program with classes being held Monday through Friday 6:30am – 3:15pm. During their time in the program,  recruits would receive full-time pay and benefits. After completing six successful months in the program, Recruits would then be able to begin field training. This is an amazing opportunity for clients who want to enter the Law Enforcement career field and our Nā Lima Hana staff  look forward to working more with the Honolulu Police Career Center to develop this partnership.

Want to learn more about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Service Program? Email NaLimaHana@hcapweb.org or visit our website, https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/

Nā Lima Hana Program Participates in Financial Resources Info Session with Honolulu Community College

Last week our Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program staff participated in the Honolulu Community College’s Financial Resources Virtual Info hosted by Jarret Yip, Special Programs Manager. The info session included presentations from our ECS staff as well as the American Job Center, ALU LIKE, Inc., Honolulu Community College’s Financial Aid Office, and the Waipahu Community School for Adults. During their portion of the presentation, ECS staff shared HCAP’s employment services as well as various wrap-around services. Our staff also learned more about the various partner’s services and what other resources they could share with our clients. 

HCAP would like to thank Jarret Yip of Honolulu Community College for inviting us to participate in this awesome information session. We hope to continue to work closely with our partners to provide employment and education opportunities to our clients!