HCAP WEEKLY January 26, 2026

Mother Creates an Energy Efficient Home Through Weatherization

Pearllyn heard about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and was curious about how the weatherization program could help her family reduce their energy bill. She reached out directly to the program to inquire about an application. 

Upon approval of her application, a WAP Specialist scheduled a home energy audit to inspect her household’s energy efficiency. Recommendations from the WAP Specialist showed that she was eligible for a free, brand-new Energy Star refrigerator along with small measures, such as smart power strips, LED lightbulbs, low-flow shower heads and bathroom aerators. The installation of these measures took place shortly after. 

Pearllyn expressed her gratitude and shared “I truly appreciate the help HCAP-WAP has done for me and my family! Receiving our fridge and some other small appliances has been financially helpful. Mahalo for the hard work! Special thanks to Shawn and Hanako for all the help, leading us step-by-step.”

If you or someone you know is in need of WAP services, please contact us at 808-521-4531.

Click here to learn more about Weatherization Services.

Leahi ECS Client One Step Closer to Becoming a CNA

Jasmine took a proactive step toward her career goals by visiting the HCAP Leahi District Service Center to inquire about receiving tuition assistance to attend a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program. Her motivation stems from a genuine desire to care for others and to give back to her community.

To start her journey of obtaining a CNA certificate, Jasmine enrolled in Hawaii Medical College for the Advanced Nurse Aide Program. Through HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program, she completed Job Readiness Training (JRT), which included building a resume and other resources to prepare for the workforce.

Today, Jasmine is one step closer to reaching her goal of giving back to her community. She is actively job hunting for a position in the medical field to gain the necessary experience needed to continue her journey towards becoming a CNA. 

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Anti-Bullying Lesson at Central STEM Exploration Center

This week at Central Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, the class spent a lesson focusing on factors that make any learning environment mentally and emotionally healthy and conducive to productive learning. Students took part in an honest and thoughtful conversation about their personal experiences with bullying. Many students felt comfortable sharing their feelings, challenges, and perspectives about bullying, which helped create a deeper sense of understanding and connection within the group. The discussion emphasized the importance of listening, empathy, and respect, allowing students to see that they are not alone in their experiences.

Throughout this conversation, students reflected on how their words and actions can impact others, both positively and negatively. Together, they made a collective commitment to being kind, supportive, and inclusive of one another. This moment reinforced the importance of our STEM classroom being a safe space—one where students feel valued, heard, and empowered to learn and grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.