HCAP WEEKLY January 31, 2022

Kumuhonua Resident Reclaims Life, Overcomes Chronic Homelessness
Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program and Windward Community College Partner to Expand Vocational Education Offerings
Story Time with HCAP Head Start’s Jefferson Pre-Plus Keiki
Leeward District Father Pursues New Career with HCAP Programs


Kumuhonua Resident Reclaims Life, Overcomes Chronic Homelessness

When Dwayne arrived at HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in 2020, “He was lost and confused and felt like no one wanted to help him,” says Kumuhonua Assistant Manager Carla Kahala. He had been struggling with anxiety and emotional trauma following a severe accident that nearly claimed his life. Like many chronically homeless individuals, Dwayne’s main focus was getting through each day. 

Kumuhonua staff began to provide Dwayne with the support he needed to move forward. He started the process of obtaining a new social security card, state ID, and proof of residence so he could eventually apply for housing. Dwayne also received help with daily life skills and mental health management to begin working through unresolved trauma. 

Dwayne was energized and regaining a positive outlook on life. When he felt stable enough, he decided to pursue permanent housing through the Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority and was soon notified of an available unit. Since then, Dwayne signed the lease and received the keys to his new home. He has now officially moved in and is enjoying his new life in permanent housing. “Seeking social services with a multitude of resources and case management can open anyone’s eyes to be a success,” says Carla Kahala, “Dwayne has taken everything and is a shining star of Kumuhonua.”

For more information about Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, Click Here.


Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program and Windward Community College Partner to Expand Vocational Education Offerings

This week, HCAP’s Windward District Service Center and Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program staff met with representatives from the University of Hawaiʻi Windward Community College (WCC) Career & Community Education Program to discuss partnership opportunities. 

Dr. Maria-Elena Diaz, Interim Director of the Career & Community Education Program, and Daniel Swift, Hospitality Coordinator, presented the various vocational training programs available to WCC students. The course offerings cover a range of topics and industries, including hospitality, childcare, and digital readiness. Students are also able to earn National Restaurant Association credentials and other professional certifications upon successful completion of these courses. 

This new partnership with WCC will offer increased access to vocational training for HCAP’s Windward District clients and allow WCC to more easily refer students to HCAP programs and services, including tuition assistance through Nā Lima Hana. 

For more information about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Click Here.


Story Time with HCAP Head Start’s Jefferson Pre-Plus Keiki

This week, students from HCAP Head Start’s Jefferson Pre-Plus classroom enjoyed listening to the story of Humpty Dumpty. Iyvie, Jase, Sebastian and Dale used their higher-level thinking, recognition, and recall skills to discuss their favorite parts of the story.

The keiki then strengthened their fine motor skills through a fun activity where they created their own Humpty Dumpty. 

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


Leeward District Father Pursues New Career with HCAP Programs

The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in an era of uncertainty for the many Oʻahu residents working in the hospitality industry. Kirk’s restaurant job was his household’s sole source of income when he was laid off due to statewide shutdowns and advised to apply for unemployment benefits. 

While Kirk waited for his application to be processed, the family’s situation started to become desperate. The state was dealing with a backlog of unemployment claims and his application had been pending for an extended period of time with no sign of changing. With two children depending on him for support, Kirk decided he could not wait any longer and reached out to HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center for assistance. 

Leeward Community Services Specialist Michelle worked with Kirk to enroll in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program and complete Job Readiness Training. Kirk then decided to begin working toward obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to better provide for his family. 

With the help of Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Kirk was able to complete CDL training at Leeward Community College. He received his certificate in December 2021 and will soon be able to start his new career as a licensed commercial driver. 

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