HCAP Weekly January 5, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Hawaiian Electric Company Supports HCAP’s Hā Initiative
Head Start Begins Recruiting for 2015-2016 School Year
Watumull Fund Makes Donation to HCAP
Kumuhonua Resident Makes Great Strides in Short Period of Time
Students Build “Hurricane” Resistant Graham Cracker “Gingerbread” Houses
Donations Demonstrate the Power of What our Community Can Achieve Together

Hawaiian Electric Company Supports HCAP’s Hā Initiative

HCAP would like to thank Hawaiian Electric Company for supporting the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, through a community advancement grant award.

The Hā Initiative is a fun and creative place for kids in grades 2 through 8 to spend their after-school time. The funding will be used to enhance the experiences of program participants. Through participation in the program, kids learn and grow by exploring the worlds of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM). The program is free and gives participants an after-school snack, tutoring, a chance to meet other kids and enjoy exciting, hands-on science projects and computer activities.
For more information, visit our website at: www.hcapweb.org/ha-initiative

Head Start Begins Recruiting for 2015-2016 School Year

On Monday, January 5, 2015, Head Start held its annual recruiting day. Teachers, staff, and parents could be seen around the island distributing information, posting flyers, and signing children up for the 2015-2016 school year.

Head Start provides free and affordable early childhood education for 3 to 5-year olds from families with limited incomes. It is a quality program, providing comprehensive services in education, health, nutrition, and family support services. The program is actively recruiting new students for the 2015-2016 School Year. Applications will be accepted starting January 1, 2015 for the school year which begins in August 2015. Families can apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or online at https://www.hcapweb.org/headstart/head-start-application/. Applications must be received by March 31, 2015 for consideration at first selection.

Watumull Fund Makes Donation to HCAP

HCAP would like to thank to the Jhamandas Watumull Fund for their recent donation. We appreciate their support of our mission, POI: Providing Opportunities and Inspiration to enable low-income individuals or families to achieve self-reliance.

Kumuhonua Resident Makes Great Strides in Short Period of Time

Krystal came to the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center for help because she was unable to live with family or friends. While at Kumuhonua, she gained better employment, qualified for a reduced rate membership at the Salvation Army KROC Center to exercise, and established a steady savings account. Krystal secured permanent housing within six months of being in the program and is now living in a one-bedroom apartment. She has blossomed and accomplished a lot for such a young lady, and the staff at Kumuhonua are so proud of her!

Students Build “Hurricane” Resistant Graham Cracker “Gingerbread” Houses

On Thursday, December 18th, the Windward STEM Exploration Center held its Holiday Family Night. The room was fully-packed with family members who came out to celebrate the years accomplishments. After enjoying some refreshments, the families gathered for a LEGO League Awards Ceremony and slide show. Two members of the LEGO league teams also shared the project they were working on: Battlebots!

Next came the main event of the evening: the Graham Cracker House Building Competition. The task for each family was to build a candy graham cracker house strong enough to withstand a hurricane. We improvised by using the room’s fan on full-blast to simulate the hurricane’s strong winds. The students shared the Engineering Design Process with their parents before graham cracker house construction got underway.

After making many sturdy and creative graham cracker house models, each family member tested out their creation in front of the hurricane-fan. Would they stand? The majority did; a few families lost a peppermint chimney or two. The families took their surviving graham cracker houses home, where their delicious frosting windows and gummy doors most likely didn’t last for long.

Donations Demonstrate the Power of What our Community Can Achieve Together

Twenty-two families from Next Step Shelter were adopted this holiday
season by Saint John’s Church in Mililani. They were given baskets containing clothing, food, hygiene supplies and other items. These families are participants in the Waikiki Health Training Program, which gives them the tools to succeed in life. The Central District Service Center coordinated with Next Step Shelter, Saint John’s Church, and the Waikiki Health Center to make this possible.