HCAP Weekly July 13, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Motivation and Persistence Bring Success to Na Lima Hana Client
Hā Initiative Students Learn the Meaning of Earth-Friendly and “Malama ʻĀina”
HCAP Youth Services Welcomes Guest Teacher for Health Education
Resident Brings Positive Energy to the Kumuhonua Ohana
Mahalo to Leahi District Service Center Volunteer Nanette

Motivation and Persistence Bring Success to Na Lima Hana Client

Donald came into HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center last winter needing assistance in finding employment. During his intake with the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services (ECS) program, staff learned that he was very skilled and had held many prestigious construction positions in the past. Donald expected to get right back into the workforce with a position similar to one he had held in the past, however staff explained to him that he’d probably have to work his way back up.

Due to unpaid fines, Donald was unable to have a driver’s license and as a result, he was facing difficulties applying for jobs. He attended Job-Readiness Training (JRT) classes, completed numerous job searches, and used the ECS resources to make copies and fax resumes to potential employers.

Donald found several temporary positions, but he continued to look for jobs that were more challenging and had better pay. Soon, Donald was able to save enough money to pay off the fines, get his license reinstated, and move into an affordable studio.

In May 2015, Donald secured full-time employment in the construction industry and is working his way up to a higher position. HCAP would like to acknowledge Donald’s motivation and persistence in his job search, and wish him a very successful future!

Hā Initiative Participants Learn the Meaning of Earth-Friendly and “Malama ʻĀina”

HCAP’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program STEM Exploration Centers have been focusing on environmental impact and preservation.

At the Central STEM Exploration Center, participants learned about renewable and nonrenewable resources, and recyclable and non-recyclable materials. The class was asked to choose an item that was important in everyday life; many participants selected smart phones and tablets. They were then presented with a challenge in creating a more “earth-friendly” design and components for the item. Some suggestions included the use of wood instead of plastic. They were also asked to draw designs of the earth-conscious modifications that they made to the products.

At the Leeward STEM Exploration Center, participants looked at environmental studies from a sustainability perspective. They have been working together on a garden at the STEM Exploration Center in order to understand plant growth, as well as environmental and man-made factors that can affect plant growth. Together, they found that pumpkins that were planted recently have been growing quite rapidly and are planning an October harvest of the pumpkins. Overall, participants are learning how “malama ʻaina” (to care for and nurture the land) applies to everyone.

HCAP Youth Services Welcomes Guest Teacher for Health Education

This month, HCAP Youth Services students are working on research projects focused on health. Students were tasked to create a presentation board and give oral presentations on specific topics, such as types of cancers, diseases, anxiety, depression, and more, to share with their peers. A special guest, Director of Community Services Robert Naniole, volunteered to take over class instruction and taught the students for a day.

Resident Brings Positive Energy to the Kumuhonua Ohana

Paris came to the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center through the U.S. VETS ADVANCE Hawaii Women’s Program (AHWP). Though this was her first time experiencing homelessness, she maintained a very positive and energetic attitude on a daily basis. While in the program, Paris gained full-time employment and worked through a number of temporary positions with the help of various staffing services. Paris spontaneously returned to the mainland to be reunited with her daughter and family. The staff and residents at Kumuhonua wish Paris good luck and will miss her contagious smile and energy!

Mahalo to Leahi District Service Center Volunteer Nanette

The Leahi District Service Center would like to thank HCAP Head Start Assistant Teacher, Nanette for volunteering at the office this summer. Nanette has been a Teacher’s Assistant at Palolo Elementary School for 5 years. Throughout the years, Nanette has helped to build a strong relationship between the Head Start classroom and the Leahi District Service Center. Together, they have provided information about HCAP’s wrap-around services, including the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services program to the parents of the Head Start Children. We greatly appreciate Nanette spending her summer vacation to help strengthen families and our community!