HCAP Weekly July 30, 2018

HCAP Head Start Kicks Off New School Year with Pre-Service Training
Family of Five Receives LIHEAP Assistance
Students and Families Take Part in STEM Outreach Event
Wraparound Services Client Obtains SCSEP Placement
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

HCAP Head Start Kicks Off New School Year with Pre-Service Training

Last week, HCAP Head Start staff kicked off the upcoming school year with a pre-service training for all teachers. The day-long event was held at the Pearl Country Club in Aiea. The teachers and assistant teachers in attendance had just returned from summer break. The teaching staff, both new and returning teachers, got acquainted with employee expectations via the on-boarding binder and discussed topics such as classroom set-up, family engagement, and social-emotional development among young children.

Family of Five Receives LIHEAP Assistance

Maile resides in Waipahu with her husband and three young children. Last month, Maile’s electric services were disconnected on a Monday and she frantically called the Central District Service Center, seeking assistance. She recently lost her job and her husband is only able to work part-time, leaving them in a financial bind. Central District Service Center staff was able to secure her an appointment that Tuesday morning, assist with the application process, and give her the proper information to take to HECO in a timely manner to help restore her services. Maile and her family were overcome with gratitude for all that HCAP was able to assist her with.

Students and Families Take Part in STEM Outreach Event

On Monday, the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program staff gathered at the Palolo STEM Exploration Center, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, for a fun outreach event. In collaboration with the Palolo Ohana Learning Center, this event welcomed members of the community and families to experience the wonders of STEM. Through a series of family friendly and enjoyable experiments, the teaching staff demonstrated integrated hands-on learning with scientific concepts. Attendees got to build and launch bottle rockets (physics), craft paper helicopters (gravity and wind resistance), and observe a miniature volcano erupt (chemical reactions). It was a wonderful, educational opportunity for everyone.

Wraparound Services Client Obtains SCSEP Placement

Richard resides in the Pu’uwai Momi housing complex located behind HCAP’s Central District Service Center. He is registered with the Ohana Produce program and has been receiving food items for years. Richard and his family have also applied annually for energy credit with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This year, due to additional financial challenges, they also were in need of Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) services to restore their electricity, which had been disconnected.

During the ECI appointment, Richard was asked if he was interested in looking for work to support his family’s financial need on a more long term basis. Richard registered with the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program and went through Job Readiness Training, which included preparation on interview skills, resume building and job referrals. Being a member of Na Lima Hana and 55 years or older, he qualified for HCAP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Richard was hired as a grounds maintenance worker at the Central District Service Center Office and has been working since May.

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of comprehensive early childhood education? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2018-2019 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.