HCAP WEEKLY July 31, 2023

Leahi Client Reaches Exciting Employment Milestone

HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center celebrates the recent achievement of Taylor, a Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services client, referred to HCAP through the Salvation Army Ke Ola Pono Women’s Way Program. Taylor impressively completed her employment milestone of completing 90 days of employment this month.

The Nā Lima Hana program assisted Taylor in her job search and initial employment support. The Leahi District Service Center staff helped Taylor get a bus pass and go through Job Readiness Training to prepare for the workforce. Through a collaboration with YWCA’s Dress for Success Program, Leahi staff also helped Taylor get work attire.

Taylor now works at the Outrigger Canoes Club as a cook. HCAP Leahi congratulates her on maintaining employment and wishes her well in all future endeavors!

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.

Mentoring e-athletes at the Hā Initiative

Due to popular demand, the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program hosted their second esports tournament at the Central District Service Center. For the Super Smash Tournament, the four STEM students with the highest scores faced off in single-elimination championship rounds. 

Esports has been gaining a lot of attention in educational spaces, not just for the science, math, and technology applications but also for the coaching and mentoring opportunities. This summer, STEM student Noah received some coaching from Mr. Minjun, who is a rising junior at Iolani School and a member of their esports club. 

Mr. Minjun taught Noah advanced moves such as mid-air dodging and combination attacks, while sharing stories of his experiences on a competitive team. Just like in physical sports, e-athletes practice and train so that moves become part of their muscle memory. This is crucial for fast paced games like Super Smash. 

His training paid off as he continues his reigning streak as Central’s champion. “My favorite genre of games are RPG’s,” says the winner, “but what I like about esports is the variety of characters, designs, and moves.” Spending time with Mr. Minjun exposed Noah to the opportunities available in the future for him and the rest of our Hā Initiative students.

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.

Transition to Head Start for Upcoming School Year

This week, new and returning Head Start families participated in Transition to Head Start workshops where they were provided with a detailed overview of the program. The parents were also given an opportunity to elect Policy Council and Parent Committee representatives and review the Family Handbook. The Head Start families were happy to be introduced to their Family Advocates and Education staff. It was a great start to the upcoming school year!

Click Here to learn more about Head Start & Early Head Start.