HCAP WEEKLY June 1, 2021

HCAP Staff Visit Kahauiki Village to Provide Employment and Support Services to Homeless Families
HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start Selects a New Program Manager
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Staff Attend Training to Prepare for the 2021 Program Year
Kūpuna Independent Life Series Receives Grant Award from Friends of Hawaiʻi Charities
Hā Initiative Program Receives Appreciation Grant from Friends of Hawaiʻi Robotics and McDonald’s of Hawaiʻi


HCAP Staff Visit Kahauiki Village to Provide Employment and Support Services to Homeless Families

Last week, our Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program Specialist and Kalihi-Palama District Center Service staff went on a site visit to Kahauiki Village, which is run by the Institute for Human Services. Kahauiki Village is a community development that provides long-term housing for homeless or near homeless families. The property has a variety of single and two-bedroom homes which currently houses 153 families and over 300 keiki. During their visit, HCAP staff learned that Kahauiki Village has a Head Start Program on-site, open recreation areas, community gardens where residents can plant and grow food, a laundry room, and a convenience store. There is also a bus-line right next to the village, so families are able to easily access resources in the greater community.

Staff from ECS and the Kalhi-Palma District Service Center are excited to partner with IHS Kahauiki Village to provide employment, schooling opportunities, and HCAP wrap-around services to families. As they toured the community, staff distributed HCAP program brochures and shared information about HCAP services with Kahauiki residents. Kahauiki Village will also provide HCAP participants with another great resource should they be at risk for homelessness.

To learn more about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, please email NaLimaHana@hcapweb.org or visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/


HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start Selects a New Program Manager

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”), a private non-profit community action agency assisting Oahu’s low-income individuals or families to achieve self-reliance since 1965, is pleased to announce that Deseree Tano has been named as HCAP’s newest Head Start & Early Head Start ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Manager.  She will be responsible for monitoring and implementation of ERSEA regulations and overseeing the daily operations of Head Start & Early Head Start Family Advocates.  HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start is comprised of the Head Start preschool program for children 3 to 5 years old and the Early Head Start program for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women.

Deseree joined HCAP in 2018 as an Early Head Start Family Advocate and was most recently an ERSEA Specialist.  She also has prior experience as a Community Service Specialist and Job Resource Specialist at the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services. Deseree has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Grant Kogami, HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start Director, states “Deseree has always had a passion for learning and a commitment for producing quality work.  For these reasons, combined with her never ending willingness to help and mentor, she is held in high regard throughout her component.  Deseree is a natural leader and will strengthen my management team and the program as a whole.”

HCAP congratulates Deseree for continuing to strive to reach her fullest potential for the benefit of HCAP, Head Start, and the people we serve.


Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Staff Attend Training to Prepare for the 2021 Program Year

It’s a busy time of year for our HCAP District Service Centers as the 2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program year kicks into full-gear!  In preparation for this year’s LIHEAP application processing. HCAP Community Workers and LIHEAP temporary staff attended training at the Central District Service Center. The training was led by HCAP’s Community Services Manager Katy Perry and LIHEAP Coordinator Elisa Furtado-Fischer, from the Department of Human Services. The training provided important information about application processing and submission options to ensure that the program will run smoothly.

Each year during the ‘LIHEAP season’, HCAP hires temporary workers to assist with LIHEAP application processing. For the 2021 LIHEAP application year, 11 individuals have been brought onboard thus far. This year’s LIHEAP temporary workers consist of long-time LIHEAP returning staff, CARES Act program participants, a former CBASE student, and a HCAP Head Start worker.

HCAP staff are dedicated to providing much needed services to our communities as we continue to recover from the pandemic. Our teams are continuing to adapt to the ever changing circumstances and working together to make sure that services are delivered safely and efficiently.

For more information about the LIHEAP Program and to access the application, please visit our website.


Kūpuna Independent Life Series Receives Grant Award from Friends of Hawaiʻi Charities

 

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. would like to send a big MAHALO to Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. for their grant award to support our Kūpuna Independent Life Series.

The Kupuna Independent Life Series is a comprehensive approach to assisting seniors, age 55+ with health education, support for living productive independent lives, and proactive engagement with the Wai`anae community. With the funding from the Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc., HCAP’s Kūpuna Independent Life Series will be able to serve vulnerable kūpuna on the Waianae and Windward coast with food and program supplies. The supplies are essential in providing our seniors with basic necessities and educational tools to remain resilient for the remainder of the pandemic.

Friends of Hawaii Charities, Inc. generates grant funding primarily through corporate sponsorship sales for its fundraising community events. Its flagship fundraising event is the Sony Open in Hawaii PGA TOUR golf tournament held each January at Waialae Country Club. Additional funding sources include charity donations and funds raised through The Friends Club.


Hā Initiative Program Receives Appreciation Grant from Friends of Hawaiʻi Robotics and McDonald’s of Hawaiʻi

 

Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (HCAP)’s Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program recently received an Appreciation Grant from Friends of Hawaiʻi Robotics and McDonald’s of Hawaii! The generous contribution from Friends of Hawaiʻi Robotics and McDonald’s of Hawaiʻi will support our Hā Initiative Jr. First LEGO League & First LEGO League Programs for the upcoming competition season!  

The Hā Initiative Creative STEM After-School Program allows students in Grades 2-8 to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in a fun and creative environment. Every year, our students have the opportunity to participate in the FIRST LEGO League Robotics tournaments in the fall. Students with an interest in robotics form a team to compete at the tournaments.

To learn more about the Hā Initiative, please visit:  https://www.hcapweb.org/ha-initiative/