HCAP WEEKLY June 10, 2024

Kupuna Receives a New Hybrid Water Heater through Weatherization Assistance Program

Elizabeth first visited HCAP’s Central District Service Center for help with filing her taxes. Through that appointment, she also learned about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and how it helps reduce usage and cost of utility bills by providing free, energy-efficient appliances to households that qualify.

Elizabeth was experiencing a few issues with her electric water heater at home, so she thought this program would be perfect for her. After sending over the required documents and completing her application, she was excited to learn that she qualified for WAP services. During her home-energy audit, she learned more about energy-efficient practices and received measures that included: low-flow showerheads and sink aerators, LED light bulbs, and smart power strips.

Her electric water heater was assessed by WAP staff and they found rust along its base and several signs of leakage from the tank. Elizabeth was extremely grateful to learn that she would receive a brand-new Hybrid water heater installed in her home at no cost. She expressed how helpful this program is, especially to seniors like herself, who are on fixed income and need an extra hand when finding resources in her community. She is thankful for HCAP’s services and has told many of her friends and family members about the help she received.

Click Here to learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program.

Client Achieves 30-Days of Employment at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center

Scott has been a client at Kalaeloa District Service Center since 2022 and for the past eight months has been actively seeking assistance with obtaining employment or possible vocational training. During his time working with the Kalaeloa staff, they have explored various different options, as well as talked about some goals that Scott hopes to accomplish. He has held previous jobs before but found that the commute to and from work on the bus was often difficult from his location.

Some barriers that Scott has faced previously with other employers was being able to find a healthy work-life balance. In hearing this, the Kalaeloa District Service Center thought it would be best to take a different approach to the way they were working with Scott. In doing so, the staff reassessed the situation and moved toward starting Scott out with something part-time to help him establish a routine and some repetition.

During follow-up meetings with the Kalaeloa staff and Scott, he would ask if there was an open position at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) that he could apply for. In the meantime, they kept his application on hand and assisted him with seeking other employment opportunities. Soon enough, the position for a Resident Aide became available and he was interviewed for the job.

Scott has now been employed as a Resident Aide for the past 30 days and expresses how grateful he is to have been given this opportunity. Not only is it convenient, but it also gives him the freedom to work on getting other things lined up to eventually make his transition into permanent housing and work on improving his overall health.

The Kalaeloa staff is so happy to see Scott find a job he enjoys and will continue to follow him on his path to success. The staff will continue to work with Scott to track his progress and hopefully within the next few months revisit the opportunity to increase his income, by finding full-time employment.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s programs and services.

Head Start Recognizes Staff Achievements

With the end of the 2023-2024 School Year, HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start programs held a wellness focused in-service for its staff. All of the program’s staff gathered to address concerns on mental health, celebrate wellness, and acknowledge their achievements after a successful year. Congratulations to several Head Start & Early Head Start Family Advocates who successfully attained their Family Development Credential. Rhussel Ibuos, Allyssa Gervacio, Cory Gordon Jr, Jannilyn Palting, Teufaatamalii Pele, Margaret Kaiahua, Mary Burgess, Jaiaraisa Fetuao and Meerae Firkins enrolled in a nationally recognized 4-month intensive course that equipped them with the skills and knowledge to effectively coach, support, and encourage families towards self-reliance.

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