HCAP Weekly June 20, 2016

In this week’s issue:

HCAP Youth Services Class of 2016 Celebrate at Graduation
Hā Initiative Students Learn about Robotic Engineering
LIHEAP Assists Participant to Improve Finances
HCAP Staff Attend Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Annual Mahalo Event
Kumuhonua Staff Collaborate at the Leeward Housing Coalition Summit
Head Start Children Learn About Communities

HCAP Youth Services Class of 2016 Celebrate at Graduation

A poignant pause filled the room. Eyes were glued to the young man in a bright blue cap and gown, standing at the foot of the podium. Silver balloons spelling out ‘2016’ behind a table stacked with newly printed diplomas all seemed to fade in the background. “This program,” his voice wavering, “This program…it’s just the best. It’s like a family. People care about us.”

Life hasn’t been smooth sailing for this graduate. Raised by his grandma, he tells the audience about his struggle finding positive influences in his life and the hardship that followed. When he looked at the direction his life was heading, he decided to make a change and enrolled in HCAP’s Youth Services Program. In the program he says he found a family that encouraged him and saw his potential. Now, after months of perseverance, he stood before his fellow graduates, family members, and friends with a high school diploma close at hand. Grinning widely, he fist pumped the air. “We did it!” And the crowd burst into cheer.

On June 17, 2016, HCAP Youth Services (HYS) held the Class of 2016 Graduation Ceremony at McCoy Pavilion. The ceremony began with “The Star Spangled Banner” followed by “Hawai`i Pono`i”, which was lead by Catherine, one of the graduates. Following the opening songs, Leina`ala Nakamura, the Assistant Administrator of the City & County Department of Community Services Work Division, gave an inspiring speech to the graduates about living a life of Aloha and striving for the stars. Robert N. E. Piper, HCAP Executive Director, also spoke with the graduates and encouraged them to continue working hard despite obstacles.

HCAP Youth Services Teacher, Mhoana Bello then delivered “A Word to the Class,” in which she congratulated the graduates for their accomplishment. Then, graduating students Victor and Gabriella took the stage to share their personal stories of hardships and triumphs. Each of their stories moved many members of the audience to tears. Afterwards, HYS Program Manager, Krystal Ikeda, presented special awards to outstanding graduates.

Finally the moment had come. One by one students filed onto the stage as their names were called to receive their Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma. To close the ceremony, everyone in the crowd joined the students in singing their class song, “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson.

Congratulations to the HCAP Youth Services Class of 2016! Sometimes its not about when you get to the finish line, its about the lessons learned along the journey. For these graduates, who’ve had a more arduous journey then most, this accomplishment is perhaps all the more appreciated and cherished.

Hā Initiative Students Learn about Robotic Engineering

This week, Christian Miller, the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi-Palama STEM teacher visited the Waiahole STEM Exploration Center for a weeklong crash course in robotic engineering! The STEM participants learned about the world of robotics with a series of challenges and team-building exercises. The students engaged in various activities such as putting together their first robotic car, racing, and finally participating in big sumo match! The students said that someday they wanted to build a robot like the Baymax healthcare robot from the movie Big Hero 6. “Study hard, work hard, and use creative STEM thinking. If you do that then someday you will!” Mr. Chris encouraged. The students at the STEM had lots of fun with Christian and hope that he will come visit them again soon!

LIHEAP Assists Participant to Improve Finances

Elizabeth was born and raised on the Mainland. In 1996, she decided to move to Hawaii. Two years ago, Elizabeth found herself frighteningly close to homelessness and was in financial debt. With assistance, she was able find senior housing in Haleiwa.

After securing housing, Elizabeth was introduced to HCAP’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For the past two years, she has applied and qualified for the LIHEAP program. The LIHEAP program has greatly helped Elizabeth to pay off her bills and improve her financial condition.

HCAP Staff Attend Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Annual Mahalo Event

This week, HCAP staff attended the annual Mahalo Event for volunteers of the Hawaii Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) & Financial Empowerment Program. Hawai’i Alliance for Community Based Economic Development (HACBED) Family and Individual Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator, Susan Tamanaha, reported that HCAP volunteers processed 779 returns last season and that HCAP continues to excel at serving the program’s target population. Of the total returns processed, 361 families and individuals qualified for the Earned Income Credit. This service also saved taxpayers approximately $155,800 in fees that would otherwise be charged to taxpayers by paid preparers.

MAHALO to the staff and volunteers that worked so hard to make this program a success!

Kumuhonua Staff Collaborate at the Leeward Housing Coalition Summit

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center staff attended the Leeward Housing Coalition (LHC) Summit hosted at Our Lady of Kea’au. The LHC Summit was created to bring all service providers from the Leeward Coast together to collaborate on a unified plan and procedures for addressing homelessness on the Leeward Coast. Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland and Representative Jo Jordan attended the summit and thanked the Leeward Housing Coalition and its members for all their hard work. This was an all-day event and the Kumuhonua staff had the opportunity to help plan and consider the next steps needed to address the growing homeless population on the Leeward Coast.

Head Start Children Learn About Communities

The children at Kaala Pre-Plus Head Start have been learning about their community. To study their community, the children learned about different occupations. They also learned about the many places that people in communities go to get groceries, attend school, visit the doctor, etc. At the end of the lesson, the children put their creativity to work by using building blocks to construct a daycare center for animals! The children thought a daycare center for animals would be a great addition in their community.