HCAP WEEKLY June 21, 2021

Nā Lima Hana Participant Thriving in New Career

Jonnie was referred to HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program through our partnership with Kapiʻolani Community College in July 2020. The Nā Lima Hana program provides various employment resources to meet the needs of each participant, including tuition assistance for those who wish to enroll in a non-credit program to further their career goals. 

Jonnie was interested in the Medical Assistant Program offered at Kapiʻolani Community College, but needed help covering the cost of furthering her education. With the help of Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Jonnie was able to receive tuition assistance and enroll in the Medical Assistant Program, which she completed in November 2020. 

By January 2021, Jonnie was hired for a full time position at Central Medical Clinic as a Medical Assistant! Nā Lima Hana staff continued to follow up with Jonnie each month as she surpassed her milestones of 30, 60, and then 90 days of employment, and will continue to support her future endeavors. 

To learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Click Here.

Struggling Windward Kūpuna Receive Wrap-Around Services

In January 2021, previous HCAP client Lani returned to the Windward District Service Center for assistance after falling behind on electric bills. Both Lani and her husband Kawai are retired and living on a fixed income, and neither are able to work. With the help of Windward District Service Center staff, the couple was able to apply for Emergency Crisis Intervention through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP Emergency Crisis Intervention is a year-round program that provides financial assistance to qualifying households with past-due electric or gas bill payments, including those whose power has already been or is scheduled to be shut off. 

In addition to LIHEAP, Lani and Kawai were encouraged to apply for HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps households lower their energy costs by increasing home energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. As low-income homeowners struggling with high electricity bills, the couple started the application process right away. After their application was approved, WAP Program Coordinator Georgette helped schedule and complete Lani and Kawai’s home energy audit. The home energy audit provides households with energy education and tips, along with energy-efficient fixtures and appliances free of charge. Through WAP, Lani and Kawai were approved to receive both a Hybrid water heater and an energy efficient refrigerator replacement!

Though Lani and Kawai initially sought assistance only for their utility bills, further assessment of their household situation by Windward District Service Center staff revealed the couple was also in need of food assistance. The pair was referred to the Kōkua Food Assistance Program, which helps eligible Oʻahu residents impacted by COVID-19 keep food on the table by providing grocery cards, grocery boxes, and emergency food pantry access. Lani and Kawai qualified for grocery box delivery, a service for homebound kūpuna and other vulnerable populations unable to shop for themselves.

When community members contact HCAP for assistance, our staff makes sure to assess the full range of each household’s needs, which often go beyond a single program or service. This “wrap-around” approach of matching clients with all of the resources available to meet their complete needs is an important part of helping those in need reach self-sufficiency.

For more information on HCAP programs and services, Click Here.

HCAP Program Continues Fighting Pandemic Food Insecurity

While COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and the state moves toward full reopening, households across Oʻahu continue to deal with negative impacts of the pandemic. Many local residents have struggled with food insecurity, especially vulnerable populations and homebound kūpuna. 

HCAP’s Kōkua Food Assistance Program is an effort to serve members of our local community experiencing food insecurity due to COVID-19-related hardships. Eligible clients may qualify to receive food assistance in the form of grocery cards, grocery boxes, or access to an emergency food pantry, depending on their individual needs. 

This week, staff from HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center delivered food boxes for the month of June to homebound kūpuna and other vulnerable groups who are unable to venture out to obtain food on their own. The monthly grocery boxes contain fresh produce, dairy products, and protein. Recipients often share with delivery staff that the ability to receive food boxes during these difficult times has been a tremendous help to their households, and Leahi District Service Center looks forward to continuing to provide this service to members of our community in need.

To learn more about Kōkua Food Assistance, Click Here.

Painting and Planting with Kūhiō Pre-Plus

This week, the HCAP Head Start keiki of Kūhiō Pre-Plus learned about growing plants from seeds with hands-on activities and creative projects. 

Hoang learned about how a seed grows into a plant and created his own artwork using paint, crayons, and paper. He showed how the roots of a plant are located underground in the soil, and explained how sunlight and water help plants grow. 

Assistant Teacher Cheryl helped Kristen, Nesta, and Michelle prepare their garden by painting tire planters. Art projects using tools like paint brushes help young children develop their fine motor skills in a fun, creative way!

Before Amar, Hoang, and Riley planted seeds in the garden, teacher Aurelia showed them the different types of gardening tools that could be used for planting and the safe ways to handle the tools before planting seeds in their garden. The children expanded their vocabulary by learning new words pertaining to gardening and the tools used.

Click Here to Learn More about HCAP Head Start