HCAP WEEKLY June 26, 2023

Nā Lima Hana Partners with the Skin Institute Internationalé

The Nā Lima Hana – Employment Core Services Program (ECS) offers tuition support to individuals that are looking for assistance with GED/ESL classes, as well as a wide range of vocational training courses including healthcare, automotive technology, commercial driving licensing (CDL), applied computer technology, and carpentry. The mission of HCAP is to assist people in becoming self-sustainable, and one of the tools to achieve this is empowering individuals with the proper skills and education to assist them in obtaining a career.

However, industries are continually changing and growing, and the ECS Team is always looking to incorporate a wide variety of trades that will keep up with the needs and demands of the community. With the beauty and self-care industry on the rise, it was no surprise when a client from the Central District Service Center inquired about attending esthetician school. Community Service Specialist (CSS), Sheree, suggested that the ECS Team reach out to a locally based esthetician school, The Skin Institute Internationalé.

The ECS Team was able to speak with Founder and Licensed Instructor, Mary Ronnow, to learn more about the program and also go on-site to see the facilities. Phoebe, Student Director and Financial Aid Administrator, of the Skin Institute Internationalé took the ECS team on a tour where she showed them their top-of-the-line medical grade products and facilities. Staff also taught background on esthetics, sharing that it goes beyond beauty and also targets several medical health issues such as melanomas, eczema, cystic acne, several types of mental health disorders, and more. Many nurses and medical clinicians are also incorporating this trade into their education, as it benefits their patient’s well-being and care. Estheticians have an estimated average starting salary of $40,000 per year and many pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Mahalo to Sheree and the Central District Service Center for taking an active role and listening to client needs. The ECS team is proud to add the Skin Institute Internationalé as a partner, and for clients to pursue esthetics as an applicable trade and school. HCAP is excited to continue assisting ECS clients with reaching their educational goals.

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School Readiness with Head Start 

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start programs provide quality, comprehensive services to eligible children through a wide array of developmentally appropriate activities and interactions grounded in school readiness. School readiness focuses on ensuring children are ready for school and families are ready to support their children’s learning. Within our classrooms, teachers develop intentional lesson plans that foster children’s overall development in the areas of cognition, fine motor, gross motor, social-emotional, and language. With monthly parent engagement workshops and specific transition into kindergarten sessions, parents are provided with the tools and knowledge to facilitate their children’s successful transition from Head Start into kindergarten. From drawing a picture after recalling a character from a book to following a parent’s developed routine while at home, our children and families are prepared for kindergarten!

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Nā Lima Hana Job Readiness Training Taught Through American Sign Language  

When Taumafai began working with Central District Service Center nine years ago she brought a genuine love for working with people, a positive attitude, and compassion for everyone she met. Taumafai also brought her passion for working with disabled individuals, especially those who are affected by hearing impairments.

When HCAPs partner Oʻahu Community Correctional Center’s Module 20 requested the Nā Lima Hana Job Readiness Class for an individual who was hearing impaired, HCAP staff was eager to accommodate this special request. In the past Taumafai was able to use her sign language abilities to help individuals during LIHEAP, Kokūa Food Assistance Program, and Ohana Produce, but never for a Job Readiness Class. Taumafai is very proficient in American Sign Language and was thrilled to be able to help teach employment education to someone who might face different challenges than other work furlough participants. Work furlough participants face many obstacles when seeking employment, and having a hearing impediment can make the process more difficult. 

Taumafai appreciated her time with Charles and the opportunity to use her skills to help someone get a head start on his job search journey. Central District Service Center would like to wish Charles a prosperous journey on his way to securing work and his eventual transition back into the community.

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