HCAP WEEKLY June 28, 2021

Homebound Kūpuna Receive New Refrigerator and Fresh Food Box Deliveries Thanks to HCAP Wraparound Services!

The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on our entire community. But perhaps those most affected were our vulnerable kūpuna. Throughout 2020 and the past year, many of our kūpuna were forced to stay home and shield while waiting for the vaccines to become available. Many kūpuna were also in a “homebound” state, meaning they could not leave their home easily or safely even for the simplest things like getting adequate food. Luckily HCAP was ready to respond to this critical need and started the Kokua Food Assistance Program, which included free food boxes for homebound individuals and households. Through this program, qualifying homebound kūpuna are able to receive a food box delivery straight to their doorstep! Every month, HCAP staff deliver food boxes around the island to eligible kūpuna to make sure that they are safe, healthy and well cared for.

Mary and her husband Ernie are just one example of the many individuals and households who have benefited from the Kokua Food Assistance Program. They are an elderly couple, with a limited fixed income, and Ernie has many health issues. When speaking with our staff, Mary expressed how difficult it had been for them to leave their home, go grocery shopping or to the doctor, and gain access to resources to help them. Mary shared with our staff that because of their “homebound” status, being able to receive fresh food deliveries straight to their doorstep would greatly help the couple with their daily needs.  Windward District Service Center staff immediately signed the couple up for the Kokua Food Assistance Program and began delivering food boxes to the couple’s home on a monthly basis.

During the intake and application process, it was apparent that more could be done to help Mary and Ernie. Windward District Service staff were able to safely access the coupleʻs house and found out that the couple’s house was in need of weatherization services. Windward District Service Center staff quickly referred Mary to HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)  and assisted her with the application process.  HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program Coordinator, Georgette got right on it, and the couple was approved for weatherization services. With the assistance of HCAP’s Windward Community Service Specialist, Cory, Georgette completed an in-home energy audit; which provided Mary and Ernie with energy efficiency tips, educational materials, energy-efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower heads, and other small energy-efficient devices.  

During the in-home audit, Georgette and Cory also monitored and inspected the couple’s refrigerator. Upon opening the refrigerator, they quickly realized that it felt warm and had a musty odor. Our staff advised Mary to throw away any food currently in the refrigerator for safety precautions and immediately completed all necessary assessments to provide Mary and Ernie with a refrigerator replacement. Soon after, the couple received their new refrigerator and Mary was very excited to finally have a working refrigerator to safely store food!

Mary and Ernie continue to receive their monthly supply of fresh produce boxes each month and they maintain close contact and communicate with our staff.  They are so thankful for all the services they received and are grateful for the time that HCAP staff took in providing wraparound services when they needed it the most!

To learn more about HCAP’s Kokua Food Assistance Program, visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/kokua-food-assistance-program/

To learn more about HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program, visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/weatherization-assistance-program/

A New Job, Smile, and Future Awaits Nā Lima Hana Client

Last year, our Windward District Service Center featured a story about a client named Lauri. Lauri is an individual who overcame many personal obstacles to gain self-sustainability, including finding employment in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Lauri was originally featured in HCAP’s Weekly Newsletter last year; it was just the beginning for her.  She had been out of work for some time and was having to start all over again. With the support of our staff, Lauri received job readiness training (JRT) and help in searching for and applying for employment. As we shared last year, Lauri worked through many obstacles and had obtained employment at a local grocery store.  During that time, Lauri had also received her initial employment attire through HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Service (ECS) program.  

However, the work of HCAP did not stop there. With the assistance of Windward District Service Center staff, Lauri was referred to a program called Smiles for Success, a foundation that assists women in transition from welfare to work who cannot afford the cost of dental care. The dental repair that Lauri received through Smiles for Success boosted Lauriʻs confidence as she began her new job and embarked on her fresh start in life. Meanwhile, our Windward District Service Center staff helped Lauri to obtain her driverʻs permit and supported her through her first months of employment.  

It’s been a little over a year since Lauri first made contact with HCAP and completed services with the Windward District Service Center and we are very excited to share that Lauri has maintained her employment. Lauri received milestone incentive gift cards throughout her journey, for successfully reaching 30, 60, and 90 days of employment. In a recent follow-up, Lauri shared that she is still doing well, now has her driver’s license, loves her new smile, and is still employed at the same local grocery store.  

Although Lauri may have completed services with HCAP, she, as well as all of our clients, remain in our thoughts and we continue to ensure their success and achievement of long-term self-sufficiency!

Want to learn more about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program? Email nalimahana@hcapweb.org or visit https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/.

Hā Initiative Students Dissect Crayfish!

This week our Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students had the opportunity to dissect and explore the crayfish provided by Carolina’s Young Scientist Crayfish Dissection Kit! During the dissection, students located and identified the crayfish’s external and internal features. They also learned that crayfish were first introduced into taro patches near Ahuimanu Stream in 1923. In the 1940s, crayfish were considered pests to taro cultivation as their burrows can cause the draining of lo`i. “My favorite part was finding the gills on the crayfish!” said Hā Initiative student, Manany. Manany is interested in learning more about biology and hopes to get a STEM related job so that she can help provide for her family. 

This type of educational, fun and hands-on lesson is why we love having our keiki back in the classroom! The students had so much fun during the dissection and learned a lot about the natural environment and biology.

Want to get your keiki involved in STEM learning? Sign up for our Hā Initiative After-School Program by emailing hcapstem@hcapweb.org.

After Being Furloughed During COVID-19, Nā Lima Hana Client Completes Phlebotomy Certification and Finds Employment at Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi!

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck our islands, Johny was working a retailer as a part-time stockroom associate. But everything changed for Johny in April of 2020 when he was placed on temporary furlough due to the pandemic. Although, Johny was able to return to work in July, his hours were greatly reduced and he knew that his current employment was no longer sustainable for his needs.

As he explored his next steps, Johny grew interested in pursuing a career as a Phlebotomist. In the fall of October 2020, he was referred to our Central District Service Center by one of our partners, Professional Healthcare Educators (PHE), to see if he would be eligible for tuition assistance. Johny qualified for our service and through HCAPʻs Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program he was able to receive tuition assistance to PHEʻs Phlebotomy Technician Training Program. With his determination and persistence, Johny was able to successfully obtain his Phlebotomy Certificate and started to actively look for employment. With resources from our staff, he was provided with a list of available job opportunities. We are very happy to share that Johnyʻs hard work has paid off and he was able to obtain full-time employment at the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi!

Johny has persevered through the financial struggles of being temporarily furloughed from his previous employment and continues to strive toward improving his skills through vocational training and obtaining employment in his field of interest. We are very proud of Johny and can’t wait to see him thrive in his new position!

Donate to the Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc.

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HCAP provides early childhood education, job training, housing, and opportunities for self-sufficiency for Oahu’s most needy families. With your generous donation we can help low-income families and individuals strive for economic self-sufficiency. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our keiki, kūpuna, and vulnerable community members . Click here to donate.