HCAP Weekly June 29, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Hā Initiative Students Create Solar Grill and Oven
U.S. Vets and HCAP Work Together to Help Homeless Women
HCAP Client Benefits from Multiple Programs
SCSEP Participants Meet to Update Individual Development Plans
U.S. Veteran Secures Permanent Housing
Mahalo to LIHEAP Volunteer

Hā Initiative Students Create Solar Grill and Oven

This week was perhaps the hottest, and definitely the sunniest week of the year due to the summer solstice. To make the most of the plentiful sunlight, the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi STEM Exploration Center had a week of solar energy science. The students explored the various uses of solar energy, from solar thermal for water heating to solar photovoltaic for generating electricity, and created their own solar grill and solar oven. The solar grill consisted of an upturned umbrella, which the kids lined with highly reflective tinfoil, creating a parabolic mirror, similar to a satellite dish. Except, instead of concentrating radio waves, the dish acted to concentrate the sun’s light and heat to a single point. Students then placed skewered, or foil-wrapped marshmallows and chocolate bars at the center of the “heat laser” as they called it, and cooked up yummy gooey s’mores using the sun’s light.

The solar oven demonstrated the principle of the greenhouse effect and another method of solar energy use in cooking that is used in some parts of the world where regular ovens are hard to come by. The students cut a hole in the top of a pizza box, insulated it with newspaper & scratch paper, and covered the opening with a saran wrap lining to trap the heat. A thermometer test showed that the oven got up to 190 degrees internally.

With a marshmallowly gooey hand, Shelly showed empirical proof that her solar oven is serious culinary business. The marshmallow was thoroughly melted to the consistency of pudding, and thoroughly tasty. “This is the best day of science ever!” Shelly exclaimed.

U.S. Vets and HCAP Work Together to Help Homeless Women

Iris was one of Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center’s initial ADVANCE Women’s Program veterans to enter the program. She had been homeless and living in shelters since November 2013. Iris returned to school to continue her higher education at University of Phoenix, and did extremely well despite being out of school for a long time. Attending school helped Iris to build her self-esteem and improve her outlook. Iris was able to secure permanent housing with the assistance of the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. We wish her all the luck and have enjoyed watching her make positive changes in many areas of her life.

HCAP Client Benefits from Multiple Programs

Marine went to the Kalihi-Palama District Service Center requesting assistance with her past due electric bill. While completing the intake process, HCAP staff learned that she was not working. Her husband had been working, but needed to resign in order to complete his practicum to earn his degree. HCAP community workers enrolled Marine in the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services Program. Upon completing employment training, Marine was hired for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as a LIHEAP Aide and interpreter. Subsequently, Marine’s husband was hired by Palolo Elementary School to work with disabled students and complete his practicum requirements. They are slowly working towards getting back on track financially. Marine appreciates the help she received from the Kalihi-Palama District Service Center and looks forward to continuing her involvement with HCAP going forward.

SCSEP Participants Meet to Update Individual Development Plans

Twice a year, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Employment Counselors and participants meet for an Individual Development Plan (IDP) update session. The IDP is considered a living document that is customized to follow the SCSEP participant’s progress from beginning to end while participating in the program. The group of participants initially meet to discuss the purpose of the workshop and topics such as goals, barriers, service plans, and training components. After the group discussions, the counselors and participants break into individual meetings to discuss specific goals, individual progress, setbacks, and concerns. Each participant’s case file is then updated to reflect current training activities, supportive services, and/or any needed referrals to help the participant move forward and find unsubsidized employment.

U.S. Veteran Secures Permanent Housing

Banner came to Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center after being homeless living in his car. While at Kumuhonua, he attended school, gained part-time and eventually full-time employment all while addressing multiple medical conditions! Banner finally secured permanent housing in June 2015. We are extremely happy for Banner and wish him all the best after a very long process. We are also grateful for the relationships we have with partnering realtors and organizations who play a crucial role in the journey towards finding Kumuhonua residents permanent housing!

Mahalo to LIHEAP Volunteer

The Leahi District Service Center would like to thank Lynn Chan for volunteering her time during the month of June. The Leahi District Service Center has been servicing and interviewing many applicants for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). When assisting diverse populations, there are many challenges such as mobility, transportation, and language. Lynn is trilingual in Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cantonese. Not only was she able to assist the Intake Aides with the LIHEAP application process, she helped many elderly, disabled persons, and low-income individuals and families to understand and navigate the program. HCAP appreciates her assistance, time and her selfless concern for the well being of others. Mahalo Lynn!