HCAP WEEKLY June 5, 2023

Head Start and the Importance of Family Engagement

A fundamental cornerstone of Head Start is Family Engagement. This is one of the unique and important focus areas that sets Head Start & Early Head Start apart from other preschool options. Family Engagement fosters culturally responsive relationships amongst children, their families and Head Start staff in an effort to cultivate a positive and impactful early childhood education experience. Through shared responsibilities between parents and staff, Family Engagement supports healthy child-parent relationships while promoting the entire family’s well-being, school readiness and self-sufficiency.

HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start programs provide a multitude of Family Engagement opportunities through Parent Committees, Parent Engagement Workshops, Parent Engagement Activities such as Fatherhood in February and Motherhood in May and Parent Volunteering. Parent volunteers are an essential part of our Head Start & Early Head Start programs as they highlight the importance of a quality early childhood education and involvement in their child’s educational journey. Parent volunteers also help children to develop better social-emotional and academic skills and a lifelong love for learning. To our parent volunteers, thank you for your time, service, and for being the heartbeat of our Head Start & Early Head Start programs! 

Click Here to learn more about Head Start & Early Head Start.

Windward District Service Center and Nā Lima Hana Staff Host Job Readiness Training

The Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) team assisted the Windward District Service Center with a group Job Readiness Training (JRT) and intake service. The JRT portion of the ECS program is a key element in warranting that a client is prepared to enter into to the workforce appropriately.

The ECS team, as well as all of HCAP’s six District Service Centers, have knowledgeable and experienced staff, that pay special attention in properly educating our clients in areas such as: resume building, career planning, interview skills, budgeting, basic computer skills, application processes, and much more. The ECS program strongly emphasizes the importance of employment preparation, and ensuring that each client receives the proper training and guidance when entering the workforce.

It is the goal of HCAP to see our clients strive for self-sustainability. Providing them with the tools and preparation that they need, and assisting them throughout their journey is vital in supporting each individual and safeguarding their success. The Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program (ECS) provides personalized employment counseling services, job readiness training (JRT), tuition assistance for vocational classes and certification, and job placement assistance to individuals throughout the island of Oʻahu. For more information visit one of our six District Service Centers or call our ECS team.

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services

Work Furlough Participant Reaches Success Milestones

The motto “Make good choices” was the message from the Central District Service Center Staff to Oʻahu Community Correctional Center Module 20 Work Furlough Program participant Kallen, as he and his group completed Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services intake in June of 2022. During intake Kallen participated in Job Readiness Training that helped reintroduced him to the workforce. Kallen received tips to expand his skills using the internet, which has been a crucial tool for employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The job readiness training offered tips on job searching, networking, resume writing, dressing for success, time management, and effective budgeting. Kallen also received important information about his responsibilities in the program as well as HCAPʻs responsibilities as an employment core services provider.

Kallen received a HOLO card to assist with transportation as he attended job-related appointments. It didn’t take long for Kallen to find and secure employment with Nicoʻs Pier 38; however, one of Kallen’s challenges was transportation. To help him overcome this challenge, the Central District Staff scheduled an appointment for Kallen, and met him at the transit pass office to help him purchase an annual disability HOLO bus pass.  

Throughout the past months, Kallen submitted his 30, 60, 90 and 180 day pay stubs. This week, staff met with our liaison at OCCC, and saw Kallen as he’s preparing to parole out of the OCCC Module 20 Work Furlough Program. Staff congratulated Kallen on a job well done and he was awarded $100 in gift cards for all the pay stubs he submitted. The Central District Service Center Staff are confident that Kallen will continue to “make good choices” and are proud to be part of his successful journey.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP Programs & Services.