HCAP WEEKLY June 6, 2022

Hā Initiative Visits Sea Life Park

Students in the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program recently wrapped up their study of oceans and waves with a field trip to Sea Life Park. Throughout April and May, students worked on their Ocean & Waves module with a series of classroom activities and lessons about oceans, ocean animals, and how waves form. 

At Sea Life Park, students were able to take their lessons further, learning about the eating habits of sea turtles and sharks, differences between seals and sea lions, and traits of different types of penguins. They also learned about the relationship between humans and dolphins and how the animals at Sea Life Park are trained. 

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program field trips are bi-monthly and free for students and parents, with transportation and lunch provided. 

Click Here for more information about the Hā Initiative.

Leahi District Staff Join Nonprofit Partners for Community Food Hub Resource Fair

On June 4, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center staff participated in the Community Food Hub free food and hygiene supply distribution event at Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle School. The event was coordinated by Reality Honolulu in partnership with Maʻi Movement Hawaiʻi, Aloha Harvest, and Hawaiʻi Food Bank. 

Leahi District staff were excited to work alongside other local nonprofit organizations in the event’s first ever “mini resource fair,” where they helped connect community members with HCAP’s programs and services. Flyers and applications for the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, Head Start & Early Head Start, and more were available to interested individuals and families. Many of those in attendance were seeking more information about Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Energy Credit applications, which are only accepted during the month of June. 

In an afternoon full of camaraderie and service, “We are always thankful for opportunities like this to meet our community members face-to-face,” said Leahi Community Services Specialist Hanako Heine. 

The Community Food Hub event happens every first Saturday of the month from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Hauʻula Head Start Engineers an Igloo

As an extension on their study of buildings, the HCAP Head Start Hauʻula keiki decided to construct an igloo using recycled materials. After brainstorming about the various materials and methodologies that could be used to construct their igloo, the keiki decided to use plastic milk jugs and hot glue for the project. With the help of their teachers, the class assembled the igloo one milk jug at a time. After construction was complete, the keiki got to work counting, sorting, and graphing all 220 milk jugs based on their lid colors to determine which color had the most or least. The keiki and teachers had a blast!

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start applications for the 2022-2023 school year are open now! Click Here for more information and how to apply.

Central Client Surpasses 180 Days of Employment

Lauren first reached out to HCAP’s Central District Service Center in April 2021 for assistance with her past-due water bills. The single mother of three had lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was struggling to make ends meet. Central staff referred Lauren to the CARES Act-funded Hale Kākou program for assistance with her utility bills and were also able to enroll her in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program to help her look for work. 

Lauren quickly completed her Job Readiness Training and kept in contact with Central District Service Center staff during her job search. During her search for employment, Lauren’s household fell behind on electricity bills and she again reached out for assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers Emergency Crisis Intervention year-round for households in need of emergency assistance to both prevent disconnection and restore disconnected electricity and gas service. Starting in 2022, Emergency Water Intervention is also available through the new Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). 

In November 2021, Lauren secured full-time employment as a recruiter at Marriott Vacations Worldwide. She was excited to find a new job in her previous field of work and surpassed her employment milestones with ease, completing 30, 60, 90, and eventually over 180 days in her new position. Central District Service Center staff are happy for Lauren and her family and wish her continued success for her future. 

Click Here for more information about HCAP’s programs and services.