HCAP WEEKLY March 15, 2021

HCAP Programs Help Single Mother Keep the Lights On
Hā Initiative Students Learn About Natural Resources from DLNR Guest Speaker!
Kokua Food Assistance Program Provides Support to Family Affected by COVID-19
Hands-on Activities Help Prevent ‘Zoom’ Fatigue in Keiki


HCAP Programs Help Single Mother Keep the Lights On

In early January, Suzy reached out to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center. Suzy shared with our staff that she is a single mother of two and has been struggling to pay-off her electric bills after being furloughed and given a tentative return to work date. Like so many single mothers across the state, Suzy shared that ever since the pandemic began she has been weighed down with uncertainties and financial strain in supporting herself and her children. After speaking with Suzy, our staff helped her apply for HCAP’s Hale Kākou Program. We are happy to report that Suzy has received financial assistance through the program, which paid off her past-due electric bills. This was a step in the right direction for Suzy and her family! Suzy and her children were also able to receive grocery gift cards through HCAP’s Kokua Food Assistance Program, which ease further lift their financial burdens. She told our staff that the assistance she received from HCAP has been a great help to her family and that she is truly appreciative for all the work the agency has done for mothers such as herself.

Our agency remains committed to serving families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. 

For more information about HCAP’s Hale Kākou Program, visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/hale-kakou/

For more information about HCAP’s Kokua Food Assistance Program, visit: 

https://www.hcapweb.org/kokua-food-assistance-program/


Hā Initiative Students Learn About Natural Resources from DLNR Guest Speaker!

This week, guest speaker Pua Heimuli joined our Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program to talk about natural resources in Hawaiʻi and the roles of state agencies in resource management. Pua works as an Oʻahu Outreach Associate with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW)

Pua taught our students about the work done by DOFAW, including methods of forest restoration, invasive species removal, and native species conservation. Students also reviewed the parts of the forest and learned about Nā Ala Hele, Hawaiʻi’s Trail and Access Program that provides safe public access to maintained trails statewide. Pua encouraged all of us to volunteer, hike, and experience the beauty of our natural environment. The students enjoyed Pua’s presentation and are excited to see her again soon! 


Kokua Food Assistance Program Provides Support to Family Affected by COVID-19

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyrena worked in the tourism industry to support herself and her two children. In March 2020, with COVID-19 case numbers on the rise, Cyrena’s employer closed for business. Cyrena was left unemployed, facing her biggest fear of not being able to provide food for her children. Through our Kokua Food Assistance Program, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center staff were able to help alleviate some of Cyrena’s stress by providing her with grocery gift cards. She is hopeful that the tourism industry will fully reopen soon, so she can return to work and provide for her family. Until then, Cyrena is thankful for the assistance she received through HCAP.

Have you been impacted by the pandemic and are in need of food assistance? Our Kokua Food Assistance Program provides grocery gift cards of $50 for each eligible family member. Grocery gift cards are available to eligible households on a monthly basis subject to availability. Contact your nearest District Service Center for more information or visit: https://www.hcapweb.org/kokua-food-assistance-program/


Hands-on Activities Help Prevent ‘Zoom’ Fatigue in Keiki

After one year of distance learning, our HCAP Head Start teachers and families have learned many ways to keep keiki engaged while learning at home. Hands-on projects and activities have served as ways to prevent ‘Zoom’ fatigue and also make learning more fun! Here are a few projects our HCAP Head Start keiki engaged in this week.

Scavenger Hunt at Home

Arayah from Keiki Country I,  participated in a virtual scavenger hunt at home! She was able to problem solve in a tangible way. By identifying the words with the objects, she was able to physically reinforce her knowledge of the items. Arayah was able to boost her observation skills as she looked around her home for these objects. She also became aware of her surroundings while identifying the color and shape of the objects she found! This activity was a great blend of virtual and hands-on learning! Nice work Arayah!

Number Line!

Josephine from Aiea I is building on her math skills by learning how to identify numbers on her number line. Josephine is working on number recognition as well as learning how to place numbers in numerical order.  At home, Josephine works with a life-size number line made out of paper cards numbered from 1 to 8. The cards help her visually see where the number belongs in the number line. Learning to use a number line is important for number recognition, counting skills, and relationships. Keep it up Josephine!

Bookworm!

Nya from Kalihi Kai shared her favorite book with her teacher via Zoom, demonstrating both her alphabet knowledge and book appreciation. Nya was able to identify the letters of her name in the book and shared her favorite part of the book with her mom and teacher by retelling the story for them.