HCAP WEEKLY March 29, 2021

ECS Client Obtains Pharmacy Technician Certification and Finds Employment at Walgreens!
Family Regains Food Security Amidst Pandemic Job Loss
Weatherization Assistance Program Accepting Applications!
Head Start Keiki Receive Educational Supply Boxes in the Mail!


ECS Client Obtains Pharmacy Technician Certification and Finds Employment at Walgreens!

In the summer of 2020, Meihui was referred to HCAP by our partners at Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC). She wanted to enroll in KCC’s Pharmacy Technician Program, but needed help covering the cost of tuition. With the help of HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, Meihui was provided with the tuition assistance she needed to attend the program in the fall. Our staff also helped Meihui to secure a job in her field of study while still in school. We are happy to share that Meihui has now obtained her Pharmacy Technician Certification and is employed as a Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens since completing the program! Our staff will continue to follow Meihui’s journey and provide her with assistance as she reaches future employment milestones.

Through HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program, program participants can receive tuition assistance for a range of vocational courses, including automotive technology, commercial driver licensing, nurse aid training, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician training, and more. 

For more information on HCAP’s Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, visit our website: https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/.


Family Regains Food Security Amidst Pandemic Job Loss

As COVID-19 halted tourism in Hawaiʻi, Ivy Jane became one of the many local hotel employees left out of work. Ivy Jane had been the sole provider for the household while her husband was a stay-at-home dad, and a new reality set in for the family soon after she was furloughed. For a short time, the family was able to stay afloat with Ivy Jane’s unemployment benefits, which temporarily included an additional $300 through the federal Lost Wages Assistance Program. However, when the extra benefits ran out, the family’s bills began to pile up. 

Ivy Jane first contacted the Central District Service Center for food assistance. At the start of the pandemic, Ivy Jane’s application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) had been denied. The additional unemployment benefits that helped Ivy Jane’s family to survive had also put their income out of the qualifying range for SNAP benefits. Ivy Jane was not aware that she could reapply for SNAP benefits after the extra unemployment payments ended. The Central District Service Center staff assessed Ivy Jane’s situation and helped her to submit a new SNAP application and also approved the family for grocery gift cards through HCAP’s Kōkua Food Assistance Program. A few days later, Ivy Jane informed the Central staff that she had been approved for SNAP benefits. With the support of HCAP’s Kōkua Food Assistance Program along with their SNAP benefits, Ivy Jane’s family once again has food security and she can rest easy knowing their children have food on the table every day. 

Although Ivy Jane and her family have attained food security, our Central District Service Center staff continue to work with the family so they can get back on their feet and achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency. Ivy Jane recently applied for HCAP’s Hale Kākou Program for rental assistance, and both she and her husband have enrolled in HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program.

If your family has been impacted by COVID-19, you may qualify for HCAP’s Kōkua Food Assistance and Hale Kākou Programs. Please contact your nearest District Service Center or visit our website for more information.


Weatherization Assistance Program Accepting Applications!

HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program is currently accepting applications. We offer FREE home energy audits, energy-efficiency tips and education, and energy efficient devices such as solar water heaters, replacement refrigerators, low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, LED light bulbs, and more!

The HCAP Weatherization Assistance Program prioritizes services to seniors, families with young children, people with disabilities, households with high energy usage, and families experiencing a high energy burden. Program eligibility is income-based; families with at least one household member receiving TANF or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the program and apply, email hcapwap@hcapweb.org


Head Start Keiki Receive Educational Supply Boxes in the Mail!

Recently, HCAP Head Start families received boxes of educational materials in the mail, and all of the keiki and parents have been excited to complete the activities together! Until they can return to the classroom, these at-home activities continue to provide creative ways to learn and develop their skills from home.

Physical Activities Help Develop Skills 

Allison from Kunia 3 received her educational supplies from HCAP Head Start and has been enjoying the physical activities included in the box! Some of Allison’s favorite activities have been stacking large number cubes, which helps develop gross motor skills, and the colored feet activity, which helps develop traveling and balancing skills.

Reading Along with Mom

For Priam from Kunia 3, the most exciting part of his educational supply box was the books included in the package! Priam has been demonstrating his print knowledge by retelling parts of the stories after reading along with his mom. Priam’s mom shared that receiving these educational materials in the mail made her son very happy, and she thanked our Head Start staff for including them in the box.

Walking Water 

Jewel from Kalihi Kai explored a water science activity at home by using water, cups, food coloring, and a few other household items. Jewel showed her curiosity and motivation during the activity, which included mixing water with different liquids like honey, oil, and food coloring. The mixing activity also taught Jewel about scientific inquiry, as she made predictions and observations about the results of her experiments.