HCAP WEEKLY March 4, 2024

Leahi District Participates in the 6th Annual Micronesian Youth Summit

This year HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center and the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) staff were honored to participate In the 6th Annual Micronesian Youth Summit hosted by We Are Oceania (WAO) at the Hawaii Convention Center. WAO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been a key stakeholder in navigating resources and support for Pacific communities residing in Hawaii.

CEO and co-founder Josie Howard recognized a need in the Micronesian communities of Hawaii and thus worked with fellow advocates in creating an organization focusing on centralizing, initiating, developing, and implementing various support systems for COFA migrants.

The annual Micronesian Youth Summit is the successful fruition of WAO’s hard work. This summit brings together Micronesian Youth from middle to high school and exposes them to WAO’s four pillars of success: College, Career, Community, and Solidarity.

HCAP staff Hanako Heine and Amber Keaulana shared important information about the ECS program and other services like the free Income Tax Program, available to many of the families and youth in attendance. Many attendees were pleased to know more about HCAP’s wraparound services and how they can get services for the whole family, from Head Start and the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Programs to Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, and the Weatherization Assistance Program.

HCAP staff would like to thank We Are Oceania for their gracious invitation to this amazing event and look forward to more outreach opportunities in the future!

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Windward District Supports Single Mom’s Career Goals

Destiny is a single mom of six children who moved to O’ahu from Moloka’i in August of 2023. She reached out to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center seeking self-sufficiency. After completing a family assessment, Community Service Specialist Sheena Paaoao immediately started working with Destiny, one milestone at a time.

Destiny expressed a strong desire to overcome employment challenges and build a sustainable career. Her commitment to personal and professional growth was evident from the outset, and HCAP staff worked closely with her to identify opportunities aligned with her skills and aspirations. The journey towards employment success involved Job Readiness Training which assisted Destiny with skill building, resume building, and targeted job search strategies. She demonstrated resilience and dedication throughout the process, actively participating in training programs and refining her resume to showcase her strengths effectively. Destiny successfully secured a position at Ahuimanu Elementary School. Her employment not only aligns with her goals to supplement her household income but also provides a supportive work environment conducive to continued growth and development while being a single mom of six. Upon obtaining the job, Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services was able to provide Destiny with work attire, leaving no barriers starting on her first day of work.

Although Destiny quickly found employment, most of her early paychecks went to paying rent, new living expenses, and household supplies leaving no extra money during the holiday season. By sharing her concerns, Sheena was able to get the entire ohana signed up for Toys for Tots where she was gifted bikes for her young children and other gifts for all to make a memorable Christmas morning.

Beyond the personal triumph for Destiny, this success story reflects the effectiveness of HCAP’s collaborative approach in empowering individuals to overcome barriers and find meaningful employment. Destiny is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, guidance, and community support.

As Destiny continues to thrive in her new role, the Windward staff and HCAP’s entire network of wraparound services remain committed to providing ongoing support to ensure her sustained success. Windward staff shares, “We are confident that her journey will inspire others in our community to pursue their career aspirations with confidence and determination.”

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The Hā Initiative Explores Moon Phases

This week, students at the Windward Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program learned about the fascinating world of the Moon and its phases. They learned about Kaulana Mahina, which means “the position of the moon” in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. The class discussed how Ancient Hawaiians would attentively watch 29-30 moon phases each month.

Nikolai (pictured) and the other students had the chance to see the moon up close through a telescope. This experience sparked curiosity and excitement among the group. By exploring the Moon’s phases, students not only learned about science but also connected with Hawaiian cultural traditions.

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.