HCAP Weekly March 6, 2017

In this week’s issue:

Kalihi STEM Students Grow Soil Sammies
Na Lima Hana Participant Finds Employment at Auto Shop
Kalihi Kupuna Learn about Domestic Violence Counseling & Support
HCAP Central District Service Center Collaborates on Homeless Outreach
Income Tax Services Taking Appointments
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2017-2018 School Year

Kalihi STEM Students Grow Soil Sammies

This week at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi STEM Exploration Center, students participated in a plant growth experiment called Soil Sammy. First, each student is given a piece of knee-high nylon stockings, some grass seeds, and a plastic cup. In order to make their very own soil sammy, the students poured grass seeds into the toes of their knee-high nylon stockings. Next, the students added potting soil to their nylon stocking. Then, they tied a knot at the end of each nylon stocking to close the end. Finally, the students filled a plastic cup with water, and placed their soil sammy gently in the water. The nylon soaked up the water and saturated the head of the soil sammy. To facilitate plant growth, the students applied their knowledge of photosynthesis; they understood that sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide from the air were required for their soil sammy to grow and placed their soil sammy cup near the sunny windowsills. Within a week, the grass seeds started to sprout. The class loved seeing their soil sammies grow “hair”.

Na Lima Hana Participant Finds Employment at Auto Shop

As a participant in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program, Tom completed job readiness training, received help on creating his resume, and began his job search. Shortly thereafter, Tom received a job offer as an automotive service technician. The employer, however, wanted Tom to bring his own tool set to start work. Tom contacted Na Lima Hana to ask for financial assistance in purchasing the tool set. The staff at Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services were able to help Tom, and he is now gainfully employed at the auto repair shop.

Kalihi Kupuna Learn about Domestic Violence Counseling & Support

Marci and Theresa from the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (HSCADV) visited the Senior Residences at Maluhia to educate the Kalihi kupuna about relationships and domestic abuse. The kupuna learned about the Power and Control Wheel, a conceptual framework and tool anti-abuse advocates use to explain the pattern of abusive and violent behaviors by perpetrators againt their partners. Marci and Theresa discussed with the kupuna some potential signs of abuse, and the actions a person should take if he or she suspects abuse. Marci and Theresa reminded kupuna that community resources such as emergency helplines, spouse abuse shelters, and legal aid are there to support individuals or families in times of crisis. It was a very powerful and moving session for the kupuna, and the Kalihi-Palama Service District Center staff are appreciative that Marci and Theresa from HSCADV could attend the program.

HCAP Central District Service Center Collaborates on Homeless Outreach

The HCAP Central District Service Center recently collected and delivered three truckloads of nonperishable food items and toiletries to the Voice of God Ministries, a Protestant church and organization in Haleiwa, during a homeless outreach project in Ewa. Lani and Lisa are members of the Central District Advisory Council and very active parishoners at Voice of God Ministries, where they regularly help out in community service projects. Together with the Central District Service Center staff, Lani and Lisa also distributed food, toiletries and laundry detergent to the homeless encampments at One ‘ula Beach Park on January 14 and February 18.

Income Tax Services Taking Appointments

HCAP’s Income Tax Services program has been open to the public since February 1st, and will run until April 7, 2017. As of March 10th, HCAP staff and volunteers have prepared tax returns for more than 475 households.

This program is a partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Hawaii Tax Help & Financial Empowerment Solutions to encourage families to file for federal tax credits earned. Taxpayers making less than $55,000 in adjusted gross income (AGI) are eligible for free tax preparation services.

Contact the District Service Center nearest you to make an appointment for more information.
Appointments are available first come, first served during the following days and times:
• Central District Service Center (Phone: 488-6834)
• Kalihi-Palama District Service Center (Phone: 847-0804)
• Leahi District Service Center (Phone: 732-7755)
• Leeward District Service Center (Phone: 696-4261)
• Windward District Service Center (Phone: 239-5754)

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2017-2018 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of free or affordable preschool? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2017-2018 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.