HCAP Weekly May 1, 2017

In this week’s issue:

Former Kumuhonua Resident Demonstrates Resilience and Rebuilds His Life
Hā Initiative Staff Gain Inspiration from Hawaii STEM Conference
Helpful Tips from HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program
Former Addiction Treatment Participant Finds Career as Carpenter
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2017-2018 School Year

Former Kumuhonua Resident Demonstrates Resilience and Rebuilds His Life

In the middle of expensive, time-consuming legal matters, Miles lost his apartment, was unemployed, and had no choice but to live in his car. Motivated to get off the streets, Miles entered the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in October 2016.

Working with his case manager at Kumuhonua, Miles was able to return to his old job, and received a promotion within the first 6 months of his return. Although the legal matters are still pending, Miles has since gained the resilience needed to move on with his life. With the skills and knowledge he had obtained during his time at Kumuhonua, Miles overcame feelings of hopelessness and despair. Miles applied to several housing options and was able to successfully secure permanent housing in the Aiea area. In April 2017, Miles successfully transitioned out of the Kumuhonua program.

Hā Initiative Staff Gain Inspiration from Hawaii STEM Conference

This week, the teachers and administrative staff at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program had the opportunity to attend the Hawaii STEM Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center on May 1st and May 2nd. Various workshops were held throughout the day, with topics ranging from building programmable robots and designing games to 3D printing. The STEM Convention was helpful and insightful to HCAP’s STEM educators, as they hope to implement the experiments and activities introduced in the workshops into their classrooms at the STEM Exploration Centers. Hā Initiative educators hope to close the STEM gap in the 21st century workforce by provoking and developing the imaginations and problem solving skills of STEM Exploration Center students.

Helpful Tips from HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program

These days, most homes have multiple TVs and computers, all connected to various devices such as Blue Ray players, game consoles, external monitors, and printers. The energy consumed by all these gadgets in our homes can add up to nearly 10% of a household’s monthly electric bill! The problem is that many people forget to turn off their devices when they aren’t using them, and many electronics even continue to draw power after they’ve been turned off.

There is a convenient and low-cost solution. Replacing your conventional power strips with advanced power strips (APS), commonly called “smart power strips” can help reduce the electricity wasted when these devices are idle, without having to change the way you normally use your electronics. If you are interested in receiving a free smart power strip and other free energy saving devices please call your nearest HCAP District Service Center.

Former Addiction Treatment Participant Finds Career as Carpenter

Tom was receiving services from the Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services when he inquired about employment assistance. Tom was referred to the Leahi District Service Center. He enrolled in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program and began job readiness training (JRT) with a community worker. Along the way, Tom made his first resume, practiced interviews (one-on-one and panel), learned about budgeting, and even worked on his computer skills. Upon completing his job readiness training, Tom attended a job Fair at the Neal Blaisdell Center. Soon after attending the job fair, Tom was hired as a carpenter at a local company.

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

Are you or someone you know in need of comprehensive early childhood education? 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.