HCAP WEEKLY May 13, 2024

From the HCAP Inbox: Crystal’s Experience with Leahi District
Kalihi STEM Keiki Learn About Genetics Through Aliens & Monsters
Hawaiian Electric Company Donates Hygiene Products to Central District Service Center
Central District Service Center had the pleasure of working with HCAP Board Member Joanna Markle, Customer Ombudsman at Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), and David Tokuda, HECO Revenue Management Credit Specialist. This was the second time Hawaiian Electric supported Central District’s efforts of helping disadvantaged individuals and families with much needed hygiene products.
When Central started the Kōkua E Hānai Keiki (Help Feed the Children) program over 20 years ago, the goal was to help feed children in need. Since then, there has been an increase in the need for hygiene products. Hygiene products are often taken for granted and assumed to be easily accessible. However, for a lot of families and individuals, hygiene products are a luxury.
HECO’s Customer Ombudsman and Revenue Management team was able to collect an assortment of hygiene products that Joanna and David delivered to Central. These products included toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, bottles of shampoo/body wash, soap, sanitary items, deodorants and razors. The hygiene products will help support families and individuals in the community who need assistance in obtaining such necessities.
Joanna thanked the Central staff for the opportunity to help HCAP and their mutual clients. She expressed how happy they were to help, as they recognize the amount of effort and hard work that Central and HCAP provide to help the community.
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From the HCAP Inbox: Crystal’s Experience with Leahi District
Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services client Crystal shares her experience receiving assistance from Leahi District Service Center for an Advanced Nurse Aide certificate at Hawaii Medical College. Please read her story below:
“I encountered HCAP in June [2023] through my mother’s dear friend, who heard that I was still working part-time while living with my Mom. I remember feeling uncomfortable applying for the Advanced Nurse Aide Program at Hawaii Medical College, a training [program] for hospital jobs as a bedside assistant. Honestly, I was ready to make a career change from working as a PT Substitute Teacher, but making a break for a hospital job took courage. As I wrote a letter of request to HCAP asking for tuition assistance, I knew that I have to overcome this challenge.
In Fall 2023, I began to attend Hawaii Medical College located on Kapiolani Blvd across from McKinley High School, where I found myself among young people who wanted to make good money. I liked online studying while working part time at a nearby Intermediate school in the morning. What I had most trouble with was the practical class every Friday and the externship at Pali Momi and Queens Medical Center. That is where I learned that nurses work 12 hours per shift, three times a week!
It was clear to me that I could not handle a 12 hour shift, so I applied as a Physician’s practical assistant (PPA). Upon finding the path as a PPA at Queens Medical Center, I looked for a field of medicine that matches my interest. Although it took me over nine months, I found a department I liked at Queens, where I will be working with physicians who are helping people with movement disorders.
I’d like to thank HCAP for giving me the financial support when I needed it the most. I am determined to work hard. I trust that HCAP will help many youth who want to become capable individuals and who can contribute to Hawaii to become a better place.”
Leahi Community Services Specialists were so excited to hear about Crystal’s amazing achievements and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.
Kalihi STEM Keiki Learn About Genetics Through Aliens & Monsters
In the past month, Hā Initiative students learned about various topics within the field of biology. For their unit on plants, students dissected flowers, studied flower anatomy, and created pressed flowers for their hands-on project. During the final lesson in the month of April, students learned about genetics and the process of inheritance from parents to offspring.
For this project, students completed a worksheet which required them to flip a coin and determine which physical traits an alien or monster would inherit from their parents. The keiki then created these monster offspring that portrayed the traits inherited using styrofoam balls, paint, and recycled materials.
Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School program.