HCAP Weekly May 14, 2018

Former Head Start Parent Gains Work Experience with HCAP
Kumuhonua Resident Secures Permanent Housing
Hā Initiative and Windward District Service Center Take Part in Community Event
HCAP Head Start Recognizes Policy Council Members for Service and Dedication
HCAP Staff Attend the WorkForce Career Fair

Former Head Start Parent Gains Work Experience with HCAP

Arlene first heard of HCAP when one of her daughters enrolled in Makalapa Head Start many years ago. Since then, the single mother of three has received wraparound services from HCAP. During the past tax season, Arlene filed her taxes with HCAP’s Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program. Recently, she sought assistance for her electric bills through HCAP’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and completed Job Readiness Training as a participant in the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program.

In the meantime, Arlene has applied for the temporary position of LIHEAP Intake Aide and is now volunteering with HCAP’s Central District Service Center staff at their LIHEAP satellite sites to get a better feel of the process. Central District Service Center staff is happy to have Arlene assist them with LIHEAP.

Kumuhonua Resident Secures Permanent Housing

Born and raised in Hawaii, Kathy returned to her hometown following a divorce. Upon her return to Hawaii, Kathy had secured housing, but was suddenly displaced following a landlord dispute. She stayed at one of the specialty shelters run by Institute for Human Services before being placed at HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center.

During her stay at Kumuhonua, Kathy enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and worked as a teacher’s assistant at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Central STEM Exploration Center. Kathy also attended weekly self-improvement meetings and submitted applications for affordable housing.

Even though Kathy was committed to securing permanent housing, she was worried that her low credit score would disqualify her from many rental opportunities. Those fears, however, turned out to be unfounded when Kathy secured a rental at a senior residential complex in Mililani. Kumuhonua staff is confident that Kathy will do well in her new surroundings.

Hā Initiative and Windward District Service Center Take Part in Community Event

This week, Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, joined forces with the Windward District Service Center to participate in Hau’ula Elementary School’s Sidewalk Grindz event. The event provided HCAP staff the opportunity to collaborate with the school and share information about the many programs available at HCAP. The event was filled with food, music, and a variety of activities for the children to participate in. Some of the activities available for the kids included slime-making and balloon jousting. This truly was a wonderful and lively event for the members of the community.

HCAP Head Start Recognizes Policy Council Members for Service and Dedication

At this week’s HCAP Head Start Policy Council meeting, members and officers were recognized and acknowledged for their service to the program. Members and officers have volunteered their time and expertise to help with improvements, decision making, and participation in various activities. On behalf of the Head Start program, we sincerely appreciate and thank each of the members and officers for their dedication.

HCAP Staff Attend the WorkForce Career Fair

On Wednesday, May 16th, HCAP staff attended the WorkForce Career Fair as a Community Partner at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. HCAP staff used the event as an opportunity to provide information about HCAP programs and services, as well as to share current employment opportunities. Brochures and enrollment information were distributed to attendees who visited HCAP’s booth. Wednesday’s event attracted 350 employers and 3,100 job seekers.

Click here to see HCAP’s current employment opportunities.