HCAP Weekly May 2, 2016

In this week’s issue:

LIHEAP Program Getting Ready to Begin Services
Head Start Home Base Students Learn About Archery
Employment Core Participant Continues on Path to Self-Sufficiency
Youth Services Students Research Health Topics
HCAP Staff Learn About Energy Efficiency
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 School Year

LIHEAP Program Getting Ready to Begin Services

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help families keep their utilities (gas or electric) on, especially those households that are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children. LIHEAP primarily assists households by applying an energy assistance grant directly to the energy provider on behalf of the eligible household.

HCAP’s LIHEAP program is beginning to take some applications during the month of May. District Service Center staff have begun doing site visits, promoting the program, and taking applications at sites that cater to the elderly and disabled. These satellite sites provide outreach services to applicants who may not have been able to apply for the program due to transportation challenges or being home bound. LIHEAP is scheduled to officially begin June 1, 2016 at all five HCAP District Service Centers.

Head Start Home Base Students Learn About Archery

HCAP Head Start children from the Head Start Home Base Program took part in a day of archery. Previous Head Start parent, Eddie Kealanahele provided the experience through “Archery for All.” Eddie has four children who came through Kokea Head Start and Halawa Head Start beginning in 1998. Eddie was also a Head Start Policy Council Representative for four years!

Families met at Makiki Park on April 26th to practice their bow and (foam tipped) arrow skills at various targets, including floating balls! Children learned about the rules for archery, including the most important rule- safety first. Everyone made sure to take turns, not shoot when other people were nearby, and to follow all instructions. Everyone was given a chance to shoot, even the parents, siblings and teachers!

Archery for All provides safe and fun activities for all ages! They offer packages for birthday parties, fairs or after school programs. Everyone had a blast, and would like to say a big Mahalo to Eddie for taking the time to teach our Head Start children new skills!

Employment Core Participant Continues on Path to Self-Sufficiency

Cherrelle had moved to Oahu from Hawaii Island last year. She was working for a restaurant at Ala Moana Shopping Center but had to quit because of health reasons. After leaving her job, Cherrelle began volunteering at Feeding Hawaii Together, where she assisted with restocking and deliveries. When the Leahi District Service Center began outreach at Feeding Hawaii Together, Cherrelle signed up for the Na Lima Hana Employment Services Program. She completed job readiness training and received a bus pass to conduct her job search. Cherrelle was recently hired as a crewmember at Pretzelmaker at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Congratulations on your success Cherrelle!

Youth Services Students Research Health Topics

HCAP Youth Services C-Base students are researching various health topics, such as diabetes, lung cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. They are tasked to prepare a display board with their research and give an oral presentation later this month. Many of these topics are new to them so the experience of learning something new from their peers will be exciting.

HCAP Staff Learn About Energy Efficiency

Keith Nakano, Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Coordinator conducted an energy efficiency workshop for the HCAP District Service Center managers and staff. The attendees of the workshop reviewed the standard guidelines of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and also received an in-depth and detailed training on home energy audit procedures, energy efficiency testing procedures, and energy conservation tips for the home. The workshop will help staff to better identify and assist clients seeking weatherization assistance.

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2016-2017 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 2016-2017 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.