HCAP WEEKLY May 2, 2022

STEM Students Study Electricity and Ocean Waves

This week, Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program participants at Kaʻiulani Elementary School turned chemical energy into electrical energy by creating a potato clock. Students used two potatoes to create the clock, putting a zinc nail and a short piece of copper wire into each one. The other end of the copper wire is then connected to the battery compartments of the clock, and another wire is used to connect the nails in each potato to form a circuit. The potatoes act as a conductor for the electrical current which then powers the clock. After creating the potato clock, students then experimented with using different fruits and vegetables to try to power the clock.

At Lincoln Elementary School, Hā Initiative students learned about sand abrasion this week. Sand abrasion describes the process of ocean waves and wind moving sand on the beach, dragging it into the ocean, and eventually depositing it elsewhere. To demonstrate sand abrasion, students built their own “beach” by filling a tub halfway with sand and halfway with blue water. They then created boats and wind to make waves in the water and watched as the simulated sand abrasion changed the landscape of the “beach.”

Single Mother Completes 180 Days on the Job

Delissa reached out to HCAP’s Central District Service Center in October 2020 for assistance with her electricity bills. The single mother of six had been forced to quit her job when local schools transitioned to distance learning and was now struggling to make ends meet. During her intake interview, Delissa explained to Central District staff that searching for new employment had been on hold while she focused on her children’s education. 

When Delissa’s children returned to in-person learning in 2021, she was finally able to begin her job search with HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program. By September, Delissa had secured employment at the Mamala Bay Restaurant. She kept in touch with Central District staff, reporting back when she had completed her 30, 60, and 90 day employment milestones. 

In December 2021, Delissa’s family was registered to receive holiday gifts through Central District Service Center’s holiday program. When staff reached out to schedule a pickup time, Delissa explained that they would not be able to participate – she and all six of her children had tested positive for COVID-19. To ensure the children had a happy holiday after facing so many hardships during the pandemic, Central District staff held the gifts in their office for Delissa to pick up after the family recovered. 

Despite the setbacks she has encountered, Delissa never thought to stop working to provide for her family: “I have to work. I have a family to feed, and taking care of six kids is not an easy job. But I cannot not work, period,” she said. Delissa recently submitted her pay stub to Central District Service Center to mark 180 days on the job. 

Central District staff wish Delissa and her family the best, and would like to congratulate her on reaching her employment and self-sufficiency goals. 

HCAP Head Start Cooks From Their Garden

The keiki and staff of HCAP Head Start ʻAiea I have been enjoying the fruits of their gardening labor this month! Last week, the keiki were excited to find out that the string beans and bok choi planted in their classroom garden were ready for harvest. After the keiki helped harvest the produce, it was distributed amongst the class. Students were then able to take their produce home to prepare various dishes with their families. 

HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start applications for the 2022-2023 school year are open now! Click Here for more information and how to apply.

Kumuhonua Participant Prepares to Reenter Workforce

HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center would like to congratulate program participant Johnnie on her latest achievements on the path to self-sufficiency. After several unsuccessful attempts to secure employment, Johnnie enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program in December 2021. Nā Lima Hana and Kumuhonua staff provided Johnnie with the resources and support she needed to update her resume and begin exploring new employment opportunities. 

Since enrolling in Nā Lima Hana, Johnnie was able to secure employment as a Resident Aide at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. The position allows her to continue working with her Case Manager, Jonathan Martin, to rebuild her skills and confidence and prepare to reenter the workforce in a safe, supportive environment. Johnnie’s ultimate goal is to take the nurse aide exam and pursue a career as a certified caregiver.