HCAP WEEKLY May 3, 2021

HCAP Head Start and Early Head Start Program Returns to In-Person Learning!

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”) Head Start and Early Head Start program has returned to the classroom for in-person learning after over a year of remote services. The federally-funded Head Start program has been providing early education services to low-income families on Oʻahu since 1965. 

HCAP Head Start Director Grant Kogami is proud that the program was able to adapt and excel at delivering remote services in the past year, but shared that both staff and families are happy to be back in the classroom: “The children and families have been more than patient and understanding. Now it is our turn to show our gratitude by providing them with the in-person services they need and deserve.” 

The preparation to welcome 758 students back to in-person learning has been extensive, with the continued health and safety of the children, staff, families, and community at-large as a top priority. An ʻEwa-area Head Start parent said “[the Head Start staff] did a great job of explaining the policies and procedures to us, including maintaining six-foot distance and sanitizing,” and that her child was excited to return to school with these measures in place. 

Recruitment for the upcoming school year has already started across Oʻahu. Head Start staff have been sharing information about the program and application process throughout the community at housing complexes, shelters, clinics and local businesses. Approximately 4,000 applications for the 2021-2022 school year have already been distributed. 

Interested families are encouraged to apply the 2021-2022 school year by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website for an application: www.hcapweb.org/headstart/head-start-application/

After Layoff Due to COVID-19, Nā Lima Hana Participant Finds New Job and Maintains Employment

Joseph first came to HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center in September 2020 after he lost his job of six years as a Produce Clerk when Tamura’s in Barbers Point had closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff immediately enrolled Joseph in our Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program to help him fine tune his job seeking skills since he had held the same job for a long period of time.

Through our ECS Program, Joseph received help with updating his resume,  practicing his interviewing skills, and completing Job Readiness Training. Shortly after sending out resumes, Joseph was called for an interview and was hired by McDonald’s in Kapolei in October 2020! Joseph has just recently completed his 180 days of employment with McDonalds and is enjoying having stable employment again! Our Leeward District Service staff is so proud of Joseph for making the best of a worrisome situation and re-entering the workforce.

To learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, visit https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/ 

Nā Lima Hana Participant Reaches 90 Days of Employment at Security Services Company

This past February, we shared Kyle’s story. Kyle had sought assistance from HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center after being out of the job force for some time due to personal reasons. Our District Service Center staff helped Kyle enroll in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, which provided him with financial literacy education, interview coaching, resume development, and basic job readiness training. By the start of the new year, Kyle had secured full-time employment at Block by Block, a security service company in Waikiki. 

Now, three months later, we are even more excited to report that Kyle has maintained his employment and recently reached his 90 days of employment milestone! We are very proud of Kyle and look forward to helping him reach more employment milestones and accomplishments throughout his career. Kyle expressed to our staff that he is grateful for the continued support and encouragement from HCAP in helping him reach his goals!

To learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, visit https://www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/ 

Explore the R/V Kilo Moana Operated by the University of Hawai‘i Marine Center with our Hā Initiative: Creative After-School Program

Next week Friday, May 21 @ 4pm join our Hā Initiative: Creative After-School Program in meeting Meagan Putts! She is a Deep Sea Researcher at the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi. 

Join Meagan on May 21 as we explore the research vessel R/V Kilo Moana owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by the University of Hawai‘i Marine Center. The ship acts as a multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel with extensive equipment for geophysical, physical oceanographic, meteorological, and radioisotope research.

To sign up for this event please email hcapstem@hcapweb.org or sign up via: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtcO6vqj8vG9HKB0v9BB_p0ZiiFwtH5tuy

Welcome Back HCAP Head Start Keiki!

After a long year of social distancing and virtual learning, our teachers and keiki are happy to be reunited in the classroom! Although safety protocols remain in place for the health and safety of our keiki, it’s been an awesome few weeks of getting back into the groove of things. Here is what a few of our HCAP Head Start keiki were up to during their first week back in the classroom!

Painting with Jose

Jose from Aiea I explored visual arts by painting a picture on his first day back at school. Jose demonstrated his fine motor skills when maneuvering the paint brush and he was also able to identify the four colors used in his painting! Painting helps keiki express themselves by putting their feelings and ideas onto paper in a creative way. 

Jayden the Builder

Jayden from Aiea 1 Head Start is happy to be back in the classroom! During his first week back with his teachers and friends, Jayden enjoyed playing in the block center where he is able to develop creativity by using his imagination. Jaden built a fence around the dinosaurs in order to keep him safe, this creative thinking is encouraged during dramatic play.