HCAP Weekly November 12, 2018

Wraparound Services Client Becomes a HCAP Employee
HCAP Head Start Staff Attend “Connecting Keiki with the Kitchen” Workshops
WAP Staff Perform Community Outreach
Central District Service Center Staff Connect with Other Human Service Providers at Resource Fair
#GivingTuesday 2018

Wraparound Services Client Becomes a HCAP Employee

Jamielynn’s first introduction to HCAP came 14 years ago when she received food from the Central District Service Center’s Ohana Produce food distribution. Jamielynn quickly became a part of the HCAP Ohana, as she participated in holiday festivities such as the Angel Tree program and school supply drives like Ready to Learn. Looking to support her growing family, Jamielynn enrolled and received employment services through the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program. In 2009, Jamie registered her twin boys in HCAP Head Start’s full day program; it was only through affordable childcare that she could afford to return to school.

Jamielynn enrolled in the Competency-Based Community School Diploma Program (C-Base) and within a year, she completed the C-Base Program and earned her high school diploma. In 2010, upon hearing that HCAP was looking for seasonal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Intake Aides, Jamielynn applied and has been working as an Intake Aide ever since. In 2015, she became involved in the Central District Council Community Meetings, assuming the role of Secretary and keeping track of the minutes. In 2016, Jamielynn began volunteering 40 hours a month at the Central District Service Center. Impressed with Jamielynn’s work ethic, Central District Service Center Community Services Manager Katy Perry recommended Jamie for the position of HCAP Head Start sub-hire in February 2017.

As the school year was coming to an end, HCAP Head Start staff asked if Jamielynn was interested in applying for an Assistant Teacher opening. Jamielynn was selected for the position and assumed teaching duties as Assistant Teacher at Aiea Pre-Plus. Since August, Jamielynn has been attending Child Development Associate classes at the Honolulu Community College.

At HCAP’s recent Board of Directors Installation Dinner, Jamielynn looked beautiful as ever as she stood on the podium to tell her story. She talked about life’s ups and downs, her journey to self-sufficiency, and how HCAP helped her along the way. HCAP could not ask for a better testimony. Thank you Jamie for all that you have contributed to our agency and we look forward to being a part of the upcoming accomplishments in your life.

HCAP Head Start Staff Attend “Connecting Keiki with the Kitchen” Workshops

In October and November, HCAP Head Start teaching and administrative staff participated in the “Connecting Keiki with the Kitchen” workshops as part of the Farm to Early Childhood Education program. The workshops took place at the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College.

Under the guidance of workshop trainers, HCAP Head Start staff prepared healthy meals. The Bennett Foundation, which promotes life-long health and wellness for children and their families, sponsored the workshops. The focus of the workshop was to educate participants on ways to teach young children the importance of food nutrition, ways to integrate fresh local produce in recipes, and basic kitchen safety skills.

WAP Staff Perform Community Outreach

It’s a new program year for HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which means it is time for WAP staff to get the word out about the services the program offers. WAP staff JoJo and Erin joined the Windward District Service Center staff at a recent Kupuna Independent Life Series session to talk to seniors about the different ways that they could help save energy and how they can qualify for the program. JoJo and Erin also handed out small energy saving devices like low-flow showerheads and aerators for the kupuna to use.

A few days later, JoJo and Erin met up with Aloha Independent Living Hawaii (AILH) residents and shared ways WAP can help the residents save money on their electric bills. WAP staff would like to send a big thank you to AILH Executive Director Roxanne Bolden, who is also a HCAP Board member, for helping facilitate the meet-up.

Central District Service Center Staff Connect with Other Human Service Providers at Resource Fair

HCAP’s Central District Service Center staff recently participated in a resource fair at Leeward Community College. The purpose of the event was to help agencies and private providers promote their agency services and build partnerships within the community. The target groups were district administration; school counselors; school based behavioral health staff; student services coordinators; and social workers.

The resource fair attracted over 30 private providers and 200 participants. Central District Service Center gave out information about the programs HCAP offers. Participants who stopped at HCAP’s table picked up flyers and expressed how thankful they were to add HCAP as a resource to share with their clients. Central District Service Center staff also collected information and resources from other providers, hoping to build future partnerships and collaborations to benefit the community.

#GivingTuesday 2018

From now until November 27, 2018, HCAP will be holding its annual #GivingTuesday campaign to celebrate generosity throughout the giving season. As a calendar day dedicated to giving, #GivingTuesday creates a community that encourages other to give more, give smarter, and to celebrate the spirit of contribution. Help others through the gift of your time, donations, goods or your voice.

We will be highlighting our efforts leading up to #GivingTuesday on November 27, 2018. We ask that you please consider supporting HCAP on this day of giving.