HCAP Weekly November 13, 2017

In this week’s issue:

STEM Students Compete in FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition
Mahalo to the Atherton Family Foundation
Former Kumuhonua Resident Transitions to Affordable Senior Housing
Kalihi Kupuna Participate in Health, Nutrition, and Craft Activities
HCAP Head Start Participates in Campbell High School’s College and Career Fair
#GivingTuesday 2017

STEM Students Compete in FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition

This week at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, students from all five STEM Exploration Centers stepped up to the challenge in the island wide FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition. The Palamatrons and Halawatrons competed at Le Jardin Academy on Friday, November 10th, while the rest of the teams (Palolobots, Ka’alabots, and Ko’olaubots) competed at the locations nearest to their respective STEM Exploration Center on Saturday, November 11th.

Each year, the FLL introduces a new theme for the competition. Hydrodynamics was the theme this year, and students were presented with a series of hydrodynamic missions for the robot to complete. In addition, the students also had to complete a research project that focused on the local impact of hydrodynamics in our man made water cycle. The hydrodynamics research project focused on how to find, transport, use, store, and dispose water in the human water cycle. The topics the students focused on included: the effects of the king tides flooding and damaging the underground water pipes, how to build a catchment system to collect and store rainwater, and how to transport and store water for a homeless encampment.

Aside from the hydrodynamics missions and research project, students also delved into the FLL’s fundamentals of FLL Core Values, and Robot Design. The students learned the heart and philosophy of the FLL Core Values, which were shown through teamwork and sportsmanship. The team further developed the Core Values through planning practice missions, developing robot design, and interaction with team members, coaches and parents. During the competition, teams were judged on their understanding of the FLL Core Values and asked how they could exhibit the Core Values in real life scenarios.

The teams used the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 system as the foundation of their robot design. They defined the missions of the robot challenge, did background research of the mission requirements, brainstormed a solution, built a prototype, tested and redesigned. The robot was designed and programmed to solve a set of missions autonomously. Each team had 2 ½ minutes to complete as many missions as possible. In addition, the team had to explain to a panel of judges the process of the robot design and functions.

Students presented all of their findings at the competition and were able to share their knowledge with their peers. It was a great week for the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After School Program as the students were finally able to showcase their months of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to their robotics teams!

Mahalo to the Atherton Family Foundation

A big mahalo to the Atherton Family Foundation for supporting the Kupuna Independent Life Series with a grant award. The grant will be used to assist seniors 55 and older to “age in place” through health and wellness workshops, exercise, support groups, free nutritious lunches, and more. HCAP would also like to thank the Hawaii Community Foundation for helping administer the funds from the Atherton Family Foundation. We truly appreciate the generosity and support of the Atherton Family Foundation.

Former Kumuhonua Resident Transitions to Affordable Senior Housing

Robert entered the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in late 2015. With his fixed income, age, and disability, he had a hard time paying market value rent. Robert was unable to stay with his son, due to family issues. Upon entry to Kumuhonua, he worked with case management staff and a housing specialist to apply for affordable senior housing. With assistance from HCAP’s Rapid Re-Housing Specialist at Kumuhonua, Robert successfully transitioned into his own apartment at D.E. Thompson Village, an affordable housing community for seniors in Ewa Beach.

Kalihi Kupuna Participate in Health, Nutrition, and Craft Activities

Kalihi-Palama District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series started their morning with sausage patties with brown rice and fruit cups. After breakfast, Thaddeus, from Hep Free Hawaii, gave an informative presentation on the types of hepatitis that can be contracted and how hepatitis can be managed. Next, the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service’s Lori Matsuoka gave a food demonstration of ranch dip as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) class. Lori’s dip was a healthier alternative to regular ranch dip: instead of sour cream, cottage cheese was used. Finally, after a light snack of fruits and vegetables, the kupuna did arts and crafts. Last week, the kupuna made origami hearts; this week, they learned how to make origami butterflies.

HCAP Head Start Participates in Campbell High School’s College and Career Fair

Cheryl Castro, HCAP Head Start’s Training Manager recently participated in Campbell High School’s College and Career Fair. The event, held at the Hawaii Convention Center, was a great way for Campbell students to gain exposure to higher education and career opportunities. Cheryl provided information about HCAP programs and services. She also participated in mock interviews, alongside other employers and community members such as former Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle. The mock interviews provided students with valuable hands-on experience in proper interview etiquette.

#GivingTuesday 2017

From now until November 28, 2017, 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 28, 2017. We ask that you please consider supporting HCAP on this day of giving.