HCAP Weekly November 2, 2015

In this week’s issue:

Former Kumuhonua Residents Continue on Their Road to Success
“Trick or Treat” had new meaning for the Hā Initiative participants this Halloween
Learning the Meaning of “Laulima” in a Special Way
HCAP Staff Build Connections to Benefit Oahu Ohana
Aiea Head Start Families Create Fall “Thankful” Leaves
Starbucks Managers Mentor Youth Services Students

Former Kumuhonua Residents Continue on Their Road to Success

For over seven years, Nanette and Derek were homeless. With only part-time employment being the major source of their income, the couple was not able to afford market rental prices. A low monthly income combined with other personal barriers made it difficult for Nanette and Derek to secure and maintain permanent housing.

The couple spent over seven years of their lives going from home to home, friend to friend, family member to family member. When they weren’t receiving temporary shelter from family and friends, they were living in a public park, unsheltered, and uncertain of what their future held for them.

In the summer of 2013, Nanette and Derek moved into a unit at HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. From the moment they arrived at the center, they demonstrated great motivation and commitment to securing permanent housing. They worked closely with their case manager and were determined to accomplish their goals. While living at Kumuhonua, Nanette obtained and maintained two part-time jobs, while Derek utilized his passion for cooking and started his own catering business. In addition to improving their employment situation, Nanette and Derek took advantage of the financial resources Kumuhonua had to offer and completely turned their financial situation around. Not only did they build a significant savings fund for themselves during their two-year stay at Kumuhonua, but they also drastically improved their credit score.

During their stay at Kumuhonua, Nanette and Derek consistently served as great role models for other residents of the center. They complied with all of Kumuhonua’s requirements, and always had a positive attitude. In addition, Nanette and Derek remained in frequent communication with their case manager to express their wants and needs while in the program. They also took advantage of the resources that Kumuhonua has to offer its residents, and worked tirelessly to obtain approval for rental assistance from the Rent-to-Work Program.

In the fall of 2015, all of the couple’s hard work and effort paid off. Nanette and Derek secured permanent housing in Wahiawa, and they finally have a place that they can now call “home.” In addition to securing permanent housing, Derek is in the process of opening his own eatery in Pearl City!

Kumuhonua staff are so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Nanette and Derek, and we wish them the very best in all of their future endeavors!

“Trick or Treat” had new meaning for the Hā Initiative participants this Halloween

“Trick or Treat” had new meaning for the Hā Initiative participants this Halloween. Monsters were afoot all day…robotic monsters! On October 31st, the Hā Initiative STEM Exploration Centers competed in the FIRST LEGO League Robotics competitions held at Kalakaua Middle School and Iolani School. Participants enjoyed the “treat” of seeing how robotic technology can help solve the issues of waste while making sure not to suffer a “trick” of malfunctioning robots. The Hā Initiative participants cast spells of enchantment by programming robots to navigate a trash-filled obstacle course.

Waiahole’s STEM Exploration team focused on a ghoulish approach to trash by investigating the benefits of Biometrics. Participants researched the benefits of slimy creatures that can reduce waste. Since Waiahole Valley is an area of natural beauty, the participants wanted to focus on natural ways to attack the plagues of pollution and trash. While learning about biometrics, the participants investigated the effects of waste on ocean animals as well. Participants were able to “feel” animal blubber and experiment what happened when trash strikes ocean dwellers.

Kalihi’s STEM participants took an artful approach to the robotics challenge. Working as modern day Dr. Frankensteins, the participants fashioned jewelry and furniture from waste. Various rubbish bits were grafted to create a chair and bracelets in order to show that trash isn’t always a “creature” to fear. The Kalihi participants also wanted to reach out to more community members. They translated the message of recycling into Chuukese so their community members could understand the importance of their message.

Central STEM participants found this year’s robotics challenge to be a special learning experience. The participants found that sharing brainpower benefits everyone. The center also hosted a visit from the United States Air Force Academy (which also visited the Kalihi STEM students). The USAFA brought an android to share with the participants. With an uncanny childlike quality, the USAFA android literally walked participants through how robot can mold human actions.

The Palolo STEM Exploration Center team entered their first competition with hair-raising excitement! While the experience was new and a little frightening, the participants found that robotics helps address issues of today. The Palolobots would like to give a special Mahalo to Marie Tome of Iolani School and her wonderful daughter for providing a monstrous amount of “treats” to the center, an incredible lunch of pizza, and unbelievable encouragement during the whole LEGO competition process.

Finally, Leeward participants investigated the grave dangers of recycling waste and looked for methods to make the process better. For the presentation, one participant wore a disguise of tin foil to demonstrate robot abilities. The participants really capitalized on the need for waste treatment efficiency.

All the participants did well and showed great aloha spirit at the competitions. While the weather remained gloomy and frightful, the Hā Initiative participants shared dazzling insight and good-natured fun with other youth of the area. Even though the competition was held on a day that often is associated with horror, the FIRST LEGO competition proved that the youth of today possess thrills for making our future brighter.

Learning the Meaning of “Laulima” in a Special Way

One hand alone is not as strong as many hands bounded together, reaching for a common goal. This belief is why the Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (HCAP) has formed countless partnerships over the past 50 years. The Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program (ECS) has partnered with many organizations, including the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). Through these partnerships the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services program learned the meaning of “laulima.” Laulima in Hawaiian means many hands working together in harmony.

Through referrals from work furlough programs, individuals seeking job training assistance have found assistance with the ECS program. Clients from OCCC are previously or currently incarcerated individuals. They are working hard to transition back into the community and become productive, successful citizens. These individuals come to HCAP for support services to make the transition less stressful and more manageable. The ECS program provides OCCC clients job referrals, assistance with transportation (including bus passes), driver’s licenses or state identification, work attire, and pre-employment assistance. These services are critical in assisting individuals become better prepared and confident to begin job searching.

Recently, the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services program was successful in finding jobs for four participants from OCCC. With the help of furlough counselors, HCAP demonstrated “laulima” in assisting these four individuals acquire driver’s licenses to secure jobs at E Noa Tours. This type of assistance will also help clients progress in meeting employment goals. Clients that show potential may rise from driving on trolleys to driving larger vehicles with driving companies such as Roberts Hawaii, Inc. Partnerships, like the one OCCC and HCAP have formed continue to make positive impacts on the community and the members of our island ohana.

Much mahalo to all HCAP’s partners for your laulima!!!

HCAP Staff Build Connections to Benefit Oahu Ohana

The Honolulu Community Action Program’s mission of “POI: Providing Opportunities for Inspiration to enable low-income individuals or families to achieve self-reliance,” is blossoming in Kalihi. On October 26, the Kalihi-Palama Health Center (KPHC) staff met with HCAP staff to learn about the various services HCAP offers to the community. Kalihi-Palama District Service Center Manager Ace Tufu, Head Start Manager Grant Kogami, and Hā Initiative Program Manager Dr. Kimberly Stone presented information on HCAP’s opportunities for education for all ages, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services. KPHC staff recognized that a lack of utilities and/or secure income often leads to health issues and complications. The staff are excited to share the information they learned with their clients.

HCAP staff is continuously looking for opportunities to support individuals and families on Oahu. If you would like for HCAP staff to present information to your organization, please call Robert Naniole at (808) 521-4531.

Aiea Head Start Families Create Fall “Thankful” Leaves

As the Aiea Head Start classrooms begin their unit of study on plants, families and children created Fall Thankful Leaves. Each family traced and cut a fall leaf for their child to decorate. Then they wrote one thing that their family is thankful for on the leaf. Making the Fall Thankful Leaves helped families reconnect and remember all the wonderful things they have in life. And, that the most important thing to be thankful for is that they have each other.

Starbucks Managers Mentor Youth Services Students

On November 4, 2015, managers from Starbucks locations on Oahu visited the Youth Services C-Base class. The managers mentored the students on interviewing skills, the application process for Starbucks, and the importance of a resume. They also shared their own personal experiences of applying for their first jobs. Mahalo to Starbucks for continuing to inspire our youth and for the delicious refreshments!