HCAP Weekly November 20, 2017

HCAP July – September 2017 Quarterly Newsletter
Mahalo to the Jean I. Fennimore Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
SCSEP Participant Gains Financial Independence
Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Multiple Jobs
#GivingTuesday is Just 4 Days Away

HCAP July – September 2017 Quarterly Newsletter

We’re excited to share the July – September 2017 issue of Ku`i Na Lono: Spread the News.

Featuring these stories and more:
• Former SCSEP Participant Rebuilds Life
• HCAP Head Start’s Main Office Moves to New Location
• Senator Mazie Hirono’s Office Visits HCAP Head Start

View the July – September 2017 Quarterly here.

View past Quarterly Newsletters here.

Mahalo to the Jean I. Fennimore Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

HCAP would like to thank the Jean I. Fennimore Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) for its recent grant award through HCF’s FLEX Grants Program. These funds will help HCAP to continually improve as an agency, in order to deliver quality services that will make a difference in the lives of low-income individuals and families. We truly appreciate the generosity and continued support of the Hawaii Community Foundation and their funding partners.

SCSEP Participant Gains Financial Independence

When Patricia first applied to the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in 2015, her husband had just passed away, and she had a hard time supporting herself. Patricia had sold the condo she and her husband had owned and moved into more affordable housing. But Patricia was still struggling to pay rent, and needed to find a way to supplement her Social Security income. Upon seeking employment help from Oahu Worklinks, Patricia was referred to SCSEP. Upon enrollment in SCSEP, Patricia was placed at the Seagull School at Ocean Pointe in Ewa Beach as a teacher’s aide.

Patricia is grateful that SCSEP had given her a second chance at long-term employment when no one else would. She recalls having a difficult time finding a job; her employment gap did not help her in the job search. Before her SCSEP placement, Patricia had not worked for three decades, devoting her time as a full-time housewife. The extra income Patricia received as teacher’s aide has not only helped her financially, but also emotionally. Working with the teachers made her feel important and needed, and being with the children gave her so much positive energy.

Today, Patricia is living in a senior housing complex, which has reduced her rent by more than half. She recently exited SCSEP. Patricia is turning 80 soon and now feels financially secure enough to retire.

Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Multiple Jobs

Andrea came to the Leeward District Service Center seeking employment assistance. She was referred to the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program, where she used all the training and benefits of the Job Readiness Training (JRT) to prepare herself for employment. Andrea updated her resume, brushed up on interview tips and skills, and obtained a bus pass to help her find employment. Her hard work paid off, resulting in two employment offers: a clerk position and a housekeeping position.

As a working client of the ECS Program, Andrea received work clothes and shoes to help get her off to a successful start. As of today, Andrea has maintained employment for over 90 days and continues to work two jobs. She is grateful for all the skills and support she has received, and says her rewarding experience with Leeward District Service Center played an important role in her employment success.

#GivingTuesday is Just 4 Days Away

HCAP staff and clients are working hard on their #GivingTuesday projects. We are looking forward to sharing them with you on Tuesday, November 28, 2017! Look for our e-mail and social media postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also search for us using our hashtag #HCAPgives.

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.