HCAP WEEKLY October 11, 2021

Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Resident Moves to Permanent Senior Housing!

In 2018, Filipo (“Po”) had fallen on hard times and found himself homeless with few options left. He had been staying in an emergency shelter in Honolulu when he was finally able to secure temporary housing at HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in Kalaeloa.

During his time at Kumuhonua, Po became known for his willingness to lend a hand, whether he was working his part-time job as a Resident Aide or offering to help set up and break down shelter events. Po also took pride in landscaping and maintaining the grounds, volunteering countless hours planting kalo and growing papaya for the residents.

While his time at Kumuhonua was productive, Po was eventually ready to find permanent housing. Working with his Case Manager at Kumuhonua, Po was able to secure a studio unit at the Kulana Hale Senior Residence through the Oʻahu Housing Now rapid re-housing program. 

Po now spends his days enjoying his new home and taking daily walks to Ala Moana Beach Park, where he plans to start fishing again. Po’s Case Manager also helped him sign up for HCAP’s Kūpuna Independent Life Series at Leahi District Service Center, and will be assisting him with securing employment in the near future.

Kumuhonua staff are proud of Po’s progression from homelessness into transitional housing, and now into permanent housing! 

Click Here to learn more about Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center.

Tuition Assistance Makes Career Dreams a Reality for Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program Participant

In early May 2021, Tianaly reached out to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center seeking employment assistance. Her household income had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Tianaly was searching for employment that would allow her to support her family. 

Tianaly shared her longtime goal of continuing her education and becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), and Leahi district staff immediately recommended her to the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program. For Tianaly, pursuing her CNA license represented a chance to provide long-term stability for herself and her loved ones, and she enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana program right away!

Through Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services, Tianaly received tuition assistance to start taking classes with Professional Healthcare Educators and is working toward her CNA license! Tianaly is now one step closer to reaching her goal and grateful for the HCAP services that have made it possible. 

Leahi district staff are looking forward to what Tianaly’s future holds, and will continue to follow up with her and provide support through her employment journey. 

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.

HCAP District Service Centers Focus on Kōkua for Kūpuna During Pandemic

At HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center, the start of the fall season means the return of the Kūpuna Independent Life Series. Since its start in September 2015, the program has been helping kūpuna (seniors) to “age in place,” by providing health education resources and workshops to those 55 and over.

To keep the series running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Leeward district staff “had to think outside the box,” said Val Tavai, Leeward’s Senior Community Services Manager, as “kūpuna were having a difficult time dealing with the isolation.” To stay in contact with participants while prioritizing safety, the 2020 series was held in a drive-by classroom format for the first time. Kūpuna were invited to drive by Leeward District Service Center to pick up health education materials, including recipes and games. Each participant also received a healthy to-go bento lunch. 

The Kūpuna Independent Life Series returned for the fall 2021 session on October 1, with Leeward District Service Center continuing to provide drive-by classrooms. This year, HCAP’s Leahi and Central District Service Centers are also participating in the series, offering a new “drop-in” classroom format to homebound kūpuna who receive monthly food box deliveries. With the “drop-in” option, Leahi and Central district staff deliver the classroom materials and bento lunches to kūpuna who would otherwise not be able to participate in the series. 

The fall 2021 Kūpuna Independent Life Series will run from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. every Friday through December 17. Each week features a new curriculum focusing on various health and wellness topics, and the participating District Service Centers are continuing to reach out to kūpuna who may be interested.

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. would like to thank Friends of Hawaiʻi Charities for their contribution to the Kūpuna Independent Life Series, which enables our agency continue providing kūpuna with these services!

For more information about the Kūpuna Independent Life Series, please call 

Central District Service Center, (808) 488-6834

Leahi District Service Center, (808) 732-7725

Leeward District Service Center, (808) 696-4261

Preschool Pizzeria: Head Start Keiki Learn Shapes with a Home Activity!

This week, the HCAP Head Start keiki of August Ahrens II became junior chefs in a home activity about shapes! Each student created their own paper pizza and topped it with a variety of toppings in different shapes.

This hands-on activity allowed keiki to get creative and practice their cutting, counting, and shape recognition skills, all while having fun. Check out the awesome pizzas made by Chef Chloe, Chef Cody, and Chef Zayrelle!

Click Here for more information about HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start.