HCAP WEEKLY October 13, 2025

Red Light, Green Light – Practicing Traffic Safety with Head Start Keiki

Across HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start programs, children extended their learning on pedestrian and traffic safety through making real-life connections. Excitedly, they discovered the safety rules and regulations such as stopping at crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing the street, and using walking feet to help keep them safe. 

Activities included practicing how to cross the street at a pretend crosswalk and making their very own traffic lights. Lessons were brought to life while increasing children’s awareness, responsibility and confidence as they learn the importance of being a safe pedestrian.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

Kumuhonua Participant Paves Way to Financial Stability Through ECS

Transferring from a nearby emergency shelter, a participant, KCR, was referred to the HCAP Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) in Kalaeloa. Upon arrival, KCR had no income and recently turned eighteen, while sorting out the next stage of her journey. She had discussions with her HCAP Case Manager contemplating obtaining her GED or prioritizing working a full-time job. In order to help KCR narrow down her decision, her Case Manager thought it would be best for her to work with HCAP’s Kalaeloa District Service Center to explore her options.

With the Kalaeloa District office, KCR completed her intake into the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program  and the program’s job readiness training. Immediately after intake, Kalaeloa staff helped KCR in reaching out to the Waipahu Community School for Adults to get an idea of what the classes were like and see if the GED course would be a good fit for her. They also looked into several vocational programs that were of interest. After Kalaeloa staff assisted her in exploring the various options, KCR decided that it was most important for her to begin with a focus on employment and earning a stable income to be able to move out of the shelter. For several months, KCR submitted job applications with no success. Eventually, KCR and Kalaeloa staff assessed what could be changed in approaching interviews, making sure that KCR displays timeliness and offers resumes tailored to specific positions. 

Within two weeks of making these improvements, KCR was able to secure employment working for a franchisee corporation and is still employed there today. It has now been 8 months since KCR started working and she states that she is committed to maintaining financial stability. Lately, she has been working more hours and doing what she needs to gain permanent housing. KCR states that she is persistently searching for a place, as she aims to ensure that when she moves out, she’ll be debt free, have financial freedom, and is able to pay her bills without struggling. She shares that while this has been a very long and difficult road, she is positive that good things are to come for her. The Kalaeloa District Service Center would like to express how proud they are of KCR and wish her all the best on her endeavors.

Click here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs and Services.

Spooky LEGO Building and Origami Folding with Windward STEM Students

Recently at Hā Initiative’s Windward STEM Exploration Center, both the Hau‘ula and Ka‘a‘awa sites had a creative and hands-on experience to kick off October.

Students explored the art of origami by learning how to fold and design collared shirts using blank paper. They learned to comprehend and follow step-by-step instructions, while showing great creativity in personalizing their designs!

Anticipating Halloween, students jumped into some festive LEGO building activities. Students built spooky and seasonal mini-figures, including witches flying on broomsticks, zombies, scarecrows, bats, pumpkins, and Count Dracula. This was an exciting way to welcome the Halloween season and spark student’s imaginations.

Next week, students will have a chance to trade their Biome Cards from another recent project with classmates across both campuses. Great work to all the young scientists and engineers!

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.