HCAP WEEKLY October 17, 2022

A Fond Mahalo and Aloha ʻOe to Our Very Own Debbie Jardine

This week, HCAP remembers Debra “Debbie” Leilani Jardine, who passed away on September 2, 2022, at the age of 70. 

Ms. Jardine began her 27-year tenure at HCAP as a secretary at the Leahi District Service Center, and would later go on to become its Community Services Manager. She was an active member of the Kaimukī-Pālolo community, both during her time at HCAP and after her retirement. Ms. Jardine’s friends and former colleagues describe her as having a “can-do attitude” and “huge heart” for advocacy. 

HCAP Human Resources Assistant Laura Guillermo remembers Ms. Jardine’s good nature and passion for her work. “You always knew when Debbie was around because of her cheerfulness that made everyone want to chat with her,” Laura shared, “That is the Debbie I know – cheerful, energetic, supportive, and always there when you need her as a friend and helper in the community.”

“Debbie Jardine was a go-get-um kind of person,” said HCAP Central District Service Center Manager Katy Perry, “She knew her community, understood what needed to be changed, and she held folks accountable. She helped mobilize the community to have their voices heard and put the people first. We were very blessed to have worked with Debbie and will miss her immensely.” 

HCAP Executive Director Robert N.E. Piper extends the agency’s condolences to Ms. Jardine’s family and friends. “On behalf of the HCAP ʻohana, I would like to express my appreciation for the contributions of Debra Leilani Jardine to our organization and to the community as a whole,” he shared, “Ms. Jardine’s life and work exemplified our agency’s mission. She will be greatly missed.”

Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services and Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Partner with Kealahou West Oʻahu

HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services and Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center staff met with Kealahou West Oʻahu (KWO) this week to discuss new partnership opportunities with KWO’s two Kalaeloa shelters. During the meeting with KWO Services Director Danni Duseigneur, HCAP staff shared about the agency’s range of programs and services and how they can expand their reach to KWO’s service population.

HCAP plans to offer employment and wrap-around support services to the participants at KWO’s Onemalu Transitional Shelter and Onelauʻena Emergency Shelter. The two shelters are able to serve up to 63 households, including children under 18. Nā Lima Hana and Kunuhonua staff will conduct monthly outreach with the residents, and plan to host a job fair with KWO in January 2023.

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Intern Spotlight: Autumn Denis

Autumn Denis has been working with HCAP as an intern at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center and recently shared about her background, internship experience, and where she plans to go from here. 

Autumn is originally from Bellingham, Washington, and graduated from American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She loves learning, trying new things, and helping people in her community. Before coming to HCAP, Autumn had experience volunteering for a number of organizations, including Blue Skies for Children, Helping Hands, and the Buddy Walk. 

As an intern at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, Autumn has been able to gain professional Case Management experience while doing work she loves. “HCAP’s internship program has opened new doors for my future career path,” she shared, “Every day I get to help the participants at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. I have learned that I can make a difference.”

Autumn recently accepted a position with RYSE Hawaiʻi, which she credits to the training and experience gained through her work at Kumuhonua. “I am so grateful I had the opportunity to intern with such wonderful staff and participants along the way,” she explained, “Their kindness and guidance has inspired me to continue working with the homeless population and to keep helping in any way that I can.”

Head Start Keiki Learn About Perseverance

The Head Start keiki at Waipahu II learned about perseverance this week. 

While playing with colorful thistle blocks, Logan experienced difficulty with connecting the various blocks to build a car. After several attempts, his persistence paid off! He rearranged, used difference sizes, and applied different levels of pressure to the thistle blocks and got them connected. Logan constructed several cars and structures with the blocks. During this process, he developed his fine motor skills, color recognition, and abstract and mathematical thinking skills.

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