HCAP Weekly October 24, 2016

In this week’s issue:

HCAP Holds Annual Board of Directors Installation Dinner
The Hā Initiative Makes Aquaponics Ecosystems at Kaiulani Elementary School Town Hall
Kupuna Independent Life Series SNAP-Ed Enters Its Third Week: Spending Less, Eating Better
Head Start Children Learn Safety Rules From HPD and Waianae Fire Station
HCAP Attends Footsteps Fair 2016 For Teens With Disabilities
Kumuhonua Resident Finds Permanent Housing

HCAP Holds Annual Board of Directors Installation Dinner

On Thursday, October 27, 2016, HCAP held its annual Board of Directors Installation Dinner at Kapiolani Community College’s Ka’ikena room. This dinner is an opportunity to recognize outgoing Board Members for their contribution to the agency, and to welcome the 2016-2017 Board of Directors and the officers of the District Advisory Councils and Head Start Policy Council.

The highlight of the evening was having several former and current HCAP clients and staff share their personal stories about how HCAP’s staff and services positively impacted and changed their lives. Cathy, a former Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center resident shared, “The staff made me feel like a person again.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room after hearing the impactful stories.

We would like to thank all those who attended and look forward to continuing our work to improve our community.

The Hā Initiative Makes Aquaponics Ecosystems at Kaiulani Elementary School Town Hall

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi STEM Exploration Center was a part of the Kaiulani Elementary School Town Hall this week, where HCAP provided hands-on STEM activities! The Kaiulani Elementary School cafeteria was packed with students, parents, family, and staff, who all participated in making popsicle stick catapults, and a mini-aquaponics system. The aquaponics system consisted of a plant cutting, a two-liter bottle, gravel, and guppy fish. The aquaponics system works by creating a symbiotic relationship between the fish and plant. Nutrients from the fish waste feed the plants, and the plants filter the water to keep the fish healthy. Plus, the recycled-bottle system makes a fun fish bowl for kids to check out!

The next day in the STEM class, Sky, one of the participants commented, “That was a really fun night.”

Another student, BJ also commented, “I think my fish grew overnight! The aquaponics must be working!”

Kupuna Independent Life Series SNAP-Ed Enters Its Third Week: Spending Less, Eating Better

The Kalihi-Palama Kupuna Independent Life Series is now in its third week of the six-week Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). SNAP-Ed provides practical nutrition education for Hawai’i’s low-income households. The program focuses on safeguarding the health and well being of low-income households by providing access to a healthy, nutritious diet and encouraging physical activity. In previous sessions, topics such as “Safe Food Handling” and a “Food Guide” of healthy foods were covered. This week they learned about “Spending Less, Eating Better” along with a cooking demonstration! The participants had a great time and are already looking forward to next week’s lesson on “Meal Planning.”

Head Start Children Learn Safety Rules From HPD and Waianae Fire Station

Head Start children from 442 I & II learned about the topic of “Safety” with the help of a visitor from Honolulu Police Department, Officer Robert Spickler. Officer Spickler spoke to the children about making good choices and being good community members. The children also took a walking field trip and talked about pedestrian safety, using the crosswalk, and watching for traffic signals. They visited the Waianae Fire Station #26, where they learned about Stop, Drop and Roll and what to do when there is a fire. The fire fighters also showed the children different tools and allowed them to explore a variety of trucks. The fire fighters even let the children shoot water from the hose, which was a big highlight of the memorable day.

HCAP Attends Footsteps Fair 2016 For Teens With Disabilities

HCAP’s Kalihi-Palama and Leahi District Service Centers attended the “Footsteps to Transition Fair 2016,” held at Kaimuki High School. The Footsteps to Transition Fair is an opportunity for families of teenagers with disabilities to meet with adult service agencies and take the first step to developing a transition plan. Staff met with many families to discuss HCAP programs and promote the services that families may benefit from. A big mahalo to the Footsteps Fair 2016 for inviting us and we will see you next year!

Kumuhonua Resident Finds Permanent Housing

Frank came to Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center after an extended period of couch surfing with family and friends. While at Kumuhonua, he secured full-time employment with Kamehameha Schools recently found his own place in Kahalu’u. He was a very easygoing tenant who always kept his unit immaculate. We are extremely happy for Frank as he moves forward in his journey!