HCAP WEEKLY October 27, 2025

Hā Initiative Celebrates Community and Curiosity at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden & Hawai‘i Children and Youth Day

Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students ventured outdoors to experience one of Hawai‘i’s most beautiful natural spaces—Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden. Nestled in Kāne‘ohe beneath the stunning Ko‘olau mountain range, the gardens provided a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for hands-on environmental learning. Students spent the day fishing at the pond, learning about native and local plant species, and discovering how Hawai‘i’s unique ecosystems support life on the islands.

To make the experience even more interactive, students participated in a nature scavenger hunt, where they were encouraged to identify different plants, insects, and landmarks throughout the gardens. The activity helped students strengthen their observation skills, connect classroom lessons to the real world, and appreciate the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship. The students had not only gained new knowledge and they were also encouraged to share that knowledge with the community. 

In that same week, Hā Initiative had the wonderful opportunity to take part in the Hawai‘i Children and Youth Day celebration, an annual event that honors Hawai‘i’s keiki and the organizations that support their growth and success. Their booth was buzzing with energy as students, families, and visitors stopped by to learn about all of the exciting things happening in the STEM program.

Hā Initiative teachers showcased some of the hands-on projects the students have been working on throughout the year—activities that combine science, engineering, art, and creativity to make learning fun and meaningful. One of the highlights of the day was a catapult gumdrop activity, which invited participants to problem-solve and test out different catapult designs. Kids and adults alike had a blast experimenting to determine the angle at which the arm of the catapult should be placed in order for their gumdrop to hit a target. The activity sparked laughter, curiosity, and plenty of friendly competition, all while introducing visitors to basic engineering concepts such as force, trajectory, and motion.

Beyond sharing STEM activities, the team was proud to represent the spirit of community service that defines HCAP. They spoke with parents, educators, and community leaders about how the STEM program helps nurture young scientists, artists, and innovators across O‘ahu. Many families were excited to hear about upcoming projects and how their children could get involved in future sessions. From the calm of exploring Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden’s lush landscapes to the excitement of launching gumdrops, this week was a perfect reminder of what motivates the STEM teachers—to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection in every learner.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.

Leahi ECS Client’s Newfound Purpose Through Dental Assisting Career

Amber was first connected with the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program through a Salvation Army in-service monthly event. Through the opportunities offered by HCAP’s ECS,  Amber found a second chance to live the life she desired after surviving a past she optimistically redeems as “a lesson.” 

With an interest in the dental industry, ECS assisted Amber in applying to Hawaii Dental Assisting Academy (HDAA) to which she was accepted. Tuition assistance was then provided by ECS to allow her to start attending HDAA where she completed her courses and successfully obtained her certificate. Amber continued on to participate in the ECS program’s Job Readiness Training (JRT) at the HCAP Leahi District Service Center. This included resume building and mock interviews, which prepared her for the job search and interview process. With her Dental Assisting certification and JRT under her belt, Amber successfully secured a full-time position.

As of October 2025, Amber has been a full-time Dental Assistant for three months. Recognizing her admirable commitment and dedication, HCAP celebrated her achievements in reaching the milestones of completing up to 90 days of employment and counting. 

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana. 

Parenting with Purpose – Wellness Tools That Start in the Classroom

During the September Parent Committee Meetings, Head Start parents gained a better understanding of how the various curricula implemented within the program increase the mental health and wellness of children and adults enrolled. Through participating in Second Step based activities and Love & Logic workshops, they learned how to effectively implement empathy-based responses to help manage behaviors by using strategies that mirror the emotional regulation skills taught in school. 

Providing the space for parents to learn and actively practice these research-based tools, helps to establish consistency at home and at school while supporting positive parenting skills. Families also engaged in Animal Yoga and nature movement games as they ran, stretched and played together, making the connection that learning is not only limited to the classroom but can be fun and shared through laughter, movement and relaxation of the mind and body.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.