HCAP WEEKLY October 28, 2024

Hā Initiative Program Awarded $20,000 by The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation

Last week, the Kalihi STEM Exploration Center was visited by members of The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation. Catherine H.Q. Ching, Board of Trustees Member, and Tertia Freas, Executive Director, conducted an on-site visit to the Kaʻiulani classroom and presented an award of $20,000 for the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program. This generous contribution will support the program’s hands-on approach to learning, creative and alternative educational activities, and provide additional program supplies.

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has provided support to nonprofits for decades, dedicated to education, healthcare, children & families, housing, innovation, and more. They continue to uplift communities in Hawai’i, such as HCAP’s, with their conscious efforts.

During this visit, the classroom began their activity for one of its curriculum themes of October – chemistry. Students learned about matter; the composition, structure, and properties of different substances, and how states of matter transform as they undergo chemical reactions.For their chemistry experiment, Kalihi STEM students created magic potions with vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring. They were able to observe how the fizzy texture is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas, as acidic vinegar is mixed with baking soda.

HCAP extends a warm mahalo to The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation for their kind support of HCAP’s Hā Initiative, delivering free creative STEM education to keiki in a safe, after-school space.

Click here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.

Central District Conducts Intake for Clients Seeking Various HCAP Programs

Central District Service Center has been providing group intakes for HCAP’s wraparound services. Staff had participants come in for group intakes while applying for the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP). In those groups, they were also informed about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) as another resource to help lower their energy usage.

Anyone not working was referred to the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program (ECS) to help them obtain and maintain employment. Staff also readily referred clients’ children to HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start to help the children get a jump start on their education and social skills.

Recently, there has been an influx of interested applicants for the ECS program. Majority of the applicants were referred by HCAP’s partners: Professional Healthcare Educators, Hawaii Medical College, Professional Driving Academy, Leeward Community College Office of Continuing Education and more for tuition assistance with their various programs.

Head Start parent, Isaiah, was referred to the Central District Service Center from a Head Start teacher, Ms. Stevi, to help him find employment. Isaiah is able to seek employment now that his child is in the Head Start program. One of his goals is to obtain his Commercial Driver License (CDL) A so he can pursue a successful career and provide sustainability for his family.

Christiana was referred to HCAP by Hawaii Medical College for their Healthcare Administration, Billing and Coding Program. Christiana was able to request assistance from other agencies, along with submitting a FAFSA application to help her achieve her academic goals. With that, Christiana contacted HCAP for tuition assistance.

Eric was referred by American Job Center for tuition assistance to attend the Leeward Community College Office of Continuing Education for their CDL A program. Eric has always dreamed of being a driver for the City Bus program.

All three participants were able to participate in HCAP’s Job Readiness Training class, where Central staff helped them update their resume to a skills resume, which allows them to highlight the specific skills they bring to the table. Staff also went over how to apply for jobs, practiced some interview skills and helped them prepare for the workforce.

Central District Service Center will be following their journey toward completing their educational and employment endeavors. Central staff look forward to sharing their success stories and completing their goals.

Click here to learn more about HCAP’s programs and services.

Head Start Keiki and Parent Open Region IX Conference

As a fundamental cornerstone of Head Start, parent and family engagement helps to foster culturally responsive relationships amongst children, their families and Head Start staff. In an effort to cultivate a positive and impactful early childhood education experience for parents and staff, the Region IX Head Start Association hosts an annual Family Engagement & Cultural Effectiveness Conference. Region IX comprises the states of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Region territories of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

With the intention of increasing and perpetuating culturally responsive and high-quality services, the theme for this year’s conference was Strong Families, Strong Futures. Held at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, this year’s conference was host to about 600 people from several Head Start programs across the region along with a plethora of private vendors in celebration of the multitude of cultural practices, beliefs and customs represented within the programs.

Angel and Tehinamai, mother and daughter of HCAP’s Waipahu II Head Start class graced the opening ceremony with the sounds of aloha while singing the National Anthem and Hawai’i Pono’i. As a current parent and former Policy Council Representative, when approached about the opportunity Angel willingly agreed. Known for their active roles in their church’s choir, Angel and Tehinamai are passionate about using their voices to sing praise and bring awareness. A big mahalo to Angel and Tehinamai for showcasing their talent and to Region IX for the opportunity!

Click here to learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start.