HCAP WEEKLY October 31, 2022

Wraparound Services Help Kūpuna Stay Safe and Healthy

Pearl City seniors In Suk and Kathleen have received utility assistance, grocery deliveries, and more from HCAP’s Central District Service Center — vital support that has helped them maintain their health and independence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Both women learned about HCAP through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and have continued to turn to their local district service center in times of need.

In Suk and Kathleen became close friends during the pandemic, as they both faced health-related challenges and experienced isolation during this time. In January 2021, they were overjoyed to learn that HCAP would be delivering food boxes to homebound seniors through the Kōkua Food Assistance program. They received boxes of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, rice, and various kinds of protein to cook healthy meals while staying safe at home. 

Since then, the pair has also received help from HCAP staff with filing their taxes with HCAP’s Income Tax Services and applying for the Weatherization Assistance Program. Given the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on low-income households, especially seniors, these wraparound services are essential for kūpuna like In Suk and Kathleen to feel supported in their home communities.

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Engineering with the Hā Initiative

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program students at the Lincoln STEM Exploration Center enjoyed an engineering project to build the tallest possible lego building without exceeding a base width of 4 inches. The building had to stand alone without assistance for at least 10 seconds. Students worked in teams and added blocks as they built up, trying not to let their building fall within a 30-minute time constraint. The classroom groups worked together to make decisions, modifying their towers as they went. The activity was met with students’ enthusiasm and the competition results were close. The tallest building was recorded at 51.5 inches from the base and the second tallest was at 49 inches!

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Nā Lima Hana Strengthens Relationship with Hawaii Job Corps

On Thursday, October 6, the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services staff toured the Hawaii Job Corps Waimānalo campus. Job Corps is an educational and vocational training program offered nationally to young adults and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Job Corps gives young adults an opportunity to pursue any of the program’s career area trainings, ranging from automotive repair to information technology. At the Waimānalo campus, Hawaii Job Corps offers seven training programs, including maintenance and light repair, construction, painting, office administration, security, culinary arts, and landscaping. Each program prepares youth participants to enter the workforce with a strong foundational skillset. Additionally, students can continue their training in select programs at continental Job Corps campuses.

Beyond the training programs, the campus also contains support facilities that ensure the needs and comfort of students are met. These include a recreation center, fitness center, wellness center, cafeteria, and dorms for those who decide to live on campus. Though the COVID pandemic was an obstacle for the program, Hawaii Job Corps is ready to provide services and bring the campus back to full capacity. With an extensive training program, dedicated staff, and exceptional facilities, Hawaii Job Corps is a critically important resource to the communities serviced by HCAP. The Nā Lima Hana staff are excited to work closely with Hawaii Job Corps and refer eligible applicants seeking rewarding career opportunities.

Click Here for more information on the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.