HCAP Weekly October 6, 2014

In this week’s issue:

Windward STEM Exploration Center’s Backyard Adventure
Educational Endeavors Present Opportunity for Na Lima Hana Participant
A Bright Future Secured for Kumuhonua Resident
Breaking Through Barriers to Achieve Employment
Monthly Networking Luncheon Brings Non-Profits Together
HCAP Head Start Attends Annual Children and Youth Day

Windward STEM Exploration Center’s Backyard Adventure

HCAP Planning and Development Specialist, Tehani Diaz and AmeriCorps VISTA member, Marissa Villegas took a trip to the Windward STEM Exploration Center to find the students embarking on an exciting, educational adventure in their own backyard at Waiahole Elementary School.

Knee-high corn waves around our knees and the air is fragrant with honeysuckle and rosemary. The STEM students of Waiahole Elementary are busy examining apple banana trees and peeking under aloe leaves to discover what species live in their school’s backyard garden. It is quiet during Fall Break, which makes this an ideal time for the STEM students to pull out their butterfly nets and magnifying glasses, and then jot down the insects, animals, and plants they see on a nature walk.

Makaiʻa, one of our younger second grade students, points out a pair of red-crested cardinals down by the lower forest. One of our fourth year students, Harmoni, writes down our observation under the BIRDS list on her clipboard. We troop down to the shade and stumble across a large pile of rotting wood and leaves. STEM teacher, Ms. Heather asks the students to guess who might be living in there. “Mongoose” and “centipede” come up; luckily, the only ones who appear to be home are termites.

On the way back, they stumble upon a noni tree. Its fruit hangs like large green pinecones off the upper boughs. Smattering the ground are more noni fruits, their skin ripened to white and their unpleasant smell unmistakable. Some students have grown up with noni in their neighborhoods; others haven’t encountered it before. We discuss how noni can be used to heal minor cuts and alleviate pain—well worth a few whiffs of its signature odor.

The fans cool us down in the HCAP classroom after our midday stroll. I ask the students to look up their favorite species from the nature walk and share a new fact about it. We then put together a poster of our findings to hang on the classroom wall. When their classmates return from break, the Windward STEM students will have a few stories to tell them about Waiahole’s wild backyard.

Educational Endeavors Present Opportunity for Na Lima Hana Participant

Rhonnel was 16 years old when he decided to drop out of Waipahu High School due to his failing grades and poor attendance. Rhonnel then decided he needed to do something with his life and decided to enroll in the Competency Based Community School Diploma Program to obtain a Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma. This program not only motivated Rhonnel to do well, but also to think about his future. He entered the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services Program and was soon hired as a cashier at McDonald’s. After a few months, Rhonnel obtained the one hundred work hours he needed to comply with the Competency Based Community School Diploma Programs Phase Two portion of the program. Rhonnel completed and passed the Mastery Test this summer, allowing him to obtain his Hawaii Adult Community School Diploma. While participating in both programs, Rhonnel decided he wanted to join the military. He feels joining the military will give him the opportunity to help others as well as his country. Rhonnel is currently working at McDonald’s and looking at what branch of the military he would like to join.

A Bright Future Secured for Kumuhonua Resident

After a little over one year at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, Mitch secured permanent housing in Waipahu. During her stay at Kumuhonua, she was able to save money, create a financial plan and maintain a budget. Mitch was fortunate to receive assistance for her move from the US VETS program, which assisted her with a security deposit and rent for a few months. Mitch’s goal is to continue her education and pursue her certified substance abuse counselor certification with the guidance from her therapist, who has supported her immensely during this process. Mitch flourished while at Kumuhonua and will continue to do great things as she sets and reaches her personal goals. She is extremely grateful for all the guidance and support she received while at HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center.

Breaking Through Barriers to Achieve Employment

Theresa had been diligently seeking employment for a year and started to feel discouraged regarding her job situation. She then came across the Leahi District Service Center’s Community Breakfast and Coffee Talk Flyer posted on the community board. She attended the first monthly Community Breakfast in March, where the community workers were able to assess her needs, as well as her employment and career goals. Theresa enrolled in HCAP’s Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services Program where she was able to get one-on-one pre-employment training, help with her resume, and assistance with completing job applications. With the recommendation of Na Lima Hana and its partnerships, she was hired at the Aloha Stadium. Continuing her job search, she was then able to find her ideal job at the Duty Free Galleria in Waikiki. Her path has been paved with many stumbling blocks, but, with perseverance and assistance, she has reached and completed all of milestones to become self-reliant within her community. Congratulations, Theresa!

Monthly Networking Luncheon Brings Non-Profits Together

On Wednesday, Windward District Service Center staff and HCAP Main Office staff attended the Kokua Lunch Club, a monthly lunch gathering for non-profit organizations to connect and share the types of projects they are working on. The October lunch was hosted by the Kualoa-He`eia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project in Kaneohe. Key Project staff gave a short presentation discussing the changes happening in their programming and at the organization. After a delicious lunch provided by the Kipuka Café and Kitchen, attendees were able to network and catch-up with both new and old friends.

HCAP Head Start Attends Annual Children and Youth Day

HCAP Head Start staff participated in the Annual Children and Youth Day on Sunday October 5, 2014 at the State Capitol. Thousands of children and their families participated in hands-on educational activities for young children and teens. Resource booths were also available to families. The day was filled with fun and exciting activities for all.