HCAP Weekly October 7, 2019

HCAP Selects a New SCSEP Program Coordinator
Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Full-Time Employment
Windward District Service Center Kicks Off Fall Kūpuna Independent Life Series
Head Start Holds Policy Council Elections
HCAP Staff Attend the Refresh, Rejuvenate, Reset Senior Wellness Fair

HCAP Selects a New SCSEP Program Coordinator

HCAP is pleased to announce that Reiko Su’a has been named its newest Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) Coordinator. Reiko will replace Frank Yim, who recently retired after over 20 years of dedicated service to HCAP. The SCSEP Coordinator administers the program on Oahu, which provides part-time subsidized “hands-on” training to low-income seniors aged 55 and older and assist program participants in finding full-time employment.

Reiko began her employment at HCAP in 2015 as a Community Worker at the Windward District Service Center, and was most recently a SCSEP Employment Counselor since 2018. Reiko holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Robin Fakaosi, HCAP Interim Director of Community Services, states “Reiko has developed a wide range of experience with various programs and services during her four years at HCAP. She assisted in leading our VITA tax program and has enjoyed working with the seniors in our Kupuna Independent Life Series program at the Windward District. She has continued to grow in her role as an Employment Counselor, having worked closely with the previous Program Coordinator. Reiko is ready to lead HCAP’s SCSEP program and will continue to serve our clients and community well.”

Na Lima Hana Participant Obtains Full-Time Employment

Leeward District Service Center’s Community Worker Lana was initially introduced to Candy when Lana had been working for Head Start. As her Family Advocate, Lana had been witness to Candy’s struggles and her fight to survive and provide for her children. So when Candy came in to the Leeward District Service Center for employment assistance a few years later, seeking financial stability, Lana quickly enrolled her into the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) Program.

Upon completing Job Readiness Training (JRT), Candy worked in various temporary positions with AEROTEK. But Candy wanted more job stability, so Lana helped her update her resume and even served as a reference on her application with Care Hawaii, Inc. Lana was excited for Candy upon finding out that Candy had secured full-time employment as Mental Health Technician with Care Hawaii. With ECS Program funds, Lana was able to help Candy obtain the necessary work clothes and shoes to start work immediately. Lana also helped Candy find and apply for childcare and childcare subsidy for Candy’s twins.

In the meantime, Candy is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree and is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Leeward Community College, Waiʻanae Moku. Lana has provided a letter of recommendation for several of the scholarships Candy had applied for, and wishes Candy all the best as she makes ends meet as a working mom and student.

Windward District Service Center Kicks Off Fall Kūpuna Independent Life Series

This Wednesday, Windward District Center held its first Kūpuna Independent Life Series session of the fall season at the Kahuku Elderly Center.

The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service’s Lori Matsuoka conducted her first session of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) class. Lori did a food demo and made vegetable dip. Everyone was able to sample the healthy snack. Following the samples, the staff provided the kūpuna with chicken sandwiches on honey oat bread.

Later in the day Anapela Nunes, a community member, visited the kūpuna and shared her passion for arts and crafts. Anapela will cover 10 weeks of crafts with the kūpuna, which will include potting ti plants and making leis.

Head Start Holds Policy Council Elections

On September 26th, HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start held Policy Council Elections and Standing Committee sign-ups. As a result of the elections, we are happy to announce the appointment of our newly elected Executive Committee members for the 2019-2020 program year.

The newly elected Policy Council Officers for the 2019-2020 school year are:
Chairperson: Ms. Ardis Ane (Ulu Ke Kukui Head Start)
Vice Chairperson: Ms. Kahlene King (Maunawili Head Start)
Secretary: Ms. Christina Vier (Aiea Head Start)
Treasurer: Ms. Angela Maiwela (Palolo Head Start)

Congratulations to our newly elected officers. We look forward to working with all of you!

HCAP Staff Attend the Refresh, Rejuvenate, Reset Senior Wellness Fair

This past Tuesday, HCAP staff members from the Leahi District Service Center and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) participated in the Refresh, Rejuvenate, Reset Senior Wellness Fair at Waikiki Community Center as a community organization. Attendees enjoyed entertainment and light refreshments, and learned about services available to them in their community.

HCAP staff used the event as an opportunity to provide information about HCAP programs and services, including senior-oriented programs such as Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) and the Kupuna Independent Life Series.