HCAP WEEKLY October 9, 2023

Gross Motor Development with Head Start

The Head Start keiki at Pālolo and Ewa PrePlus strengthened their gross motor skills through jumping, hopping, and pedaling a tricycle. At Pālolo, they took turns jumping and clapping to a song that also helped them to learn each other’s names. The keiki at Ewa PrePlus took turns maneuvering through a cone obstacle course using a tricycle. All of these activities helped them further develop their gross motor skills. Gross motor development engages the large muscles in the arms, legs, and torso to promote walking, running, throwing, lifting, and kicking. The development of these skills improves children’s balance, strength, endurance, and coordination.

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Weatherization Client Receives Energy-Saving Devices

Linda was browsing the web, hoping to find a solution to the number of issues she was facing at home. Her refrigerator had completely died out and her oven had also recently broken down. Her husband attempted to repair the oven on his own but was unsuccessful. Her family stopped using the oven due to safety concerns. The water heater in their home was an older, 40-gallon tank that was not supplying enough hot water to meet their family’s daily needs. With these major appliances being outdated and dysfunctional, their family experienced an increase in the cost of their utility bills and a string of inconveniences in their daily routines. 

Linda was eventually referred to HCAP’s Central District Service Center, where she learned about the Weatherization Assistance Program. She was quickly assisted with the application process and submitted all required documents. She was also encouraged to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the month of June to help cover her electric bills. During her home energy audit with the WAP staff, she was happy to receive basic education on energy efficiency and install energy-saving measures in her home such as LED lightbulbs, low-flow shower heads and sink aerators, smoke alarms, and smart power strips. Not long after the completion of her audit, she was notified that she was approved for the free replacement of her water heater, refrigerator, and kitchen stove.

Linda’s family has expressed sincere gratitude for HCAP’s services which have been instrumental in lowering her home’s kilowatt usage and cutting down on her monthly utility costs. “This has been my first experience with HCAP. I had no idea these services were available to people. My family is very grateful for these amazing blessings from this program that HCAP offers. There are no words to describe the appreciation we feel to have our stove, refrigerator, and our Solar Water Heating System. It’s so amazing!”

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program.

Kalaeloa District Service Center Client Finds Employment

HCAP staff at the Kalaeloa District Service Center and the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center visit the Kealahou West Oahu Shelter monthly where they met Hiro. Hiro had been living in the shelter with his family for the past year, and shared that he was in search of assistance with his employment journey. Hiro stated that one of the main barriers he faced was not having the financial means to purchase a bus pass or have reliable transportation. After completing job readiness training with Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, HCAP staff was able to provide Hiro with a HOLO bus pass card. Within a couple of weeks of job searching, Hiro successfully secured employment at the 1938 Indochine with the Aoki Group as a dishwasher and maintenance worker. Hiro has now been with his new employer for a little over a week and is looking forward to what the future has to offer!

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs and Services.