HCAP Weekly September 1, 2014

In this week’s issue:

HPU Social Work Student Takes On Houseless Issues In Waianae Boat Harbor
Head Start Parents Gather to Discuss Child Development and Healthy Eating
Youth Services Students Learn Valuable Interviewing Skills
Financial Planning Helps Kumuhonua Residents Secure Permanent Housing
HCAP Staff Attend UH Manoa’s Volunteer and Engagement Fair
HCAP Participates in 2014 Foodland Give Aloha Campaign

HPU Social Work Student Takes On Houseless Issues In Waianae Boat Harbor

Erik Gray is a graduate student in the MSW program at Hawaii Pacific University and has agreed to do his practicum at the Leeward District Service Center with Stepping Stones: The Homeless Health Project. A former homeless young man himself, Erik is passionate about working and developing needed resources for the houseless residents in the Waianae Boat Harbor. Originally from Seattle, Erik moved to Oahu over ten years ago.

“Erik is intense,” says Leeward District Service Center manager Val Tavai, “which means he’s serious. He has the smarts to help us to complete much needed assessments for the homeless this year. He’s already started the relationship-building phase with the community, even before he starts his practicum – I love him already!”

Recently, Eric had a cookout with residents, where he took the time to get to know people and find out what some of their needs were. Extremely community-minded, Eric says, “I believe that the more people become involved in their communities, the more opportunities we can create.”

Welcome Erik Gray, to the HCAP ohana and mahalo to the HPU School of Social Work for its continued support of new projects at the Leeward District Service Center.

Head Start Parents Gather to Discuss Child Development and Healthy Eating

Laie Head Start parents gathered together for their monthly meeting and workshop. The topics for September are child development and health. Parents led the workshop to share their knowledge about healthy living as a family. As an energizer, parents were asked to put the phrases of popular children’s songs like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in correct order. Families also learned about the importance of using hand motions when singing songs to expand their child’s vocabulary. Lastly, a quick and simple corn dog muffin recipe was shared with the parents to encourage creative eating at home.

Youth Services Students Learn Valuable Interviewing Skills

Youth Services C-Base class students dressed in their best interviewing clothes for mock interviews, which are required for the Occupational Knowledge unit. We’d like to thank Nita Camaganacan, District Manager from Starbucks, who came to talk with students about what employers are looking for and how to build a good resume, as well as provide students with a valuable critique of their individual mock interviews.

Financial Planning Helps Kumuhonua Residents Secure Permanent Housing

Milton and Helen came the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in January, 2012 after being homeless since 2010. During their residency at Kumuhonua, the couple worked hard to address their housing barriers and met with partner service providers in preparation to secure housing. They qualified for and received Renter’s Match from Hawaii Community Assets and received Rent to Work Rental Subsidy Assistance from the City and County. The couple also met monthly with Hawaiian Community Assets to work on their financial plan: budget, savings, and credit issues. With their hard work and commitment to a monthly budget/savings plan they qualified for OHA Renter’s Match Funds to be credited towards their monthly rent.

The couple secured permanent housing right before the end of 2013 and they couldn’t be happier with their new home. Milton works as a security guard at the apartment complex directly across from their apartment building. We wish them the best of luck and thank all the parties involved with their success!

HCAP Staff Attend UH Manoa’s Volunteer and Engagement Fair

HCAP Hā Initiative Program Manager Michelle Stevens, Leahi District Service Center Manager Keith Nakano, and AmeriCorps VISTA member Brittany Wilson attended the University of Hawaii Volunteer and Engagement Fair this Thursday, to spread the word about HCAP to UH students and community members looking for opportunities to engage with and serve in their community. Visitors to the HCAP booth walked away with flyers and brochures and many signed up to learn more about various HCAP programs. We hope to see them volunteering soon! If you are interested in volunteering with the Hā Initiative sign up here.

HCAP Participates in 2014 Foodland Give Aloha Campaign