HCAP Weekly September 19, 2016

In this week’s issue:

Kalihi-Palama STEM Students Play Tic-Tac-Toe To Research Robotics Strategies
Kalihi-Palama Kupuna Independent Life Series Kicks Off An Informative Session on Aging in Place
HCAP Recruits and Informs at Job Quest Job Fair
Kahua Waiwai Financial Literacy Class Gets Kumuhonua Residents Prepared for Long-Term Planning
He’eia Head Start Students Learn Bus Safety From Uncle Phil
HCAP Participates in the 2016 Foodland Give Aloha Campaign

Kalihi-Palama STEM Students Play Tic-Tac-Toe To Research Robotics Strategies

This week at the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Kalihi-Palama STEM Exploration Center, students dove deeper into the computer programming aspects of robotics, as they honed the artificial intelligence of their tic-tac-toe-playing robot. The students conducted friendly-yet-competitive tic-tac-toe competitions in order to analyze and determine the ‘intelligence’ that goes into playing these games. They deduced some rules of thumb for winning, such as, “place marks near each other” to more complex strategies such as, “claim the middle first.” The students discovered that artificial intelligence is more than math and algorithms, and to mimic “intelligence,” they need to anticipate what strategies are essential to a tic-tac-toe winner: blocking, trapping the opponent, and even some confusion / mind-game strategies of going in seemingly random locations with a long-term endgame.

Students took the research from the tic-tac-toe games and began implementing the intelligent behavior through algorithms into the Lego Mindstorm EV3 brick, a.k.a. the robot’s brain. The programming is becoming more complex and does involve algebra and nested functions, but the students are gradually catching on, and early exposure alongside a solid foundation will only help them in the higher grades. Currently, the robot plays on a 5×4 grid, but potentially the program could be expanded to any size, and could even be modified to play checkers or perform other behaviors! The possibilities are endless!

You can view a short video of the robot here.

Kalihi-Palama Kupuna Independent Life Series Kicks Off An Informative Session on Aging in Place

The Kalihi-Palama Kupuna Independent Life Series began on Wednesday, September 21 at the Iwilei Senior Residence. The program will run for 13 weeks, with each session incorporating a health and a community topic to support participants to Age in Place. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortable regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

The first session kicked off with motivational speaker Allan Silva, who spoke about the spirit of Aloha. The seniors discussed what Aloha means to them, and how they can live with Aloha in their lives and hearts. The second presentation was from Dan Okinishi of Premier Benefits Consultants who gave the seniors a “Medicare 101” class. Dan explained the different aspects of Medicare, how to understand payments and bills, and how to make sure that the seniors were receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. Dan met individually with each participant who had questions and was able to help everyone gain a little more understanding of Medicare in Hawai’i.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Kupuna Independent Life Series, please contact the Kalihi-Palama HCAP District Service Center at 847-0804.

HCAP Recruits and Informs at Job Quest Job Fair

Honolulu Community Action Program staff attended Job Quest Job Fair on September 20, 2016 to promote HCAP job opportunities as well as raise awareness of HCAP’s programs and services. Thousands of job seekers attended the Job Fair at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, browsing for available positions among over 200 employers. HCAP handed out applications and job descriptions for current vacancies. In addition, HCAP staff informed job seekers of the Na Lima Hana Employment Core Services program and provided contact information for each of HCAP’s District Service Centers. Staff also built awareness of other programs and services offered by HCAP, such as Head Start, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), Youth Services, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Income Tax Services. The HCAP booth had great foot traffic and many people were made aware of how HCAP’s services can help. We had a great response and interest in all of our programs and look forward to attending the next Job Quest Job Fair.

Click here to view HCAP’s current job openings.

Kahua Waiwai Financial Literacy Class Gets Kumuhonua Residents Prepared for Long-Term Planning

This week, Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center Case Managers conducted the second Kahua Waiwai financial literacy class for residents. The classes were conducted in the evening to accommodate those working during the day. The residents learned about budgeting, saving for financial emergencies, credit, and banking, in addition to other useful resources for employment and long-term planning. Participants who completed the course received Money Smarts certificates, which are recognized by agencies such as Rent to Work and Hawaiian Community Assets. This workshop is offered on site to Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center residents every quarter and has been positively received thus far.

He’eia Head Start Students Learn Bus Safety From Uncle Phil

Uncle Phil visited He`eia Head Start to teach students and parents about school bus safety. Students practiced sitting in child restraint seats and being buckled in by teachers. They learned how to evacuate from multiple bus exits if there is an emergency. Uncle Phil explained what kinds of safety equipment are on a school bus (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, seat belt cutter, etc.), and where they are located. Everyone enjoyed the visit, learned a lot, and are bound to feel more comfortable the next time they’re on the school bus for a field trip.

The children learned that Uncle Phil would be leaving Head Start and expressed how much they were going to miss him. They all gathered in a group hug. Mahalo for your dedication and years of service to HCAP, Uncle Phil! We will all miss you!

HCAP Participates in the 2016 Foodland Give Aloha Campaign

Foodland’s Annual Give Aloha Campaign is happening during the month of September. Maika`i members are invited to make donations up to $249 to their favorite participating Hawaii non-profit organizations at checkout. Donations to each organization are tracked, and Foodland’s matching gift is divided proportionately among all participating organizations based on customer donations to the organizations.

Please support HCAP when you shop at any Foodland, Sack N Save or Foodland Farms store in the month of September! Use HCAP’s code #77207 and show your Maika`i Card to donate. 100% of your donation will help HCAP provide early childhood education, job training, housing, and increase opportunities for self-sufficiency for Oahu’s most needy families.