HCAP WEEKLY September 19, 2022

Single Mom Surpasses 90 Days of Employment

Gisel, a young mother, left the Philippines in 2019 after the death of her husband. Knowing the challenges of caring for children in a foreign land, Gisel made the difficult decision to leave her younger children with her family and travel to Oʻahu with her eldest son. With her sister’s help, Gisel found work as a caregiver. However, in order to continue working in the field, Gisel would need to gain her certifications. Unable to afford the classes to gain certification, Gisel followed a reference from Professional Healthcare Educator to contact HCAP’s Central District Service Center about tuition assistance. Gisel enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program and completed all services related to the intake process of the program. Gisel then completed the nurse aide training program to obtain her nurse aide certificate. Gisel immediately found work as a caregiver at Hawaii Senior Care.

The Central staff recently verified that Gisel has retained employment with Hawaii Senior Care for more than 90 days. Central Staff would like to congratulate Gisel on reaching another milestone in the ECS program and want to encourage Gisel to continue to strive for self-sustainability.

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Tornado Exploration at Lincoln

Students at the Lincoln STEM Exploration Center have been learning about storms and other natural disasters. Students explored the development and unique characteristics of tornadoes. The unit is teaching the students how tornadoes are one of the most violent and powerful types of weather. The storms consist of a very fast rotating column of air that usually forms a funnel shape. One way to explore and observe the funnel shape of a tornado is by making them in a jar. The students used mason jars, a little dish soap, and water to make their personal tornadoes. When the students swirl the soapy water in the jar, a vortex of foamy bubbles develops from the top, touching down to the bottom of the jar – just like a natural tornado! This experiment teaches the kids about the science behind storms and weather systems in a fun way. The STEM students loved making tornadoes and wanted to make them again and again. In fact, the classroom is keeping a prepared jar for the students’ continued amusement and learning.

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HCAP Partners with Salvation Army Women’s Way

Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) arranged an outreach event with Salvation Army Women’s Way at their Ke Ola Pono (KOP) cottage where mothers can receive recovery treatment and services. Staff from several HCAP programs attended the outreach excursion and met with the KOP cottage residents. HCAP’s collaborative efforts will provide wrap-around services to KOP residents and those transitioning into the KOP program and beginning their employment search.

During the outreach event, the staff of each HCAP program shared about the services available and assisted the residents with their individual needs. ECS program staff promoted employment services, including GED, tuition assistance, job referrals, transportation assistance, assistance with obtaining work attire, and one-on-one case management. The Head Start staff began the intake process, assisting applicants through one of the barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining employment. Hā Initiative staff also promoted the Lincoln STEM Exploration Center for families with school-aged children.

ECS program staff will be working with the Leahi District staff to build HCAP’s partnership with Salvation Army and continue monthly follow-ups and offer support services.

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Head Start’s School Community

The keiki at the Kailua Head Start inclusion classroom are learning about the importance of their school community. This week, they toured the school cafeteria while learning about the different tools, equipment, and responsibilities of the cafeteria staff. The class employed their sense of sight, sound, and smell as they witnessed a cook prepare lunch for the school. The keiki observed the flour mixer, oven, walk-in refrigerator, and sinks. The students employed their cognitive skills while noticing the food temperatures and compared and contrasted the different sizes of the cafeteria equipment and the ones in their classroom’s Home Center.

Click Here for more information about HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start.