HCAP WEEKLY September 27, 2021

Young Windward Oʻahu Family Bouncing Back From Pandemic Hardships

When Silia and Spencer found themselves unable to keep up with expensive utility payments, the couple reached out to HCAP’s Windward District Service Center for assistance. Spencer was laid off from his security job of five years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and had since been struggling to secure employment that would provide enough income to support his young family. 

With the help of Windward District staff, Silia and Spencer were able to apply for Emergency Crisis Intervention (ECI) through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers this year-round emergency assistance for eligible households with past-due energy bills, including those facing disconnection due to non-payment. Once their application was approved, the ECI credit amount was applied directly to Silia and Spencer’s outstanding balance with the utility company. 

In addition to receiving utility assistance, the couple enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, and have since participated in Job Readiness Training to strengthen their resume and interview skills. Windward District staff are continuing to work with Silia and Spencer on job placements that will bring them closer to their self-sufficiency goals. After a difficult year of facing uncertainties, the family is once again looking forward to what the future holds for them.

Click Here to learn more about LIHEAP.

Virtual Job Readiness Training Offers Career Planning Expertise at a Distance

Christopher first found out about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program through a family member enrolled in the program. He was looking for an opportunity to help provide for his family during the pandemic, and jumped at the chance to enroll and find employment for himself. 

Through Nā Lima Hana, Christopher was able to complete Job Readiness Training focused on planning his career goals. Job Readiness Training sessions are currently offered in a fully remote, online format to ensure the safety of all staff and participants while continuing to provide the service to those in need. 

Christopher was extremely motivated to learn, and worked with Nā Lima Hana staff to start creating an action plan to reach his goals. During the training, Christopher identified the types of jobs he had interest in pursuing and locations he would like to work. He was also able to ask the staff his employment-related questions to better understand the process and qualifications he would need to be successful in his desired field. 

Job Readiness Training is one of the ways the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program helps participants like Christopher clear the path to obtaining employment and reach their long-term goals. Now that Christopher has a clearer plan for his future, he will continue to participate in the range of employment services offered by the program, which includes assistance with building a resume, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and more. 

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services.

Kūpuna Independent Life Series Returns for Fall 2021

The Kūpuna Independent Life Series is back! The program is designed to help kūpuna (seniors) aged 55 and older to “age in place” through exercise, health and wellness workshops, support groups, and free nutritious meals. 

Starting October 1, 2021, through December 17, 2021, kūpuna are invited to join us each Friday from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. for a series of drive-by classes at Leeward District Service Center or drop-off classes at Leahi District Service Center. 

For more information about the Fall 2021 Kūpuna Independent Life Series, contact

HCAP Leeward District Service Center, (808) 696-4261

HCAP Leahi District Service Center, (808) 732-7755

HCAP Head Start Keiki Learn Shapes, Colors, and Counting Through Zoom Lessons

During distance learning lessons, HCAP Head Start teachers keep keiki engaged by utilizing classroom materials on camera while also sharing their screens so the students and parents can easily follow along with the lesson at home. 

This week, Tiffany from Jefferson Pre-Plus joined her teachers, Ms. Sarah and Ms. Denise, via Zoom to learn about shapes and colors. Tiffany read a book about numbers and also identified different shapes she noticed in the pictures. 

Rebecca from Kapālama Head Start was feeling shy at the beginning of her lesson with teacher Ms. Tammie, but had a fun time doing math activities after some encouragement from her dad. Rebecca learned counting, quantifying, and connecting numerals with Ms. Tammie, and even practiced writing her name with her dad!

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