HCAP Weekly September 29, 2014

In this week’s issue:

HCAP Selects New Head Start Family Resources Specialist
Head Start Holds Policy Council Elections
Recent High School Graduate Gains Employment
Head Start Families Gather at Kuhio Pre-Plus
HCAP Staff Build Relationships Through Community Collaboration
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HCAP Selects New Head Start Family Resources Specialist

HCAP is pleased to announce that Shanna Maikui has been promoted from Head Start Family Advocate Mentor to Head Start Family Resources Specialist. Shanna replaces Jadyanne Lee, who was recently promoted to Head Start ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance) Manager. As the Head Start Family Resources Specialist, Shanna will report to the Head Start ERSEA Manager and will be responsible for supporting ERSEA components, developing and implementing a training program for parent volunteers, supporting staff in parent engagement, coordinating family services, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with community partners and agencies.
Shanna began her career at HCAP in 2007, starting as a Head Start Family
Advocate, where she learned about the goals and objectives of the Head
Start program, and demonstrated the ability to work with the Head Start
families. In 2011, she became a Head Start Family Advocate Mentor, where she continued to gain the knowledge, skills and experience to prepare her for the responsibilities of Head Start Family Resources Specialist.
HCAP congratulates Shanna for continuing to build upon her achievements and striving to reach her fullest potential for the benefit of HCAP, Head Start, and the people we serve.

Head Start Holds Policy Council Elections

On September 25, 2014, HCAP Head Start held Policy Council Elections and Standing Committee Sign-ups. As a result of the elections, we are happy to announce the appointment of our newly elected Executive Committee members for the 2014-2015 program year. From left to right; Treasurer , Danielle Apilado from Kauluwela Head Start center; Vice-Chairperson, Ramona Josue from Kapua Head Start center; Secretary, Jacqueline Dabu from Salt Lake Head Start center; and Chairperson, J-Nell Cullen from Kalihi Kai Head Start center. We would like to welcome our new officers and look forward to working with them.

Recent High School Graduate Gains Employment Through Assistance of the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services Program

Lacey is a recent graduate of Waianae High School. She resides with her parents, who are both unemployed and live on fixed incomes. Lacey was determined to help her parents with their monthly expenses, thus she went to the HCAP Leeward District Service Center and enrolled in the Na Lima Hana- Employment Core Services Program. Lacey completed job readiness training and received a certificate of completion. She also volunteered at the Leeward district office to gain work experience. In addition, she utilized the employment center to conduct job searches. Because of Lacey’s determination and diligence in participating with the employment services offered through HCAP, she was able to gain part-time employment at Tamura’s Supermarket. Lacey loves her new job working in the fish department and is now able to contribute back to her parents and their home. As Lacey puts it, “This whole experience was helpful.”

Head Start Families Gather at Kuhio Pre-Plus

Head Start Kuhio Pre-Plus held its first “Family Engagement Activity” event for the 2014-2015 school year. Parents and their children gathered for a fun-filled morning, which started with a nutrition activity. They were provided with a paper plate and cut-out pictures of different breakfast food groups that they eat together as a family. After they completed the activity, the families were served breakfast with their children. The teacher shared about how important it is to provide nutritious foods for their children. He also shared his experiences as a father and the important role fathers play in their child’s lives.

HCAP Staff Build Relationships Through Community Collaboration

HCAP’s Kalihi-Palama District Service Center staff Robin Fakaosi and Tasia Paleafei recently attended a Community Hall meeting with the Kamehameha Homes Tenant Association (KHTA). Staff were able to share with the residents information about the Na Lima- Employment Core Services program and other services the Service Center provides, including the upcoming holiday events. HCAP staff look forward to a continuing partnership with the KHTA and Palama Settlement.

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