HCAP WEEKLY September 30, 2024

Kalihi STEM Students’ Astronomy Lesson and Creating a Planet

At Kalihi Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program, students took on new roles as astronomers and dreamers. One of the curriculum themes for September was outer space, with an emphasis on the discovery of Earth’s neighboring planets. For the past few sessions, students have been learning in depth about Earth’s moon, constellations, comets and the difference between gas, ice and rock planets. For one of the solar system projects, students imagined and created a planet of their own. They came up with an original name for their planet, its origin story, climate, number of moons, special landscapes, the distance from the sun and who or what the planet’s inhabitants would be. Once they drafted their ideas, students were more than ready to create their planet. They used paint, colored pencils, and markers to create the exterior of their planet. Students applied upcycled materials such as skewer sticks, cotton balls, glitter, string, cardboard, and washi tape to add depth and detail. Their creativity made the planets come alive!

The students were extremely engaged in this project. They put a great amount of time, effort, and thoughtfulness into their work. Students were curious to learn about their peers’ creations, so they finished this project with a short presentation of their new planets. Students then voted for their top three favorite planets. The student whose planet won first place was named “Startune”, which was made out of crystals. Everyday on Startune, the northern lights fill the night sky, while it rains boba pearls. In second place, a student named her planet “Ice Cream Wonderland”, where humans only eat ice cream all day. In third place was a planet named “Rainbow Star”, where rainbows continuously light up the sky and act as magnets removing bad energy. The students concluded this project with a thoughtful discussion about the importance of conserving planet Earth. In STEM student Calum’s words: “Even though we would like to daydream about living somewhere else, the best place in the universe is planet Earth, and it’s our job to keep it that way.”

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Windward District Staff Gain Insight Through Community Site Visits

The HCAP Windward District Office staff conducted site tours of multiple shelters, transitional homes, and health centers to learn more about current resources and the intake processes that can assist HCAP’s clients. These site tours allowed staff to see the barriers that people in the community face, firsthand, such as the high cost of living and the lack of affordable housing among other issues.

One of the sites visited was Pai’olu Kaiaulu, a transitional shelter for U.S VETS. The center consists of two sides of housing for singles and families The program not only offers housing, but also, counseling, therapeutic gardening, financial literacy classes, and employment services. They conduct these services in-house and through partnering agencies including HCAP’s Leeward District Center.

The Windward staff was able to share programs that HCAP offers and look forward to the new partnerships that were formed as it continues to serve the Windward community.

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Leeward ECS Client Turns Life Around for Him and His Family

James was referred to the HCAP Leeward District Service Center by his case manager for assistance in employment support services. He and his wife raise six children and currently reside in a transitional housing program in Wai’anae. James and his family have been through many life obstacles, including illness after the COVID-19 pandemic, disability, employment loss, and homelessness. Since he was born and raised in Wai’anae, he wanted to live and work within his community. He was offered a position as a residential assistant at a mental health center in Wai’anae but was required to obtain a certification in CPR/First Aid to be employed. This is when the HCAP Leeward staff recommended HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) program to help him overcome the barriers in obtaining this job position.

James completed an intake assessment and a one-on-one job readiness training (JRT) at the Leeward District Center and learned about the importance of budgeting, the basics of computers, resume building, job searching, and job interview preparation. During intake, they created an individual service plan on short-term and long-term goals he would like to accomplish. Within a week, James was able to obtain his Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certification and gain full-time employment. After HCAP staff received his employment verification from his employer, work materials were approved and purchased for James to be able to begin his job, such as scrubs, shoes, and socks.

James has been very appreciative of the services he received and would like HCAP to continue providing the same support services to others within the community. He hopes to one day be a caseworker who can help others in similar situations, receive the support they need to change their lives for the better and to make a difference in the community. The HCAP Leeward District Service Center is so glad to have played a part in helping James get closer to achieving his goals for a better future.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.