HCAP WEEKLY September 6, 2021

Roadmap to Success: Nā Lima Hana Participant Enrolls in Professional Driving Academy to Obtain CDL License

Kaulana is a young man determined to make his way in this world. As a little boy, Kaulana dreamed of entering the military and serving our country. However, when he was just a teen he broke his collarbone and tibia in six places, crushing his dreams of ever joining the armed forces. This was a major setback for Kaulana and he became extremely depressed for quite some time until he discovered his passion for driving big trucks. This is when Kaulana decided that he would work hard to gain knowledge and experience in mechanics, road and driving safety, and Commercial Driverʻs Licence (CDL) operations.  

Being the child of a single mother, finances were limited. When looking into schooling options for a CDL license, Kaulana and his mother could not afford the cost of the training. However, Kaulana was determined to reach his aspirations despite the limitations and started working at different jobs in hopes of saving enough money to obtain his CDL license. Then COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, Kaulana’s hours at work were severely reduced and inevitably his employment ended. With his plans once again on hold, Kaulana began looking into financial assistance programs that would help fund his CDL training. COVID-19 shutdowns made finding schools for CDL training much more difficult, but Kaulana didnʻt give up and kept pursuing his goals. He began to research ways to finance his CDL training and met with Kimberly at ALU LIKE, Inc., an active partner of HCAP. Kaulana was then referred to HCAP to see if he would qualify for vocational tuition assistance through HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana: Employment Core Services Program.

Kaulana promptly contacted HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center, where he was assisted with completing the Centralized Intake Forms and enrolling in HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana: Employment Core Services Program. Kaulana successfully completed Job Readiness Training and quickly obtained part-time employment. Since then, Kaulana has been accepted into the Hoapili Trucking, LLC., also known as the Professional Driving Academy, and immediately received approval for financial assistance, provided by HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana: Employment Core Services Program! 

“I would love to get my CDL license so that I can have a better career,” Kaulana shared with our staff. “I want to make a better income and have a career to be able to take care of myself and my hardworking mother.” With the help and the collaboration of HCAP services, Kaulana is well on his way to achieving his dream. His mother Jennifer expressed how very grateful she is for the opportunities that the HCAP team has provided for her son.  She thanked Leahi District Service Center Manager, Cory, and Nā Lima Hana’s Program Coordinator, Reiko, for “going above and beyond their duties” and stated, “We are truly grateful. I cannot even express what your program will do for my sonʻs life.”

By continuing to work together and striving to achieve HCAP’s mission, we hope to help more determined young people like Kaulana have the tools and support needed to achieve their dreams.  

For more information about HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program, visit www.hcapweb.org/na-lima-hana-employment-core-services-program/

Free COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination to be Offered at HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center

Live on the Leeward side of Oʻahu? Still need your COVID-19 vaccination or need to get tested for COVID-19? The Honolulu Community Action Program will be hosting a free vaccination and testing event on Tuesday, September 14th at the Leeward District Service Center (85-555 Farrington Highway Waianae, HI 96792) from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The event is a collaboration between Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (“HCAP”), the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Response, Recovery, and Resilience Team, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, Project Vision Hawaiʻi, City & County of Honolulu, Marshallese Community Organization of Hawai’i (MCOH), and Chaminade University of Oʻahu.

Single dose and two-dose COVID-19 vaccine options will be available to participants, free of charge. Walk-ins and individuals without insurance are welcome and encouraged to attend. Individuals who receive their vaccine at HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center will be eligible to enter a drawing for various prizes. All newly-vaccinated individuals attending the events will receive a free bento and $25 Foodland gift card. This is the last event that individuals will be eligible to enter the prize drawings.

“The Leeward Coast of Oʻahu is one of the hardest hit areas of our island.” HCAP Executive Director Robert N.E. Piper: “Itʻs everyoneʻs kuleana to stop the spread of the virus and save lives. We hope that the encouragement of our staff and partners who have established relationships with community members in Leeward Oʻahu will encourage those on the fence to get their vaccination and get tested if they display symptoms.”

HCAP Wrap-Around Services Helps Family Impacted by COVID-19

Christopher and Ginelle first came to HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The couple has five children and prior to COVID-19, Christopher was the sole provider for his ohana. But when the pandemic hit the family was suddenly faced with unexpected financial hardships. The couple had just bought their first home in 2019 and never expected the drastic changes that would come. When Christopher first got laid-off he was struggling with getting unemployment benefits due to the overflow of applicants. The family was suddenly struggling to pay all of their bills, put food on the table, and take care of their children and pets.  

After doing intake with HCAP’s Leeward Community Services Specialist, Michelle, the couple was able to apply for HCAP’s Hāle Kakou Program. Through the program, HCAP was able to provide the couple with mortgage and utility assistance so they could continue to make their payments and maintain stable housing through the tough months ahead. 

Due to the financial uncertainty of her partner, Ginelle decided that it was time for her to find employment. With the help of HCAPʻs Nā Lima Hana: Employment Core Services Program, Ginelle was able to enroll in Kapiʻolani Community College’s Community Health Worker Program and did her practicum at Kamaile Academy. She has now completed her program and is currently looking for employment that will help her family to grow financially. Way to go Ginelle! We are so proud of your accomplishments!

HCAP strives to provide wrap-around services that serve both individuals and families. To learn more about our wide range of services, visit our website: www.hcapweb.org/

Shop for a Cause: Donate to HCAP for the 2021 Foodland Give Aloha Campaign!

The Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. is excited to once again participate in Foodland’s Annual Give Aloha Campaign! During September, Maika`i Card 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 alloted proportionately among all participating organizations based on customer donations to the organizations.

Please consider supporting 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 opportunities for self-sufficiency for Oahu’s most needy families.