Asian and Pacific Islander Civic Action Week Partners
Image features logos of nonprofit organizations participating in Asian and Pacific Islander Civic Action Week (Oct. 11-14, 2022).

From Oct. 11-14, 2022, over a dozen Asian and Pacific Islander (API) nonprofits across the country are launching Civic Action Week, organized by Gold House, to encourage voting, philanthropy, and vaccines. The week will highlight national and local resources heading into midterm elections and flu season, from the Filipino Voter Empowerment Project's PSA starring Timothy Granaderos to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' COVID-19 education campaign We Can Do This. 

"The pandemic has been particularly hard on many Asians and Pacific Islanders facing increasing socioeconomic challenges. We must mobilize to protect our rights and our health," said Jeremy Tran, COO of Gold House, one of the nonprofits leading Civic Action Week.

Indeed, the collective power of APIs should not be overlooked. Asian American voter turnout surged by 47% nationally and across all presidential battleground states in 2020, becoming the margin of victory in key states like Georgia. Asian Americans also assumed some of the highest national and local offices for the first time — from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to Mayors Michelle Wu (Boston), Aftab Pureval (Cincinnati), and Bruce Harrell (Seattle). 

These victories did not come easily, however.

Barriers to voting access continue to exist in critical states like Texas, where a recent poll by Asian Texans for Justice showed that 64% of the API electorate are eager to vote. 

"South Asians in Texas are up against major obstacles at the ballot box," warns Krisan Swaminathan, Chair of SAAVETX. "Voter suppression laws ensnare our people in antiquated voter registration regulations, complicated ballot access, and stringent voter identification requirements. This directly impacts immigrant communities."  

Many API communities have also been facing limited healthcare and financial resources, despite increasing challenges in recent years.    

"With the prevalence of chronic illnesses among Pacific Islanders and likeliness of our communities living in multi-family and multi-generational households, prioritizing health in our community today is key to ensuring we aren't one of the hardest hit communities in the next health crisis," Karla Thomas, Deputy Director of EPIC, explains. 

But with less than 1% of philanthropic dollars going to API nonprofits, these organizations are working together to empower their communities through creative ways like Civic Action Week.

"Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced many challenges over the past few years. But as a community, we did not stay silent," says Kevin Hirano, Director of Operations and Development of APIAVote. "The change we want and need can only happen when we vote and take others with us to the polls."

Visit www.civicactionweek.com for a full list of resources and events.  

About Civic Action Week 

Civic Action Week is a grassroots effort to empower Asian and Pacific Islanders nationwide with accessible resources on voting, philanthropy, and vaccines. Participating organizations include AALEAD, APIAVote, Asia Services in Action, Asian Texans for Justice, CAUSE, Chinese-American Planning Council, EPIC, HAVEN, SAAVE TX, The SEAD Project, and VAYLA New Orleans.

Pathways donation will help feed hungry families at Hope Center Community Kitchen
(L-R): Becky Bolt, Hope Center Board Chair; \nGene Miller, Hope Center Board Member; \nShannon Dishong, Pathways Branch Manager; Max Bennett, Pathways Business Development Specialist; Tisha Miller, Hope Center; \nBlythe Carter, Pathways Service Rep

Pathways Financial Credit Union's Business Development Specialist Max Bennett presented Becky Bolt, Board Chair of the Hope Center in Marysville, with a $2,500 check to help provide meals for residents of Union County. The check will go toward funding the Hope Center's Community Kitchen, which serves free meals to anyone regardless of residency.

"Pathways and the Hope Center both feel a deep responsibility to serve our community. We are very fortunate to be able to support the mission of the Hope Center by providing funding whenever possible," said Shannon Dishong, Branch Manager of Pathways in Marysville. 

The Hope Center provides much-needed assistance to disadvantaged residents of Union County by connecting them to vibrant community relationships and by equipping the next generation to pursue a hopeful future. As a vital part of the community, the Hope Center relies on support from local organizations and businesses to help Union County residents get back on their feet. 

Bolt stated, "We feed more than 200 people per day at the Hope Center. This donation will provide a hot meal for many people." 

Pathways Financial Credit Union has a strong commitment to the community. Their symbol, the sprout, depicts a metaphor that life blooms in unexpected directions. With strong community roots, we can weather any storm. For more information, visit pathwayscu.com. 

The first episode of Free of Fear Full of Joy, a girl empowerment podcast, has been released. The multigenerational/interracial podcast, hosted by Johari Williams and Sarah Manuel, will focus on "strong opinions and good intentions." 

Through shared stories of loss and trauma, the podcast is designed to take those potentially negative experiences and turn them into motivational podcasts for women and others. Through this process, the hosts hope to help listeners to become more optimistic, to not allow loss and trauma to dictate their lives. 

The title of the podcast is a reference to a mantra Johari Williams created during a particularly challenging time. It refers to specific mantras she created: "First, I will be fearless in my communication. Second, I will be consistent in my communication. Third, I will be free of fear in my decisions. Fourth, I will find joy in my communication, consistency, and decisions." 

"We want to be encouraging and positive. Even though Sarah is 37 and I'm a bit older, we've found so many commonalities. We've found that we both have this desire to want to help people, and not necessarily to tell them what to do. We can provide experience in what we've gone through. Then, we can help folks to move forward in their own way, if not necessarily in our own way. This is a podcast about confronting and dealing with bad situations for women who are going through it from women who have gotten through it. We really enjoy this life, and look forward to sharing words of encouragement, wisdom, and even a little silliness. Well, a lot of silliness," said Johari Williams, co-host of Free of Fear Full of Joy. 

The podcast is available for download from the Free of Fear Full of Joy website but can also be found on Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, and elsewhere. Currently, they are working on new episodes. 

For more information about empowering podcasts, podcasts to inspire women or to make a press inquiry, contact Free of Fear Full of Joy at https://www.freeoffearfullofjoy.com/. 

Brooke Bryant as Media & PR Specialist Savvy Cleaner
Brooke Bryant as Media & PR Specialist Savvy Cleaner

Savvy Cleaner, the company that produces the Ask a House Cleaner show and podcast, is over the moon as Brooke Bryant rockets relationship-building as a Media and PR Specialist. Relationship building with brand partners is a fundamental aspect of Savvy Cleaner. Bryant's business savvy provides a meteoric lift to the company and its clients.

Hiring Experienced Workers Pays Off Big Time

According to AARP.org, "Well over a third (37.3 percent) of the U.S. essential workforce are ages 50 and older, amounting to 16.1 million workers." This statistic proves true for the Savvy Cleaner Team as well. "Well over half of our team are Gen X'ers," adds Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner. "We've been able to leverage their years of experience, business acumen, and seasoned relationship building into our brand interactions."

Savvy Cleaner, an influencer in the professional cleaning space, relies heavily on technology to reach its audience. With Bryant's expertise in relationship building and technology, she's the perfect fit for our Media and PR clients.

About Brooke Bryant 

Brooke Bryant, a native Carolinian, grew up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and has lived in and around Waxhaw, North Carolina for the past 30+ years. She navigated a vibrant real estate market for over ten years building relationships with homeowners, investors, attorneys, and lenders.

Bryant is an active volunteer with the short-term crisis Matthews HELP Center, as well as a volunteer with the Union County Humane Society, and a foster rescue for animals. She enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family, even more since she recently became a grandmother for the first time. 

About Savvy Cleaner 

Savvy Cleaner (https://savvycleaner.com) is a training and certification program for house cleaners and maids. Savvy Cleaner started the Ask a House Cleaner show on YouTube in 2017 to raise the standards of house cleaning through proper training, tools, and techniques.

iQuanti: Loans with collateral, also called secured loans, require you to put down a valuable item such as jewelry to secure the loan. The bank can seize this item if you default, reducing their risk. So, these loans tend to offer lower rates, larger loan amounts, and longer terms. And better yet, some don't require you to have a good credit score. Personal loans with collateral are widely available at various locations. This article will cover three of the most common places to find them:

1. Banks

Banks are one of the main sources of loans with collateral. To get a secured loan from a bank, you can start by shopping around online to get prequalified. This lets you see terms you're likely to qualify for without credit-damaging hard inquiries.

When you find a good potential offer, you can go into the bank and bring your collateral. You'll provide information about your income and employment, and you may undergo a credit check. The bank will also appraise the collateral to determine how much to offer you. If approved, you can receive funding within a couple days, if not that same day.

2. Online lenders

These days, online lenders make it possible to apply for a secured loan and get the funding without leaving home. The process is much like an in-person loan but from the comfort of your couch. You can shop around with online lenders and get prequalified, then start applying with the one that offers terms that work for your financial situation and needs.

You'll provide similar information as with the bank. For the collateral, you may need to have it appraised. With title loans, for instance, the lender appraises your vehicle and may ask for proof of income and employment. Then, they'll offer you a loan worth 25% to 50% of the car's appraised value. This may or may not involve leaving home, depending on the lender. Many online lenders offer same-day approval and funding, allowing you to get a loan fast.

3. Pawn shops

Pawn shops let you get a quick secured loan with nearly any item you own. To get a loan, you'll bring your collateral into the pawn shop for appraisal. The pawn broker will then offer you a loan amount and terms based on their appraisal. With this type of loan, there are no credit checks.

If you accept the loan offer, you'll leave the item with the pawn shop, then get your loan and a claim ticket to claim your item upon repayment. You'll usually have 30 days to repay the loan plus finance charges. If you can't repay, you lose legal possession of your collateral. There won't be any credit score damages or collections agencies to deal with.

The bottom line

Secured loans are typically easier to get than unsecured loans, making them a good potential option for borrowers with poor credit or who are working on improving their finances. Banks offer a more traditional experience, whereas online lenders let you get a loan without leaving home. Pawn loans don't require credit checks and can work for individuals with a valuable item they're willing to use as collateral. Whichever option you choose, make sure you shop around to find great rates and terms that are in alignment with your financial needs. This will help you keep interest costs down and avoid defaulting while getting the money you need.

Ori Gorfine, President of Onelife Fitness, Rebrands Eight Sport & Health Locations This Fall
Smiling man, president of Onelife Fitness

US Fitness Holdings, LLC has announced that it is converting its remaining eight Sport&Health Clubs to the Onelife Fitness brand. 

The largest health and fitness provider in the greater Washington, D.C., region, Onelife Fitness expands its footprint in the DMV to 30 current locations and growing — with over 50 throughout Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Georgia, employing over 3,500.   

The eight Sport&Health Clubs that will be rebranded to Onelife Fitness include Bethesda, Capitol Hill, Crystal Park, McLean, Old Town Alexandria, Northwest, Pike&Rose, and Tysons. The rebrand will include over $1 million in renovations and new equipment to include the signature features of Onelife Fitness and a refreshed cosmetic look throughout each location.

"The DC market is consistently ranked as one the healthiest cities in America, and as the largest health and fitness provider in the region, we are so excited to expand the Onelife Fitness footprint and provide proven fitness solutions and amenities at an unparalleled price," said Ori Gorfine, President and Chief Operating Officer. 

"By rebranding Sport&Health to Onelife Fitness, members of both brands will now have access to more locations, increasing accessibility and convenience. Now more than ever, we need to be prioritizing our physical and mental health. With the value Onelife Fitness provides, we make living a happier and healthier life affordable and accessible to all communities," Gorfine said. 

Current Sport&Health members will receive access to existing Onelife Fitness locations. In addition, US Fitness is on schedule to open its already announced locations at Upton Place (Summer 2023) in Northwest D.C. and in Clinton, Maryland (Fall 2023). 

About US Fitness Holdings, LLC

Founded in 2011, US Fitness began with a singular focus to develop the most welcoming and modern health club that delivers unparalleled value without compromising on amenities and service. At US Fitness, we believe that the best fitness plan is the one you do, which is why we offer the latest in cardio and strength equipment, functional turf workout areas, cutting-edge group and personal training programs combined with the greatest variety of group fitness classes all complemented by luxury-spa facilities and recovery options. The club's proprietary fitness offerings include Explosive Performance, APEX-HIIT, Spark Cycle, and Strike Boxing, which deliver the experience and performance of leading boutique fitness studios all under one roof. Supported by more than 3,500 professional team members, US Fitness is committed to providing the most supportive and valued fitness experience in our Clubs. The Company also operates a Crunch Fitness in Chevy Chase, Maryland. US Fitness is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

To learn more about US Fitness or to find the club nearest you, please visit us at onelifefitness.com.