麻州亞美局即日起接受獎學金、新委員申請 9/23辦青年領袖會

               (Boston Orange)麻州亞美局(Asian American Commission)將於9月23日(週六)舉辦第六屆青年領袖會議，即日起接受大專學生申請獎學金，歡迎各界人士申請加成為新委員。
               麻州亞美局(AAC)27日宣佈，定9月23日的早上9點至下午2點，假查理士街的越美社區中心(VietAID)辦第六屆青年領袖研討會。
               麻州亞美局的獎學金，獎額1000元，以即將升讀大學者為對象，即日起接受申請，尤其歡迎醫療健康，人類及社會服務，公共事務等領域的學生。
                8月1日起至9月16日止，麻州亞美局也將接受各界申請，加入21名麻州亞美局委員行列。該局鼓勵以往曾經申請，但未獲指派者重新申請。
               麻州亞美局強調，21名委員席位，由麻州7名首長個指派3人，麻州亞美局現任成員無權挑選。查詢申請詳情可上網http://www.aacommission.org/about/membership/。

SAVE THE DATE Asian American Commission’s 6th Annual Young Leaders Symposium Date: September 23, 2017 Location: Vietnamese American Community Center (VietAID) 42 Charles Street, Boston, MA  02215 Time: 9am to 2pm   Our 6th Annual Young Leaders Symposium is designed to engage young leaders and promote leadership. This year’s attendees will learn about all the aspects of a great leader through communication, public speaking, the importance of setting goals and planning, networking, conflict resolution, and decision making. More information to come regarding speakers and registration.

Accepting Scholarship Applications! The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission’s AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) Scholarship.  We are pleased to continue its annual scholarship in the amount of $1000 for an incoming or current college student to use towards their undergraduate education expenses.  We would like to consider candidates who would like to continue his or her studies towards a career in health, human or social services and/or civic engagement and have a passion for giving back to the AAPI community in Massachusetts. Please click on the icon to get to the scholarship introduction and application. The application must be fully completed and returned (via email, hand-delivery, or regular mail) to Bora Chiemruom, Executive Director of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission by August 18, 2017 for consideration. Scholarship to be presented at the Young Leaders Symposium on Saturday, September 23, 2017.

Accepting Commissioner Applications! The Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of MA invites you to apply to become a Commissioner. Applications will be accepted during the period of August 1, 2017 to September 16, 2017. If you, or someone you know, are interested in further serving and supporting the Asian American & Pacific Islander communities of MA, please consider applying and/or spreading the word! If you submitted an application to be a Commissioner in the past and were not selected in previous years, please resubmit your application to be considered for this current application cycle. Please note that appointments are determined by the appointing offices and NOT by the Commission. You can access the application at the link, below: http://www.aacommission.org/about/membership/ If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Bora Chiemruom, Executive Director at bora.chiemruom@aacommission.org.

AG SECURES $1 MILLION FOR CONSUMERS EXPLOITED BY LARGEST DEBT COLLECTION LAW FIRM IN MASSACHUSETTS

AG SECURES $1 MILLION FOR CONSUMERS EXPLOITED BY LARGEST DEBT COLLECTION LAW FIRM IN MASSACHUSETTS

Law Firm Filed More Than 200,000 Lawsuits, Many for Inaccurate or Unsubstantiated Debts

BOSTON – The largest debt collection law firm in Massachusetts and its two owners have agreed to pay $1 million in restitution and significantly change their practices after Attorney General Maura Healey took action against them for widespread consumer abuses impacting thousands of Massachusetts consumers.

A consent judgment – entered against Lustig, Glaser & Wilson, P.C. (Lustig) and its two principals, Ronald E. Lustig and Kenneth C. Wilson – alleges they routinely sued consumers for debts they did not owe or debts that were inaccurate, and consistently violated state law and abused the court system in their pursuit of debts.

“This firm has clogged our court system with more than 200,000 lawsuits against Massachusetts residents. In case after case, the firm has used faulty or inaccurate information to intimidate people into making payments,” AG Healey said. “We will not stand by while debt collectors exploit consumers and demand money that doesn’t belong to them. This settlement will make the business of debt collection fairer and more transparent for the people of Massachusetts.”

“For low-income families, breaking the cycle of poverty is complex enough without getting harassed for unsubstantiated debt,” said Ruthie Liberman, Vice President of Public Policy at EMPath. “It can be a barrier to landing a job or finding an apartment. Our thanks to the Attorney General for looking out for them.”

Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, Lustig has paid $1 million to the AG’s Office that will provide restitution to potentially thousands of Massachusetts consumers, including those who were on social security and other exempt income who paid Lustig, despite proving that their income was exempt from court-ordered collection. 

            Lustig has also significantly changed its debt collection practices as a result of this settlement, including the following:

·         Protect consumers on exempt income: Lustig is now required to disclose to consumers that certain income is exempt and will cease collection if the consumer is elderly or disabled and relies solely on exempt income. These protections also extend to consumers who are experiencing a financial hardship, such as earning wages below a certain threshold or receiving unemployment benefits.

·         Prohibit collection of debts without proof: Lustig must now obtain documentation and verify the accuracy of a consumer’s debt before attempting to collect. Lustig cannot rely solely on spreadsheets as a basis to sue consumers – a practice that was commonplace at the firm previously.

·         Require review by an attorney: Lustig is barred from suing any consumer for a debt unless an attorney has meaningfully reviewed appropriate documentation and determined that there is sufficient evidence to support its claims. Lustig must stop filing affidavits signed without personal knowledge. 

·         Stop misuse of collection lawsuits: Lustig cannot use court processes, such as payment review hearings and civil arrest warrants, to apply pressure and intimidate consumers who have no ability to pay the debt or are living on exempt income. 

·         Respond appropriately to consumer disputes: Lustig must cease collection unless it investigates the dispute and provides consumers proof of the debt.

The AG’s Office filed a lawsuit against Lustig and its two owners in 2015, alleging that beginning in 2011, Lustig filed tens of thousands debt collection lawsuits annually in Massachusetts, based largely on unsubstantiated and often inaccurate debts owned by national debt buyers. Many of these lawsuits were filed against consumers whose only source of income was social security or other types of income that were legally exempt from court-ordered payment.

The complaint alleged that to make their practice possible, Lustig allegedly relied on simple spreadsheets provided by national debt buyers, which allowed them to process up to thousands of consumer accounts for collection and litigation in a single day, all while knowing that the information was often inaccurate and unverified. The AG’s Office alleged that Lustig also filed deceptive lawsuits against consumers, used false and misleading court filings, and demanded payment of time-barred or dismissed debts.

AG Healey’s Office regularly receives consumer complaints about debt collection abuses and has taken legal action against a number of debt collectors.

Earlier this month, the AG’s Office sued a Lowell debt collection attorney and was granted an injunction barring him from threatening consumers with arrest or imprisonment for nonpayment of small debts. In September 2016, the AG’s Office announced that Ditech Financial, LLC, a national mortgage servicer, paid $1.4 million and agreed to strengthen its policies over its alleged abusive debt collection practices that affected more than 5,000 borrower accounts in Massachusetts. 

The AG’s Office is committed to combatting abusive debt collection practices. Consumers who have been impacted by Lustig or who have questions or concerns about such practices can call the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint with the office. 

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Peter Downing and Benjamin Golden, Legal Analyst Sarah Petrie, and Division Chief Max Weinstein, all of AG Healey’s Consumer Protection Division, Investigator Anthony Crespi, and Maja Kazmierczak, Cornelio Lozada and James McAdam the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division’s Debt Collection team. 

AARP表揚三位亞太裔社區英雄 熱心服務50歲以上民眾獲獎

AARP表揚三位亞太裔社區英雄

熱心服務50歲以上民眾獲獎

AARP Celebrates

Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Heroes

AARP Honors Individuals Who Serve AAPIs Age 50-plus

【華盛頓哥倫比亞特區2017年7月27日訊】–AARP隆重宣布第二屆亞太裔社區英雄獎的三位獲獎者。此獎項旨在表揚在非營利組織中辛勤工作，全心服務50歲以上亞太裔民眾的職員和義工。

亞太裔社區英雄獎的三位得獎者及其所屬機構將各獲$1,000現金獎：

• 紐約市Glen Oaks社區印度之家南亞裔老人中心主任Dilafroz Nargis Ahmed, Desi Senior Center Director, India Home, Glen Oaks, NY

Ahmed服務紐約市皇后區的孟加拉新移民社群三十年。自從加入印度之家南亞裔老人中心以來，他一直致力於提供一個符合文化的環境，幫助改善弱勢南亞裔耆老的生活品質。自2014年起，Ahmed更努力把印度之家打造成為一個適合老年移民共聚交誼、在新國家互相扶助適應生活、並建設屬於自己社區的場所。Ahmed還幫助稍為年長的孟加拉裔民眾獲得社會服務及找到工作。

• 費城東南亞裔互助協會聯盟外展職員Shongchai Hang, Outreach Worker, South East Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Philadelphia, PA

Shongchai Hang致力服務東南亞難民和移民長者超過30年。特別是在過去的11年中，Hang一直在東南亞裔互助協會聯盟擔任老撾裔移民外展工作，協助費城不同的低收入社區民眾改善生活。在每週的長者聚會上，他鼓勵不同文化背景的長者建立溝通橋樑，在這方面發揮不可或缺的作用。 他還幫助社區成員發揮自己領導潛力，例如招募和支持老撾裔長者擔任東南亞裔互助協會聯盟的長者委員會成員。與此同時，Hang還幫助老年人申請不同的社會服務和善用醫療保健系統。Hang深諳多種語言，他通曉老撾語、苗族語、泰語和英語，因此能夠為多個不同文化背景的長者社群提供服務。

• 新澤西州澤西市泛美公民行動聯盟創始人及榮譽會長Linda Mayo, Founder and President Emeritus, Pan-American Concerned Citizens Action League, Jersey City, NJ)

Linda Mayo服務澤西市菲律賓裔和亞裔社區超過30年。1992年，她並創立PACCAL，成為澤西州第一個關注菲律賓和其他亞裔健康和公眾服務需求的機構，並特別著重老年人和退伍軍人等方面，使得PACCAL成為哈德森縣衛生局（DHHS）老人服務辦公室轄下唯一承認的亞裔服務機構。 PACCAL是一個多功能組織，除了為長者舉辦社交和娛樂活動，並協助耆老和退伍軍人成功申請可負擔房屋、協調公民入籍和選民登記、及幫助家庭暴力受害者、和舉辦教育、藝術和文化講座。

“恭喜Dilafroz、Shongchai和 Linda，感謝他們對亞太裔耆老的無私奉獻和提供的卓越服務，” AARP 多元文化引領亞太裔受眾副總裁 Daphne Kwok（郭為婉）說： “他們是無聲的英雄，每天都努力地改善老年人及其家屬的生活。他們付出了無法衡量的時間、才能與熱情，不單改善長者和其家屬的生活，更造福整個亞太裔社區。他們的獲獎實至名歸。AARP讚揚2017年社區英雄獎三位獲獎者和所有被提名人士，他們啟發我們每個人更進一步，更好的服務長者。”

AARP收到了來自亞利桑那州、加州、科羅拉多州，佛羅里達州、喬治亞州、夏威夷、伊利諾伊州、新澤西州、紐約州、賓州、德克薩斯州，華盛頓州和華盛頓哥倫比亞特區等全國各地的提名表格。 這些傑出的候選人包括在醫療保健、住房、社會服務、教育和媒體工作的行政總監、職人員和義工。AARP挑選了當中10名佼佼者進入決賽，並由AARP旗下的亞太裔Facebook網友投票選出最終三名社區英雄。

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 27, 2017 – AARP is proud to announce the winners of its 2nd Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards that were created to acknowledge the hard-working staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations serving AAPIs age 50-plus.

Three AARP Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Award winners and their organizations will each receive a $1,000 cash prize:

• Dilafroz Nargis Ahmed, Desi Senior Center Director, India Home, Glen Oaks, NY

Dilafroz Nargis Ahmed has helped new immigrants in the Bangladeshi community in Queens, New York for three decades. At Desi senior center India Home, Ahmed works to improve the quality of life of vulnerable South Asian seniors in a culturally appropriate environment. Since 2014, Ahmed has strived to make India Home a comfortable place for immigrant seniors to come together, adjust to living in a new country, and build community. Ahmed also helps Bangladeshi older adults access services and find jobs.

• Shongchai Hang, Outreach Worker, South East Asian Mutual Assistance Associations Coalition, Philadelphia, PA

Shongchai Hang has been dedicated to serving Southeast Asian refugee and immigrant elders for more than 30 years. For the past 11 years, Hang has worked as SEAMAAC’s Lao Outreach Worker to help diverse low-income communities in Philadelphia. At weekly Elders Gatherings, he plays an integral role in building bridges between elders from diverse communities. He helps community members to see their own leadership potential, by recruiting and supporting Lao elders to serve on SEAMAAC’s Elders Council. Hang also helps seniors apply for social services and navigate the health care system. Hang’s ability to speak Lao, Hmong, Thai, and English allows him to serve diverse groups of seniors.

• Linda Mayo, Founder and President Emeritus, Pan-American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL), Jersey City, NJ

Linda Mayo has served the local Filipino & Asian American community for more than 30 years. In 1992, Mayo found PACCAL, the first organization in Jersey City to address the health and human service needs of Filipinos and other Asians with a focus on senior citizen and veterans’ programs. It holds the distinction of being the only Asian Provider Agency recognized by the Hudson County Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office on Aging. PACCAL is a multi-service organization that organizes social and recreational activities for seniors, assists seniors and veterans apply successfully for affordable housing, coordinates citizenship and voter registrations, helps victims of domestic violence, and holds education, art and cultural workshops.

“Congratulations to Dilafroz, Shongchai, and Linda for their exemplary contributions and dedication to our seniors,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “They are unsung heroes who every day are improving the lives of seniors and their families. They devote their time, talents, and passion to making a difference—not only to the elders and their families— but to the greater community. AARP commends all of our 2017 Heroes and all of those who were nominated for inspiring each and every one of us.”

AARP received submissions from around the country including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Washington, DC. The stellar nominees included executive directors, staff, and volunteers who work in healthcare, housing, social services, education, and media. Ten finalists were selected by AARP, and the winners were chosen by AARP AAPI Facebook visitors.

摩頓高中"學而賺"獎助金項目蓋出微型環保屋

Learn and Earn Grant inspires “Tiny House” at MHS

Malden High School Transition Coordinator Kelli Collomb gives
Mayor Christenson a "tour" of the tiny house

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Ted Lombardi, Principal of Malden High School recently announced that Malden High School has been awarded a "Learn and Earn" Grant by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for academic year 2017-2018. MHS was the recipient of this grant for the 2016-2017 year as well.

Mayor Christenson, City of Malden Building Inspectors, MHS
Staff and Program participants with their Building Permit for
the tiny house!

Twenty students completed an application process to become part of the “Learn and Earn” program where they complete more than 80 additional hours of classwork to learn about how to create career paths, write resumes and learn interview skills. They also learn important lessons about dependability and professionalism in the workplace. The Signal Success curriculum (designed to teach young people essential skills for future success) from Commonwealth Corporation guides their learning in this area.  Students also explore clean energy jobs and receive enhanced learning and classwork in environmental science, circuitry, clean energy generation, and construction.

As the culminating project for the 2016-17 schoolyear grant, students are in the process of building a clean and energy efficient “Tiny House.” Students work 25 hours each week and are paid $11 per hour for their labor. The building will serve as a model to teach them about green construction, efficiency, clean energy use and generation, solar energy, and smart technology. The construction and planning for the energy efficient Tiny House began in the “Maker Space” at Malden High School with modular parts, and has now been moved onto the grounds of Malden High School. The Maker Space at Malden High School houses technologies like 3D printers, robotics, microcontrollers and electronics, a fully-functioning wood-shop, and the resources to build and experiment with planning and construction. By the end of the summer 2017, the basic construction of the tiny house will be complete, with a number of clean energy components actively running.

Participating youth have also engaged in worksite visits, learning and experiential projects and training with the City of Malden Building Department, Tufts University, and Solar City. Students also have the opportunity to earn pre-apprenticeship hours through their work on the Tiny House through an agreement with the Division of Apprentice Standards.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a publicly funded agency dedicated to accelerating the success of clean energy technology, companies and projects in the Commonwealth- while creating high quality jobs and long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.  Since it began operating in 2009, Mass CEC has helped clean energy companies grow, supported municipal clean energy projects and invested in residential and commercial renewable energy installation, creating a robust marketplace for innovative clean technology companies and service providers.

Stay tuned as youth and staff complete the project, and get ready for additional projects in Clean Energy in 2017-2018! (摩頓市府提供)

Governor Baker Signs Bipartisan Pregnant Worker Protection Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Bipartisan Pregnant Worker Protection Legislation

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today signed H. 3680, An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill to extend protections to pregnant workers in the Commonwealth.  The legislation will prohibit workplace and hiring discrimination related to pregnancy and nursing, and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for expectant and new mothers in the workplace.  This includes access to less strenuous workloads, altered work schedules, time off with or without pay and private nursing space.

The Governor was joined by members of the Legislature at a signing ceremony at the State House to enact H. 3680, An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which closes gaps in federal law for employers of six or more.

“This bipartisan legislation extends critical protections to women in the workplace and I thank the Legislature for their collaboration with advocates from both the women’s health and business communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These provisions are important to expectant and working moms supporting their families and raising healthy children.”

“As a working mom, I know how important it is to balance job responsibilities and family life to support our kids,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Ensuring women in the workplace raising their children have access to these protections is important to the strength and safety of our economy, families and communities.”

“No expecting mother should have to choose between a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “This legislation would ensure that women’s medical needs are addressed without imposing undue burden on employers throughout Massachusetts.”

“This is a proud day for Massachusetts and reinforces our dedication to protecting our residents - especially as events in Washington threaten the safety and security of women,” said Speaker Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “By bringing diverse stakeholders to the table we drafted a consensus-based bill that can be implemented smoothly and stand the test of time. I want to sincerely thank the advocates who courageously shared their stories; they are heroes who have made Massachusetts a more just and safe place.”

"Pregnant workers will never again have to choose between keeping their job and the health of their pregnancy," said Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem). "This bill becomes law with the full support of the Governor, legislature, advocates and employers. Pregnant workers and their families deserve the protections contained in this law to ensure their health, safety and prosperity. It is a clear recognition of the important role these individuals play in our households, economy and society."

Representative David Rogers (D-Cambridge) said, “Today, once again, Massachusetts has acted boldly to advance the cause of civil rights, women’s rights, and equal opportunity.  The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a bill I introduced, makes clear that women seeking reasonable assistance from their employers for certain conditions or needs related to their pregnancy must be treated fairly. I thank Speaker DeLeo for his leadership, the ninety-nine of my House colleagues who co-sponsored this legislation and, most of all, the many courageous women who stepped forward to tell their stories while the bill was under consideration. Together today we send a powerful message in support of equal opportunity in our Commonwealth.  And we must be mindful of the moment. It is particularly heartening that Massachusetts is taking this action at a time when many in our national government seem determined to go in the wrong direction on women’s rights.”

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON PASSAGE OF THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON PASSAGE OF THE PREGNANT WORKERS FAIRNESS ACT

BOSTON – Today, Attorney General Maura Healey issued the following statement regarding passage of The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act:

“The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is an important step towards achieving equality in the workplace. We know that 75 percent of women will be pregnant at some point in their working lives and too often they are forced out of their jobs – or forced to take absences from work – at a time when they and their families need the income and job stability the most. This law will help ensure that employers provide reasonable accommodations to address the needs of pregnant women and nursing mothers. I applaud Speaker DeLeo, Senate President Rosenberg and the House and Senate for passing this legislation, and thank Governor Baker for signing it into law today.”

Malden YWCA Receives $117K Grant for Ferryway Elementary School Program

Malden YWCA Receives $117K Grant for Ferryway Elementary School Program

MALDEN – Representative Steve Ultrino (D – Malden) and Representative Paul Donato (D – Medford/Malden) announced today that YWCA Malden has been awarded an $117,047 grant to expand their out-of-school program at Ferryway Elementary School. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grant will provide out of school opportunities for Ferryway students grades K-5 through a partnership between the YWCA Malden and Malden Public Schools.

                                                   

“This funding will expand learning opportunities by providing meaningful academic enrichment for Malden students beyond the regular school day,” said Representative Steve Ultrino. “This grant would not have been possible without a strong partnership between YWCA Malden and Malden Public Schools. As an educator and former Malden School Committee member, I know how much extended learning time programs bring to our community.”

“It’s wonderful that Malden children will have more learning opportunities available to them,” said Representative Paul Donato. “I’m pleased that this funding will help our schools engage with students throughout the day.”

                                                                          

The 21st CCLC program provides federal funding for community learning centers that provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for children in order to meet state and local standards in core academic subjects.  Nearly $3 million in funding has been awarded to twenty-one school districts and organizations across the Commonwealth.

“YWCA Malden has been a partner in education with the Ferryway School for more than a decade,” said YWCA Malden Executive Director Laureen Scibinico. “Support from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education through 21stCCLC funding will allow us to expand critical learning opportunities for students in grade K-5. Participants will engage in a rich blend of creative, student-centered project –based activities that bring education to life while providing families the support they need to help their children succeed.  Working together we will be able to strengthen the home/school/community partnership that can be a powerful influence on students’ educational success.”

Money from the grant can be used by YWCA Malden for salaries, stipends, contracts, instructional materials, and any other expenses related to the running of the Ferryway out-of-school time program.