In April, CPAF recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Volunteer Appreciation Week, as well as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day (April 5). AANHPI “women working full-time, year-round are paid 92 cents and all earners (including part-time and seasonal) are paid 80 cents for every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men” (Resource: AAUW).

Clients Share their Stories

One of the ways power and control is used against a person is by limiting or removing their access to money. CPAF’s Emergency Shelter holds monthly financial educational groups with residents to help them build economic knowledge and skills. Recently, during a discussion on how to create a budget and plan expenses, two residents shared that they never looked at the cost of groceries or supplies because their perpetrators would take them to the store and the residents would pick what they wanted, and the abusers would buy it for them. For most residents, this was their first time looking at a budget. Besides the two residents that shared during the group, CPAF Emergency Shelter staff have heard similar things from several other former clients. At CPAF, we continually see the impact of financial abuse on survivors’ lives. In recognition, one of our goals remains providing educational opportunities for shelter residents to learn the tools necessary to create sustainable and independent lives.  

Volunteer Spotlight - CTBC Bank

For National Volunteer Appreciation Week, CPAF highlights volunteers Linda Maldonado and Robert De Acevedo from CTBC Bank who host monthly financial literacy workshops for CPAF’s Emergency Shelter residents. 

Robert shares: When I began my career in banking, I started volunteering by teaching financial literacy in the same classroom where my wife taught local low- and moderate- income (LMI) elementary and middle school students. As the son of immigrants, I utilized my fluency in Spanish to help other non-English speakers, as well as small business owners understand the importance of having a foundation in financial literacy. Growing up, I experienced firsthand how poor financial decisions resulted in my parents not only losing a business, but also a marriage. I share CPAF’s mission of building healthy and safe communities.

Linda shares: I used to think banking was about opening savings/checking accounts and applying for loans. I was introduced to Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) through my work in Community Reinvestment. Volunteering with CPAF allows me the opportunity to educate and prepare women on how to handle their financial situations. Lessons include, Understanding Values & Influences on Money, Creating Household Budgets, Managing Debt, Using Credit Cards, and much more. These workshops allow me to share relevant examples of my past financial hardships. I also share how with hard work and time, I came out of those difficult situations. During these financial literacy discussions, I listen to my sisters ask great questions and share their personal stories, too. The CPAF staff and bank volunteers donate their time to teach, but also support these ladies so they never feel they are alone. I am grateful to be a part of the growth strategy of what it takes to overcome and thrive in communities.

We thank Linda and Robert for sharing their time and knowledge in support of our Emergency Shelter residents to establish safe, secure, and independent lives. 

 Join us on May 13!

We invite you to this year’s API YOUTH FORUM, ages 13-24! This year, CPAF is joined by Families in Good Health (FiGH), SAHARA (South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency), and South Asian Network (SAN), as well as amazing youth to put on API YF 2023! This event is held to empower youth in the API community through workshops, guest speakers, and interactive activities. It will be held at the Mayne Events Center in Bellflower CA. Use the QR code or click here to register. Hope to see you all there! 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month & Denim Day 

CPAF was honored to be a part of many community events this past month including the Asian Mental Health Project (AMHP) Survivor Summit, Cherry Blossom Festival at East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Cultural Center, Khmer New Year’s Festival in Long Beach, Take Back the Night at California State University, Los Angeles, USC Health Sciences Outreach, and Wat Thai Songkran Festival in North Hollywood, among others. Staff also recognized Denim Day in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and to bring visibility to the often victim-blaming that survivors experience.

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