Virginia 30 Day Fund & Fairfax County NAACP Team Up To Fund Minority-Owned Small Businesses

April 23, 2020

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Virginia 30 Day Fund and the Fairfax County NAACP announced today that they have launched a partnership to provide direct financial assistance to minority-owned small businesses in Northern Virginia that are struggling to meet payroll, preserve health coverage and save jobs as they await recently approved federal funding in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

Backed by a fundraising commitment by Fairfax County NAACP and the Virginia 30 Day Fund, the partnership will empower the Virginia 30 Day Fund to expand its reach even further as it works to provide much-needed financial assistance to a diverse array of Virginia small businesses. Since its April 6 launch, the nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund has funded over 90 Virginia small businesses, and continues to review applications and fund additional Virginia small businesses each day.

As NBC Washington reports, “[o]ne of the businesses Snyder’s fund is helping support is the Springfield Collision Center, a family-owned collision repair shop. Thomas Kim’s father, Yong, opened the shop after immigrating to Northern Virginia from South Korea decades ago. ‘Kind of living the American dream,’ Kim said. ‘Opens up his own shop … taking care of his family.’ Taking care of the family is proving difficult now that business has slowed to a crawl … ‘We’re just looking for any help as our family’s livelihood is at stake,’ Kim said…”

Additionally, Fairfax NAACP President, Sean Perryman, and Executive Council Member Naveed Shah will join the Review and Funding Committee for this partnership with the Virginia 30 Day Fund.

“The small business community is in desperate need of support due to the pandemic. Fairfax County NAACP is excited to expand its effort to assist the community by partnering with the Virginia 30 Day Fund,” said Sean Perryman, Fairfax County NAACP President. “The money raised and given out will be crucial as minority-owned businesses make up 41 percent of the small business community. These forgivable loans will be a vital lifeline that will have a positive impact for employees and families throughout Northern Virginia.”

“Small businesses throughout Virginia are hurting right now through no fault of their own, so we want to do everything we can to reach every community in the Commonwealth to the greatest extent possible, and ultimately save as many Virginia jobs as possible,” Pete Snyder, the nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund’s co-founder, said. “The Fairfax County NAACP’s partnership in this effort will be invaluable in helping the Virginia 30 Day Fund identify and aid even more struggling small businesses, especially those backed by minority business owners. We want to do everything we can to help so they can keep their employees on payroll and make it through this crisis.”

The Virginia 30 Day Fund application process is designed to be quick and easy for qualified small businesses in Virginia:

Visit va30dayfund.com.
Fill out a one-page form.
Submit a brief video (up to three minutes) about the business and its employees.
Approval will occur within three days, and approved businesses can expect an immediate transfer of funds.

Virginia businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are small businesses:

Employing three to 30 people;
Based in Virginia and operating for at least one year;
Owned and operated by a Virginia resident.

The funds dispersed to qualified businesses by the nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses that receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Virginia small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the money to another qualified Virginia business.

The Virginia 30 Day Fund was also designed to be “open-source,” so it could be replicated in other states and localities throughout the nation. The 30 Day Fund model has already been replicated by business leaders in Georgia, who just days ago, launched the Macon-Bibb 30 Day Fund and a 30 Day Fund is expected to be launched in Pennsylvania as soon as next week.

To learn more about the Fairfax County NAACP, visit fairfaxnaacp.org

To learn more about the nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund, visit va30dayfund.com.

SOURCE Virginia 30 Day Fund

(Español) L’Oréal Paris anuncia la búsqueda de historias de Women of Worth que crean un impacto positivo

April 23, 2020

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Puerto Rico Welcomes Back Q Link Wireless to Connect You to Loved Ones, Work and Emergency Services

April 23, 2020

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DANIA BEACH, Fla., April 23, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Starting April 13, Q Link Wireless will be providing new subscribers in Puerto Rico with

3GB of data
unlimited talk and text
free SIM card shipping
zero phone bills for life

New subscribers can bring their own phones and get/be welcomed to the Q Link Wireless family with a bonus of 5GB for a total of 8GB available until April 30. Act now to call loved ones, stream videos and connect to the world.

“Q Link Wireless is thrilled to be back in Puerto Rico,” explains Issa Asad, founder and CEO of Q Link Wireless. “Families who participate in government programs should be aware of this benefit that allows them to reach loved ones, medical services and employers for free every month.”

More than 43 percent of families on the island receive nutrition assistance and participate in government programs. Having a phone is now a right to ensure safety, connection and peace of mind. With Q Link Wireless providing reliable service with no monthly phone bills, Puerto Rico can continue to thrive.

“Q Link Wireless is guided by a mission to connect our subscribers to loved ones, employers and medical services,” says Asad. “We are thrilled to have Puerto Rico join the Q Link family and connect to the world.”

About Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a pioneer in the telecommunications industry. The company understands that communication is a life essential to connect with loved ones, employers and emergency services. Q Link Wireless is able to offer free and discounted wireless services because they are an approved provider of the federal Lifeline Assistance program. The Lifeline Assistance program was created in 1984 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Ronald Reagan and updated in 1996. It allows low-income individuals who cannot afford a mobile phone to obtain one at affordable rates, ensuring they have basic communication services that help them live safely and productively. The Lifeline Assistance program is funded by collective fees that make up the Universal Service Fund (USF). These USF fees are collected by all wireless service providers.

Contact:
Maureen Castellon
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1158858/Q_Link_Puerto_Rico.jpg

SOURCE Q Link Wireless

FIBRA Prologis Announces First Quarter 2020 Earnings Results

April 22, 2020

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MEXICO CITY, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV:FIBRAPL 14), a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico, today reported results for the first quarter of 2020.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE QUARTER:

Period-end occupancy was 96.8 percent.
Net effective rents on rollover increased 6.6 percent.
Weighted average customer retention was 94.9 percent.
Same store cash NOI decreased 0.2 percent.
Completed subscription rights offering raised Ps.8.3 billion (US$378.5 million).

Net earnings per CBFI was Ps. (0.4833) (US$(0.0220)) for the quarter compared with Ps. 1.0478 (US$0.0538) for the same period in 2019.

Funds from operations (FFO) per CBFI was Ps. 0.8954 (US$0.0479) for the quarter compared with Ps. 0.8717 (US$0.0447) for the same period in 2019.

STRONG OPERATING RESULTS CONTINUE

“FIBRA Prologis had another stellar quarter as evidenced by our operating and financial results,” said Luis Gutierrez, CEO, Prologis Property Mexico. “In March, we completed a subscription rights offering, issuing 200 million new certificates, raising Ps8.3 billion. The offering was oversubscribed and the proceeds were used early in the second quarter to acquire Prologis Park Grande, the premier logistics park in Mexico City, from our sponsor, Prologis.”

Gutierrez added: “Understandably, in light of COVID-19, our focus is on keeping our people safe, making sure our customers’ needs are understood and taken care of, and dedicating resources and time to helping those impacted by the pandemic.”

Operating Portfolio	1Q20	1Q19	Notes
Period End Occupancy	96.8%	97.5%	Four of six markets above 96%
Leases Commenced	2.6 MSF	1.6 MSF	73% of leasing activity related to Mexico City; 38% of 2020 expirations addressed in Q1 2020
Customer Retention	91.6%	86.9%
Net Effective Rent Change	6.6%	5.94%	All six markets recorded positive net effective rent change
Cash Same Store NOI	-0.2%	3.5%	Higher concessions, the result of longer lease terms along with a weaker peso partly offset by higher rents and average occupancy
Same Store NOI	4.5%	2.1%

SOLID FINANCIAL POSITION

At March 31, 2020, FIBRA Prologis’ leverage was 18.6 percent and liquidity was Ps. 16.1 billion (US$663.0 million), which included Ps. 7.9 billion (US$325.0 million) of available capacity on its unsecured credit facility and Ps. 8.2 billion (US$338.3 million) of unrestricted cash.

GUIDANCE UPDATE

“Our balance sheet has never been in better shape with low leverage, significant liquidity and no debt maturities until 2022,” said Jorge Girault, senior vice president, Finance, Prologis Property Mexico. “Following the successful conclusion of our rights offering and our acquisition of Prologis Park Grande and, importantly, the expected disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are adjusting our guidance to reflect the near-to-medium term uncertainty.”

(US$ in million, except per CBFI amounts) 23.75MXN per USD	Low	High	Notes
FFO per CBFI	US$0.1400	US$0.1600	Excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements and any potential incentive fee
Full Year 2020 Distributions per CBFI	US$0.097	US$0.097
Year End Occupancy	94.0%	96.0%
Same Store NOI (Cash)	-4.0%	-1.0%	Based in U.S. dollars
Annual Capital Expenditures as % of NOI	13.0%	14.0%
Asset Management and Professional Fees	US$19.0	US$22.0
Building Acquisitions	US$350.0	US$400.0	Includes the acquisition of Prologis Park Grande finalized on April 6, 2020

WEBCAST & CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

FIBRA Prologis will host a live webcast/conference call to discuss quarterly results, current market conditions and future outlook. Here are the event details:

Thursday, April 23, 2020, at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m. ET.
Live webcast at www.fibraprologis.com, in the Investor Relations section, by clicking Events.
Dial in: +1 877 256 7020 or +1 973 409 9692 and enter Passcode 6198732.

A telephonic replay will be available January 23–January 30 at +1 855 859 2056 from the U.S. and Canada or at +1 404 537 3406 from all other countries using conference code 6198732. The replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of the FIBRA Prologis website.

ABOUT FIBRA PROLOGIS

FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class-A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of March 31, 2020, FIBRA Prologis was comprised of 191 logistics and manufacturing facilities in six industrial markets in Mexico totaling 34.9 million square feet (3.2 million square meters) of gross leasable area.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. Such statements involve uncertainties that could significantly impact FIBRA Prologis financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future — including statements relating to rent and occupancy growth, acquisition activity, development activity, disposition activity, general conditions in the geographic areas where we operate, our debt and financial position, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to: (i) national, international, regional and local economic climates, (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, (iii) increased or unanticipated competition for our properties, (iv) risks associated with acquisitions, dispositions and development of properties, (v) maintenance of real estate investment trust (“FIBRA”) status and tax structuring, (vi) availability of financing and capital, the levels of debt that we maintain and our credit ratings, (vii) risks related to our investments (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters, and (ix) those additional factors discussed in reports filed with the “Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores” and the Mexican Stock Exchange by FIBRA Prologis under the heading “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this release.

Non-Solicitation – Any securities discussed herein or in the accompanying presentations, if any, have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Any such announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities discussed herein or in the presentations, if and as applicable.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/528012/FIBRA__Logo.jpg

SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

(Español) Actualización sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19): La FDA autoriza la primera prueba con colección de muestra en el hogar del paciente

April 22, 2020

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) logo

Sorry, this entry is only available in Español.

March of Dimes Launches Free, 5-Week Online Education Series To Support All NICU Parents During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 22, 2020

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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading nonprofit fighting for the health of all moms and babies, today is launching the NICU Family Online Education Series – COVID-19. This five-week webinar series will share important information about having a newborn in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as families may be facing changes with how they can spend time with their baby. This series is available at no cost to all NICU families across the country and will cover important topics from a baby’s development to preparing to go home, and even self-care for caregivers.

“Even before COVID-19, having a baby in the NICU was a frightening and unpredictable experience,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “With even more uncertainty and an ever-changing situation, March of Dimes is here to help moms and families through every stage of pregnancy and the NICU journey. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the launch of an online NICU education series, which will offer critical support to all NICU parents in this time of need.”

The webinars will be offered twice a week, on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. EDT and again on Saturday at 3 p.m. EDT, April 29^th through Saturday, May 30^th. During each session, a March of Dimes NICU expert will cover topics featured in the core curriculum of the NICU Family Support^®program to help families understand their important role alongside health care providers, build confidence to advocate for the best care for their baby and feel supported during a stressful time, while taking into account specific concerns given COVID-19. Families can learn more and register to participate at marchofdimes.org/NICUeducation.

“Babies in the NICU may have been born too small, too soon, or with a medical condition that requires intensive care,” said Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer, Senior Vice President at March of Dimes. “By offering this critical information to NICU families virtually, we can provide NICU parents across the nation with the support they need during this public health emergency.”

The NICU Family Online Education Series – COVID-19 is one of several resources that March of Dimes is providing for NICU families during this pandemic, including:

NICU Family Support®: March of Dimes’ NICU Family Support program provides education and support to NICU parents in partner hospitals across the country. Programmatic services have transitioned to virtual platforms to provide important education and support, while maintaining social distancing protocols.
My NICU Baby® App: The My NICU Baby App® provides COVID-19 information for families in the NICU with videos on infection control and parent self-care, how to support siblings and options to connect with other NICU families. Learn more at mynicubaby.org.
Share Your Story: NICU families can find a supportive online environment with trusted information and advice, helpful resources and caring people who want to connect. Visit marchofdimes.org/online-communities.

This work is part of March of Dimes’ ongoing effort to address the urgent need for research, advocacy, education, resources and support to protect moms and babies from COVID-19 and the unknown future effects of the virus through the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund. Learn more about the Fund at marchofdimes.org/COVID19Fund. For more information on how COVID-19 affects moms and babies, visit marchofdimes.org/COVID19.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.

Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513643/March_of_Dimes_Foundation_Logo.jpg

SOURCE March of Dimes

The Ismael Cala Foundation Creates a Campaign to Help Feed Venezuelan Families

April 22, 2020

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Donations starting at one dollar can be made through www.calafoundation.org/Venezuela/

MIAMI, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Ismael Cala Foundation, in partnership with Alimentos Mary, began the #PorAmorAVenezuela campaign to help feed hundreds of vulnerable families in Venezuela who are suffering during the Covid-19 crisis.

“We are experiencing a difficult moment as a global society. However, it is a very good time to show the wonderful things we can do. I therefore invite you to join me in a gesture of love towards our beloved Venezuela, a beautiful country that shows me great caring and affection whenever I visit, and it continues doing so in many ways every day,” explained Ismael Cala, the president of the foundation that bears his name.

The solidarity program already has resources to benefit 500 Venezuelan families, and it hopes to get more help so it can aid many more.

Donations starting at one dollar can be made through www.calafoundation.org/Venezuela/

The Ismael Cala Foundation supports the development of emotional leadership and education of children, adolescents and young adults who are in vulnerable positions in Latin America, and the Hispanic population in the USA. To achieve its mission, the Foundation has created several programs, including the Scholarship Program. Educational institutions, companies, and other organizations involved in social development have joined forces to promote the education and training of young people by channeling scholarships for courses and/or careers for personal and professional improvement, and thus improving their well-being and social progress.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

NAMI Releases Spanish-language COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Guide

April 22, 2020

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ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, released the Spanish-language edition of the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resources Guide, NAMI COVID-19 Información y Recursos. This guide addresses frequently asked questions and lists resources available in Spanish.

NAMI understands the need for culturally relevant COVID-19-related information and resources for Hispanic and Latinx communities to help support themselves and their loved ones. We recognize that vulnerable communities and those experiencing mental health conditions face additional challenges associated with COVID-19, such as social isolation and difficulty accessing treatment. The guide features a variety of topics related to mental health and COVID-19, including managing anxiety, finding online communities, getting affordable services, and more.

“It is more important than ever that everyone can access vital information to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy. This is why we created the NAMI COVID-19 Información y Recursos guide,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. “We hope by providing this resource in Spanish, we will help reduce barriers and increase access to needed services in order to advance NAMI’s mission of helping all people affected by mental illness build better lives.”

NAMI is proud to partner with Hispanics in Philanthropy to help members of the diverse Latinx communities in the U.S.

“The compilation of Spanish-language resources in the guide will help staff in the extensive network of organizations we fund have an easy to use resource to better inform members of the community,” said Ana Marie Argilagos, CEO and President of Hispanics in Philanthropy.

To access the guide, please visit nami.org/covid-19-guia. For English-language updates on mental illness and COVID-19, visit NAMI’s regularly updated COVID-19 webpage.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Join the conversation: nami.org | facebook.com/nami | instagram.com/namicommunicate | twitter.com/namicommunicate

Hispanics in Philanthropy strengthens Latino leadership, influence and equity by leveraging philanthropic resources, and doing so with an unwavering vision on social justice and shared prosperity across the Americas. Visit: hiponline.org.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326537/national_alliance_on_mental_illness_logo.jpg

SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness

Aarón Santos’s New Book ¡Un Grito De Alarma Para Esta Generación! A Book On The Biblical End-Time Prophecies That Sheds Light To The Importance Of Repentance From Sin

April 22, 2020

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LAS VEGAS, April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book ¡Un Grito de Alarma Para Esta Generación! was created by Aarón Santos. Aarón is an author devoted to God and his Word. He hails from the municipality of Sinaloa Leyva, called Baromena, in Mexico. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with his family.

Aarón Santos said this about his book: “This book contains statements of the prophecies of the Apocalypse to help understand the fear of God and redemption through timely repentance, as it is written: ‘But God having overlooked the times of this ignorance, now commands all men in all place, that they repent, because he has established a day in which he will judge the world with justice, by that man whom he appointed, giving faith to all with having raised him from the dead (Acts 17:30–31).'”

Published by Page Publishing, Aarón Santos’s new book ¡Un Grito de Alarma Para Esta Generación! contains a riveting look at the occurrence of apocalyptic signs that serve as reminders for Christian believers to never cease in asking for forgiveness and to continue in their piety toward God.

Consumers who wish to be enlightened with the signs of times and the essence of repentance that grants salvation to the soul can purchase ¡Un Grito de Alarma Para Esta Generación! in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1157457/Aar_n_Santos.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Betty Erazo’s New Book Felicidad: ¿Evolución O Escape? A Riveting Account Of A Woman’s Eventful Journey That Inspires Contemplation And Wisdom

April 22, 2020

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NEWARK, N.J., April 22, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Felicidad: ¿Evolución o Escape? was created by Betty Erazo. Betty is an author who comes from Ecuador and now lives in the United States for twenty-eight years. Currently, she imparts her divinely-inspired experiences with children preparing to receive the sacrament of First Communion in the parish near her residence in Newark, New Jersey.

Betty Erazo said this about her book: “Felicidad: ¿Evolución o Escape? is a novel that tells the story of a girl named Felicidad. The story oscillates between the search for happiness, flight, and constant struggle to survive and be herself. It is an entertaining narrative where the main character relates to the other actors in the novel in a close and difficult way; there are tragic, joyous, doubtful events, sudden changes, etc., in the background. The novel leaves a questioning that seems to be the core of work: Does happiness evolve or run away from itself? Each reader must respond to such objection based on the analysis of the scenarios and events that Felicidad experienced. Therefore, the novel requires a careful and calm reading.”

Published by Page Publishing, Betty Erazo’s new book Betty Erazo engages readers by sharing evoking perspectives of a search for the true meaning of happiness and freedom amid challenges that births insights that unveil life’s purpose despite its capriciousness.

Consumers who wish to understand the essence of genuine joy and how they can learn to pursue by partaking a woman’s resolute trails in life can purchase Felicidad: ¿Evolución o Escape? in any bookstore, or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Goggle Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like book conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1157458/Betty_Erazo.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing