Local Community Celebrates Unprecedented $700,000 Financial Support By Nexus Services, A Homegrown Organization
VERONA, Virginia, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nexus Services donated almost three quarters of a million dollars to deserving families and students in their community last week. The Verona-based organization’s foundation is built on the value of respecting the inherent worth and dignity of people of all creeds. Nexus Services exemplifies this shared dignity for all by giving back to their community, and throughout the past four years, has given several million dollars in charitable contributions to families in Augusta, Rockingham, Page, and Shenandoah Counties.
With more than 250 employees in over 30 offices across the country, Nexus Services is a leading provider of much-needed services to immigrants across the United States, including advocacy, legal counsel, and assistance in the release from immigration detention. In support of its mission of reuniting families and pursuing justice, Nexus Services is grateful to be in a position where it can help families thrive, and provide students with the tools they need to become contributing members of society and achieve their personal and professional goals.
On April 11, Nexus Services gave a brand-new home, valued at $400,000, to a hard-working Augusta County family. The parents embody the story of overcoming hardship and making sacrifices for the well-being of their children and their family’s future.
Additionally, on April 14, Nexus Services forever changed the lives of four worthy local students by presenting them with a grand total of more than $300,000 in college scholarships, including a full, four-year scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC.
“Supporting families of all backgrounds in our community is the very reason this company was created,” explained Nexus Services CEO Mike Donovan. “We have been so blessed, and believe that giving back to others is not only the right thing to do as a human, it’s the mission by which this organization will stand. Society can only move forward if everyone shares this level of commitment towards others.”
For the second consecutive year, Nexus Services provided a new home to a local family through their Christmas Miracle Program. The five-bedroom, three-bath Augusta County home was awarded to the Truslow family of four. The eldest son, Austin, submitted an essay about the family’s backbone – his mother – and her ability to push everyone to be the best version of themselves, even in the face of the deepest adversity. The Nexus Services committee evaluated nominations based on the potential impact the prize may have on the lives of the recipients and found Austin’s submission incredibly compelling, and is pleased to help make this family’s dream come true.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of Nexus Services,” said mother Teresa Truslow. “This beautiful home represents a new beginning. As we continue working towards providing the best life possible for our children, we cannot express how much this means to our family. Austin is a very good kid, and the letter he wrote really showed how much he cares.”
This is also the fourth year that Nexus Services has offered scholarships to students in Augusta County, where approximately one out of ten residents live below the poverty line. On Friday, April 14, during the AdamFest 2017 celebration featuring Nate Ruess of the band fun., Nexus Services announced the winners of four scholarships worth a total of more than $300,000. Recipients were selected based on a combination of academic achievement and the overall impact of their written essay. Nexus Services was so impressed by this year’s pool of applicants and their submissions, which dealt with how community leaders can address the challenge of eroding trust in law enforcement, that the company increased individual scholarship amounts and presented an additional scholarship on top of those originally offered as part of the competition.
The scholarships provided by Nexus Services are flexible, and may be used for food, books, and living expenses. All the scholarship recipients will also become paid interns with Nexus Services in a division that matches the talent and career aspirations of the student.
This year’s scholarship winners are:
- The Libre Scholarship
- Juleian V. Cappell, Harrisonburg High School, full scholarship to attend Howard University
- The Nexus Achiever Scholarships
- Joshua Dennis Calvano, Fort Defiance High School, attending George Mason University
- Brice Estes, Spotswood High School, attending Virginia Commonwealth University
- Anna Gabriel “Gabby” George Patarinski, Stuarts Draft High School, likely attending George Mason University (accepted with honors)
The Nexus Scholarship Program and the Nexus Christmas Miracle Program are part of the company’s long-standing commitment to give back to their community. For more information about Nexus Services’ community initiatives, visit www.nexushelps.com.
About Nexus Services Inc.
Nexus Services, Inc. stands on the front lines of a movement to promote peace and justice, with a constant respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all. Nexus Services, Inc. is the parent company of a unique family of companies, both for-profit and charitable, that deliver cutting-edge products and services to meet the needs of their clients and the community. Nexus is a leading provider of services to immigrants across the United States, including advocacy and services designed to assist immigrants in the release from immigration detention.
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Preventing Listeriosis in Pregnant Hispanic Women in the U.S.
SILVER SPRING, Maryland, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting pregnant women about the risks of listeriosis, a foodborne disease that can severely affect a pregnant women and her unborn child.
Experience the interactive Multimedia News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7953451-fda-listeriosis-prevention-pregnant-women/
Listeria can affect all races and ethnic groups, but pregnant women are 10 times more likely than other healthy adults to get listeriosis due to hormonal changes that affect the immune system during pregnancy. Pregnant Hispanic women are about 24 times more likely than the general population to get listeriosis. A pregnant mother may pass Listeria onto her unborn baby without even knowing it because she doesn’t feel sick at all, yet the disease can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, the delivery of a low birthweight infant, a wide range of health problems for a newborn, or even infant death.
The FDA has developed a Community Educator’s Guide in English and Spanish, which includes a variety of printable and customizable materials, to help educate communities on this serious foodborne risk.
Learn more and download the guide at:
https://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/PeopleAtRisk/ucm062993.htm
https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079667.htm
What Is Listeriosis?
Listeriosis is a foodborne illness caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria bacteria, which are commonly found in soil, water, decaying vegetation, and the intestinal tract of animals such as milk cows. Listeria can also be found in soft cheeses or other products made from unpasteurized milk and processed foods that have become contaminated — such as deli meats. Unlike many other foodborne bacteria, Listeria grows at refrigerator temperatures. However, cooking and commercial processes like pasteurization destroy Listeria.
Pregnant Hispanic Women are at Greater Risk
Pregnant Hispanic women can be at particular risk for listeriosis because of certain cultural dietary choices. In many Latin American cultures, it is common to eat soft cheeses like Queso Fresco, which are often made from “raw” (unpasteurized) milk. Many women are simply unaware that cheese made with unpasteurized milk can contain potentially deadly bacteria.
In some Hispanic communities in the U.S., people have been known to purchase raw milk and use it to make cheese, and then sell it door-to-door. Unlicensed vendors also sell it from carts. This cheese can sometimes also be found in small neighborhood stores.
Symptom of Listeriosis
Listeriosis can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea, or upset stomach. If infection spreads to the nervous system, it can lead to headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions. In extreme cases, death can occur.
Preventing Listeriosis in Pregnant Women
The FDA advises all pregnant women not to eat soft cheeses unless they are made with pasteurized milk and to follow these additional tips to avoid the illness:
Do NOT eat:
- Soft cheeses (such as Feta, Brie, Camembert, Blue-veined cheeses, Queso Blanco, Queso Fresco, Asadero, and Penela) – unless they’re made with pasteurized milk
- Hot dogs and luncheon meats unless they’re reheated until steaming
- Refrigerated pâtés or meat spreads
- Refrigerated smoked seafood-unless it’s in a cooked dish, such as a casserole
Contact: Media: 1-301-796-4540 Consumers: 1-888-SAFEFOOD (toll free)
Latino Focus Events Coming to Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona
TUSTIN, California, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — New American Funding, a national mortgage banker, presents its Latino Focus event series, The Hispennial Generation: Marketing to the Nuevo Latino, in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ. The events, hosted by New American Funding President Patty Arvielo, will educate attendees on marketing to hispennials, the millennial generation of Hispanics.
“I’m passionate about increasing homeownership in Latino communities, bringing Latino Focus to Arizona is exciting and a great fit for this initiative,” commented Arvielo.
The events will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about needs specific to millennial Hispanic consumers and to hear from guest speakers on topics including:
- Challenges for hispennial homebuyers
- Social media and technology
- Techniques to remain relevant to this group.
In Phoenix, A.Z. Araujo, founder of A.Z. & Associates Real Estate Group, will be speaking about the millennial generation, trends, needs and opportunities.
In Tucson, two prominent figures of the Latino Community will be sharing their insights. Humberto N. Stevens, managing partner of J. Nelson Company, a corporate development and capital funding firm, will be speaking on the Hispanic market and its economic power. Raul E. Aguirre, President and CEO of REA Media Group will address the cultural nuances of this burgeoning group.
The workshops will be held on April 20, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. -11:00 A.M. at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, 9495 W Coyotes Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305 and on April 21, 2017 from 12:00 P.M. -2:00 P.M. at the Casino del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85757.
To learn more please visit http://www.latinofocus.com.
In 2013, New American Funding formed the Latino Focus Committee to develop services that enhance the quality of the lending experience among Hispanic consumers, aiming to enrich the Hispanic community through homeownership.
These events are produced in collaboration with Freddie Mac and Radian.
About New American Funding
New American Funding is a national mortgage banker licensed in 48 states with 130+ branch locations offering a variety of home loan options including: Conventional, FHA, Cash Out, Fixed Rate and Adjustable Rate Mortgages, VA, HARP 2.0, Jumbo, and Reverse Mortgages. The company is a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae Direct Seller/Servicer, FHA Direct Endorsement, and VA Automatic mortgage lender.
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WomenHeart Announces its Most Significant Donation in the Fight Against Heart Disease in Women
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease announced the most generous donation in the history of the organization. Burlington Stores, the national off price retailer, is pleased to donate more than $2.3 million to the organization through its #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign, which was hosted in all its stores from February 1st through March 31st. This significant contribution further demonstrates Burlington’s continued commitment to the fight against heart disease in women.
Funds raised through its #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign will support WomenHeart’s education, support and advocacy resources for the nearly 48 million women living with or at risk of heart disease.
This year’s #KnockOutHeartDisease in women campaign included a partnership with Kelly Rowland, Grammy Award-winning artist and heart health advocate, who served as the voice and supporter of the campaign. The nationwide campaign took place in all 593 Burlington stores across the country, giving customers the opportunity to donate $1 or more to support WomenHeart at checkout.
Throughout the promotion, 47 Burlington store locations nationwide (a store in each State/Territory where Burlington has locations) hosted a Night Out to #KnockOutHeartDisease event, offering free heart health screenings in partnership with WomenHeart. Customers had the opportunity to get their blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and BMI checked by a certified health professional, and receive bi-lingual (English/Spanish) women’s heart health information and tips for living heart healthy.
Providing the chance for women to get their heart screened at a Burlington store allowed women to learn about the status of their heart health. Those that participated in the screening were encouraged to spread the word by tagging two friends to do the same with the hashtag #KnockOutHeartDisease. Burlington Stores donated $25,000 to WomenHeart to support this social media campaign.
“At Burlington, we support causes that are important to our associates and customers. As the leading cause of death in women, Burlington is dedicated to providing resources to educate women on the importance of their heart health. I am proud of our 35,000 associates and millions of customers nationwide for their commitment to this cause,” says Tom Kingsbury, President, CEO and Chairman, Burlington Stores.
“The #KnockOutHeartDisease Campaign has not only raised money for our cause, but has also raised awareness of our mission through events, social media and in the news” says Mary McGowan, CEO, WomenHeart. “We are thankful to Burlington customers and associates for their extraordinary ongoing dedication, and look forward to the progress we can make towards improving the lives of women living with or at risk for heart disease as a result of this partnership.”
Over the past six years, Burlington and its generous customers have raised more than $8 million to support WomenHeart and its free education and support services for women living with heart disease. Donations from Burlington allow WomenHeart to significantly expand its National Hospital Alliance – an innovative partnership that helps ensure female heart disease patients nationwide have access to information, education and patient support services through the hospitals in their communities. Burlington funds have also enabled the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high-risk population for heart disease – through its Para la Mujer Hispana initiative.
About Burlington Stores, Inc.
Burlington is a national off-price retailer offering style for less at up to 65 percent off other retailers’ prices every day. Departments include ladies’ dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children’s clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington has 593 stores in 45 States and Puerto Rico. For more, visit www.BurlingtonStores.com.
About WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease
WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation’s first and still only patient-centered organization solely serving the nearly 48 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death in women. WomenHeart is devoted to advancing women’s heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation’s only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, physicians, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To receive a free online heart health action kit or to donate, visit www.womenheart.org.
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Run, Don’t Walk! Johnny Rockets Launches Into Spring With New Limited Time Menu
LAKE FOREST, Calif., April 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — There’s a change in the air, and a welcome rise in temperature. And just in time for the longer days and spring festivities, the Johnny Rockets’ new limited time menu delivers fresh excitement with unexpected flavor combinations at restaurants across the country starting today.
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Known for its world-famous, fresh and never frozen handcrafted burgers, the new seasonal menu will surprise fans of the diner’s Stay Original classic quality dining experience by adding a new twist to select menu items, from burgers to starter appetizers.
“We’re staying true to the classic quality burger and enjoyable dining experience that fans know and love us for, but are excited to venture into new flavor territory this spring,” said James Walker, President of Global Operations & Development for Johnny Rockets. “For a limited time, we’re expanding our menu with a range of innovative new flavor offerings — from creamy avocados, crunchy bacon, and flame roasted red peppers to fresh basil. We’re building on the Johnny Rockets brand promise to offer a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
Johnny Rockets Limited Time Menu
Crunchy Bacon Avocado Ranch Burger — begins with a quarter-pound of 100% fresh never-frozen Certified Angus Beef and layers of American cheese, Applewood smoked bacon strips, crispy onion rings, sliced avocado, ranch dressing, lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun — a wrap-your-mouth-around burger that you can’t put down.
Bruschetta Chicken Sandwich — a 100% all natural grilled chicken breast topped with creamy melted provolone, flame roasted red peppers, fresh leaf lettuce, sliced tomatoes and basil pesto mayonnaise on a toasted brioche bun. Savory, natural flavors complement a simply delicious offering.
Spicy Houston — a popular fan favorite, this unique Texan-style burger pairs bold flavors including jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and Smokin’ Chipotle Ranch. Delish! With just the right amount of heat, it’s leaps above the average burger.
Loaded Street® Tots, Shrooms & Rings — a new tasty shareable platter full of crispy potato tots loaded with fried onion rings and fried mushrooms. Uniquely created by Johnny Rockets, this starter is perfect for sharing with a deserving friend or two.
Oreo® Cookies & Cream Shake — featured by demand! The finest USDA certified premium vanilla ice cream is handspun with whole milk, and real whipped cream then loaded with crunchy cookie bits — yummy, creamy indulgence.
About Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is an international restaurant franchise that offers high quality, innovative menu items including fresh frozen 100% beef, made-to-order hamburgers, Veggie Boca® burger, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts. This dynamic lifestyle brand offers friendly service and upbeat music contributing to the chain’s signature atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. Founded in 1986, Johnny Rockets operates more than 400 franchise and corporate locations in 28 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.johnnyrockets.com, on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/johnnyrockets, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/johnnyrockets, and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/johnnyrockets/.
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