Commission of Asian & Pacific Islander (CAPI) Affairs
and
Office of Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs
IN THIS EDITION -
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Guest Commentary: Curses of the Caste System
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Winter Home-Heating Assistance Program: LIHEAP
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Pop. Data: 'Post-Millennials' Gen Z
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Naturalization - Citizenship Test Preparation
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Persons with Disabilities:
Financial
Planning - ABLE Accounts
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Sr. Volunteerism - Senior Companion Program
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Eldercare - Caregiver Statistics
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GUEST
COMMENTARY: Curses of the Caste System
The Caste System has found its inroads into Iowa from the
countries of origin which mainly include India, Bhutan and Nepal – all
in South Asia.
Although, progressive-minded Hindus claim they are free of
this social evil, it is still practiced covertly or overtly.
Discrimination on the basis of caste, or “untouchability,” would
include the practice of banishing entry of Sudras into the so-called
higher-caste homes and an obsession with supremacy of birth - which
still continues unabated.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that some changes are
taking place particularly among the educated mass who do realize that
Casteism is an inhuman practice. There is a tendency to break the barriers.
For instance, there have been cases of inter-caste marriages, dining
together in public places, visiting temples and some limited entry into
the houses of the so-called upper caste Hindus.
Read the full article...
POP. DATA: ‘Post-Millennial’ Generation Z Study
A new report from the Pew Research Center concludes
"Early Benchmarks Show ‘Post-Millennials’ on Track to Be Most
Diverse, Best-Educated Generation Yet - A demographic portrait of
today’s 6- to 21-year-olds". Full report and analysis available.
Source: Pew Research Center
Related Article: "Generation
Z Is The Most Racially And Ethnically Diverse Yet"
Iowa Public Radio
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES:
Financial Planning - ABLE Accounts
ABLE accounts are tax-deferred savings accounts that are
closely modeled on 529 education savings plans. While ABLE is a federal
program, much like 529 education plans, each state is responsible for
crafting and administering its own program. In Iowa, the program is
call IAble...
ELDERCARE - Caregiver Statistics
From the Pew Research Center, "about one-in-seven
U.S. adults (15%) provide unpaid care of some kind to another adult,
according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of data from the Bureau
of Labor Statistics. And caregiving is often seen as a very meaningful
activity for those providing care."
"...On average, adult caregivers in the United States
spend almost an hour and 20 minutes a day providing unpaid assistance,
but there is wide variation. About one-in-five caregivers (22%) spend
less than 20 minutes a day on caregiving, while at the other end of the
spectrum, 11% spend three hours or more a day providing care."
Source: Pew Research Center
Winter Home-Heating Assistance Program: LIHEAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is
a federally-funded program designed to assist low-income families meet
the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to the heating
utility. Visit the Iowa Dept. of Human Rights Community Action Agencies
official website to learn more...
NATURALIZATION - Test Preparation
Based in Des Moines, Lutheran Services of Iowa - Refugee
Community Services, in a partnership with Justice for Our Neighbors, offers
eligible students the opportunity to study for the naturalization exam
in a structured, leveled class AND allows them priority access to legal
services through LSI's legal partner - Iowa JFON.
Please see the below flyer for
upcoming informational meetings...
Details: Classes
are 10-weeks long. The next session will run from January 22, 2019 to
March 28, 2019. High Beginning class (CASAS 190-200) meets on Tuesday/
Wednesday/ Thursday from 10am-12pm. Intermediate class (CASAS 201-210)
meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm. Each student
receives their own textbook(s). (CASAS = Comprehensive Adult Student
Assessment Systems)
Eligibility:
Students need to be a legal permanent resident who has lived in the US
for at least 4 years and 9 months and has not left the country for more
than 6 months at a time. Students DO NOT have to have come
through the refugee resettlement process--LSI is offering these
services to all legal permanent residents. LSI also requires a CASAS
Reading score between 190-200 (High Beginning class) or 201-210
(Intermediate class)--testing takes place at registration. Students
must also pay a $20 enrollment fee.
Source: LSI - Refugee Community Services
Related website: USCIS Citizenship Hub
SR. VOLUNTEERISM - Senior Companion Program
The Senior Companion Program (SCP) continuously recruits
both Senior Companion volunteers and clients.
What are they looking for most in
potential volunteers? SCP is looking for
people who want to feel needed and do not feel a sense of purpose.
People who want to help and fit the Federal guidelines for serving.
People who want to make more connections and friends in their
community.
ERRANDS: Senior
Companions help the client prep for errands by assisting with:
list-making, dressing for the weather, walking to the car safely,
dropping client off at front of the store, shopping with client while
reading prices/labels, ensuring proper payment and ensuring
groceries/items are put-away once back to client home. *Senior Companions can also run
errands for client if client unable to leave home.
APPOINTMENTS:
Senior Companions can also help clients prepare for medical
appointments by helping client set appointments, remember medical
cards/payment, wait for client in waiting area or if client chooses,
join them in appointment room. After the appointment, the Senior
Companion can drive the client to other errands if needed.
COMPANIONSHIP:
One of the most requested services is companionship for seniors who
have depression, anxiety, and dementia symptoms and need another social
support person to stay well. Survey indicates that 93% of Senior
Companion clients feel more satisfied with life because of their Senior
Companion, while 91% report they are able to maintain in their own
homes because of their Senior Companion. The bond between client and
Senior Companion is built on the client knowing he/she has a same-aged
peer they can count on to come to see them each week and focus on what
is important to the client whether it be sitting and talking, doing
hobbies and games, or sorting mail.
RESPITE: Companions
are able to provide respite for family caregivers
(Visiting Nurses of Iowa is now EveryStep. Please contact
Julia Tiedeman for more information: juliat@everystep.org
- 515-558-9957)
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