Business Journal 184

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community as we continuously work on bringing refreshing content while blocking out the noise. We continue to promote and publish positive content advocating the metrics of “success” for our African American entrepreneurs and leaders within the community.

After caring for her family at a young age, she used that power as a tool to grow in the field of nursing. With her military background as Hospital Corpsman, Ms. Baylor has continued building the legacy off the shoulders of historical nurses such as Harriet Tubman, Mary Eliza Mahoney, Adah Belle Thoms, and Hazel Johnson-Brown.

As always, we thank you for the continued support received by our community. You are what helps us to keep going in a quality manner that matches our gratitude. d-mars. com’s progression isn’t just based on great storytelling, but we stand on the advocacy and needs of community improvement. PUBLISHER &

For this month’s cover story, d-mars. com is highlighting the CEO and founder of JDL Ventures LLC, Shona Baylor.

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“If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”

Rainbow Push Auto Scorecard Shows Vast Improvement in Diversity Efforts

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

ongtime National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) partner General Motors joined Toyota in helping automakers set new ethnic diversity and inclusion standards in the United States.

Both automakers reflected best practices for ethnic diversity in five of six categories, according to the Rainbow PUSH/ Citizenship Education Fund Automotive Project’s annual Automotive Diversity Scorecard.

“We have seen many automakers take big steps forward with their diversity programs as they have come to see the value of diversity and inclusion programs truly,” stated Jackson, the founder, and president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

The scorecard provides a snapshot of each automaker’s success at building and sustaining ethnic diversity and inclusion, primarily focusing on people of color. Jackson developed the scorecard in 2012.

The six areas under consideration are employment, advertising, marketing, procurement, dealers, and philanthropy.

The automakers earn red, yellow, or green grades, depending upon how well each performed in the six categories above.

A company earns a green grade when they’ve met the best practices for ethnic diversity.

Yellow grades signal some indication of diversity goals, initiatives, and accountability.

A red grade is essentially a failure, meaning an automaker’s

diversity “initiatives and investments were non-existent, not disclosed, or did not provide enough relevant information for scoring.”

For the first time during the decade the scorecard’s been issued, no automakers received a red grade.

“We’ve made some progress over the last 12 months,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. declared.

“But one of the things we learn from our history is that when you make progress, you must continue, or else you will slide back. So we join this coalition and the

and Kia earned between four and one green grade.

“We cannot afford to be complacent — our work is far from being done,” Jackson said.

“The automotive industry and the communities it serves would benefit from having more Blacks in the C-suites and as owners of dealerships. In addition, our advertising agencies need larger budgets, and, of course, we need to make sure minorities play a meaningful role in the emerging electric vehicle supply chain.”

Dr. Chavis noted a connection between the auto industry, its success, and the African American community and young people.

“We present not just the past but the present and the future,” Chavis declared. “The NNPA continues to be the national media partner of the Global Automotive Summit sponsored by Rainbow Push Coalition for 23 years. We salute the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Chair John Graves for their consistent global leadership in working with the key executives of the automotive industry. This year’s focus on electric vehicles is timely and strategic for business and career opportunities for Black America.”

Telva McGruder, GM’s chief diversity equity and inclusion officer, said the company stands proud because of its progress.

progress.”

GM and Toyota received green grades in five areas and a single yellow grade in the sixth. GM earned its yellow grade in employment efforts, while Toyota’s was in the dealer network.

However, GM and Toyota scored the highest among the 12 automakers surveyed this year.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen scored the lowest, with yellow grades across the board. Between the high and low marks, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Subaru,

BUSINESS

“We recognize that we are in the heart of our journey and continue to drive robust DEI connection through our business actions,” McGruder stated.

“GM’s commitment to diverse-owned businesses and communities at large remains central to our overall strategy and ongoing investments.”

Women Business Owners Are Optimistic About the Future

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ven as they ride out inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty, women owners and executives of small and mid-size majority-women-owned businesses have an optimistic outlook about the near-term future of their businesses, according to a recent survey.

The PNC Bank survey found that women business owner (WBO) expectations for their own companies remain strong, with 41% feeling highly optimistic -- up from 29% in the fall of 2020 but down from 67% in the fall of 2021 -- while the share of those feeling pessimistic has held constant at just 1%.

The survey also indicated that more than eight in 10 women business owners are very confident about their future success and nearly half say it comes from their own hard work and drive. Similarly, 79%

of WBOs are very satisfied with their role as business owners or leaders compared to 67% of men business owners (MBOs).

The survey suggests that women have a take-charge, can-do attitude. When it was difficult to find employees, 49% of WBOs versus one-third of MBOs say that they or their managers stepped in to cover open staff hours themselves. Additionally, they’re focused on growth: 81% surveyed are Woman Business Enterprise-certified, 73% market their certification, and 88% say that certification has been a helpful business development tool.

“ We are seeing a new pattern of selfempowerment among women business owners that is very encouraging,” said Beth Marcello, director of PNC Women’s Business Development. “Their own hard work to survive the pandemic is the source of their confidence and optimism today.”

“For the first time, we have evidence of increased financial confidence among women business owners. They are two

times more likely than men to say they’re considering a new loan or line of credit to support business growth,” said Marcello. “They are monitoring their cash position and have a cash reserve, but they’re investing excess cash rather than stockpiling it; they are continuing to leverage the increased efficiency of the digital financial tools they migrated to during the pandemic; and they are confidently increasing pricing as the economy allows for it.”

Meeting the Challenges

While WBOs have concerns about inflation, profitability, and the supply chain, they believe they’re prepared for these challenges. Although similar portions of WBOs and MBOs experienced supply chain issues in the past year, 79% of WBOs believe they have the right amount of inventory they need to succeed.

WBOs also intend to maintain or expand on policies they initiated during the pandemic, including allowing flexible work arrangements (48%), increasing compensation (38%), and implementing employee health or safety enhancements (33%). WBOs are more likely than MBOs to adopt Corporate Social Responsibility

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policies or practices, including gender pay equity (34% vs. 9%) and diversity and inclusion (29% vs. 14%). These disparities could be an indication of why fewer WBOs (30%) than MBOs (43%) are finding it harder to hire new staff compared to six months ago.

Identifying and addressing challenges faced by women financial decision-makers is a component of PNC’s Project 257: Accelerating Women’s Financial Equality, an initiative to help close the 257-year economic gender gap. More information about these efforts as well as helpful resources for women financial decision-makers can be found at pnc.com/women. To connect with Project 257, follow PNC on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

While the pandemic created new economic challenges, many with lasting effects, women business owners largely overcame these obstacles, taking away lessons that have inspired their optimism and confidence today.

Global Automotive Summit in saying to all the auto industry that we want to make more

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association Written by: By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

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Federal prosecutors said the fight against human trafficking, a crime that harms some of the most vulnerable members of society counts among their highest priorities.

“We are committed to vin - dicating the rights of human trafficking crime victims by bringing their traffickers to jus- tice and working to ensure that survivors have access to restitu- tion, services, and assistance that are needed to rebuild their lives,” U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg of- fered in a statement.

U.S. Department of Justice officials maintain that their strong efforts continue to combat human trafficking.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney General released the Department of Justice’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking.

The Strategy laid out the Department’s multi-year plan to combat all forms of human trafficking, focusing on efforts to protect victims of trafficking, prosecute human trafficking cases, and prevent further acts of human trafficking.

The Human Trafficking Institute estimates that there are 24.9 million victims of human trafficking globally.

In 2020, the Institute reported that federal courts in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 4 U.S. territories handled 579 active human trafficking prosecutions, 94% of which were sex trafficking cases and 6% forced labor cases.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, individuals prosecuted for human trafficking increased from 729 in 2011 to 1,343 in 2020, an 84% rise.

The number of persons convicted of a federal human trafficking offense increased from 2011 (464 persons) to 2019 (837 persons) before falling in 2020 (658 persons).

Of the 1,169 defendants charged in U.S. district court with human trafficking offenses in the fiscal year 2020— 92% were male, 63% were white, 18% were black, 17% were Hispanic, 95% were U.S. citizens, and 66% had no prior convictions.

By the end of 2020, for the 47 states that reported data, 1,564 persons were in the custody of a state prison serving a sentence for a human trafficking offense.

The District of Columbia reported zero new criminal human trafficking cases filed in federal courts in 2021.

The advocacy organization Hope for Justice defines human trafficking as modern slavery, where one person controls another for profit by exploiting a vulnerability.

Victims usually are forced to work or are sexually exploited, and the trafficker keeps all or nearly all the money. The control can be physical, financial, or psychological.

to be joyful, and, you know, it’s a great time of year. And unfortunately, we have people out there that don’t care what time of year it is,” Tony Mancuso, a sheriff in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, told reporters in a pre-Christmas interview in 2021.

“California is home to some of the largest hubs for sex and labor trafficking in the United States, and it is beyond the time our state takes the necessary steps in combatting this criminal enterprise,” Democratic

Childwelfare.com says the legal definition of trafficking involves “the exploitation of people through force, coercion, threat, and deception and includes human rights abuses such as debt bondage, deprivation of liberty, and lack of control over freedom and labor.”

The organization noted that trafficking could be for purposes of sexual exploitation or labor exploitation.

In 2004, officials formed the D.C. Human Trafficking Task Force to increase the prosecution of traffickers while identifying and serving the victims.

The task force’s primary goal is to “facilitate a more coordinated anti-trafficking effort in the D.C. area through protocol development, extensive community outreach, proactive investigations, law enforcement training, intelligence sharing, and more formalized partnerships between law enforcement organizations and non-governmental organizations.”

Additionally, while the holiday season counts as a time of joy, happiness, and fun, the nonprofit Shero Foundation said for human trafficking victims, the holidays are no different from any other day.

Law enforcement officials said traffickers typically increase their illegal activities during the holiday season.

“We let our guard down because you’re supposed

Grayson noted that human trafficking was a $150 billion-ayear global industry and introduced a bill to establish the California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking Act (California MAST).

The bill aims to examine and evaluate existing programs and outreach for survivors and victims of human trafficking and provide recommendations to strengthen California’s response to supporting survivors and holding offenders accountable.

“In my search for a better life, I found myself exploited by various individuals similar to other child trafficking survivors,” said Jimmy Lopez, Survivor Advocate for the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. “Human trafficking is an invisible crisis plaguing our state and forcing thousands of children to grow up too fast; we must stop trafficking in its tracks, and we must hold offenders accountable,” Lopez said.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate.

Support is provided in more than 200 languages. Hotline officials said they are there to listen and connect those in need with the help required to stay safe.

Source:

Publishers Association Written by: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

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Assemblymember Tim Grayson insisted.

National Newspaper

d-mars.com Shines the Author’s Spotlight on Shawn Martinbrough Book Helps Children of Color Understand the Law

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Shawn Martinbrough is the author of “How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling” by Penguin Random House and an Eisner Award-nominated artist whose comic book projects include; “Batman: Detective Comics”, “DMZ”, “Luke Cage Noir”, “The Black Panther: Man Without Fear” and “Hellboy”. Shawn is a Vanity Fair contributor and the writer of “Red Hood” for DC Comics. His twopart story revisited the Gotham City neighborhood of “The Hill,” in which he co-created and introduced new characters to the Batman Universe. Shawn is currently writing the six-part sequel which is scheduled for 2023.

Shawn is also the co-author of “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court,” a Level 3 Ready-to-Read Graphics series from Simon & Schuster about an intrepid young judge who presides over conflicts big and small from her treehouse courthouse. This engaging and purposeful children’s book is making a positive impact, helping our children understand the law.

Q&A With Shawn Martinbrough

D-MARS: How was this book idea birthed?

Shawn: A lawyer friend and I would always discuss the law, urban myths, and the accuracy of fictional legal dramas like “Law & Order”. She explained to me how much I didn’t know about the legal system, and that led to the realization that most people fall victim to the legal system because they don’t understand how it works. That gave me the idea of an entertaining way to teach kids and their families about the law and problem-solving. I reached out to my friends and fellow writers Milo Stone, Joseph Illidge, and artist Chris Jordan with the concept and soon after, “Judge Kim and The Kids’ Court” was born.

D-MARS: How have you seen this book make a positive impact to help our kids understand the law?

Shawn: Well, the first book was just released, but everyone who learns about it loves the concept and instantly buys a copy for their kids or someone else’s kids. I think it will be a very popular holiday gift this season.

D-MARS: What has been the response from parents/ educators?

Shawn: One of the most touching stories that I’ve heard was from the mother of a child with autism. She said that her daughter really responded well to the layout of the book and its story and was the first book her daughter finished reading on her own. That’s the effect we hope “Judge Kim” will continue to have. I highly encourage parents to buy the book for their kids or for anyone you know who has kids.

Hopefully, “Judge Kim” will help parents and their children learn a bit more about the law and be more empathetic to others.

D-MARS: Are there any upcoming plans or projects you are working on to help promote this book and get the message out to our children?

Shawn: Simon &

Schuster has a publicity department, and our agent Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary has been making the rounds promoting “Judge Kim”. My co-authors and I have been using our connections to get the word out as well to parents and educators. Grassroots word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool.

D-MARS: What are your short-term and long-term goals for this book?

Shawn: The second book, “Judge Kim and The Case of the Doggie Defendant” just went to the printers, and we’re excited to continue to introduce more characters and themes in the series. We have a series bible with various potential storylines and have already received inquiries about possible adaptations to television and streaming. However, right now, we’re focused on making great books.

D-MARS: Are there any partners/anyone you want to particularly mention who has helped publish this book?

Shawn: Co-authors Milo, Joe, and I worked really hard on “Judge Kim,” but I want to praise our artist and co-creator Christopher Jordan for creating so much amazing art for the project, even prior to us landing the deal with Simon & Schuster. I’m very excited to share that Chris’s art will be on display in a special “Judge Kim” exhibition early next year at The Society of Illustrators in New York City.

For more about Shawn Martinbrough, please visit www.shawnmartinbrough.com. You can purchase copies of “Judge Kim and the Kids’ Court” at www.simonandschuster. com/series/Judge-Kim-and-the-Kids-Court

What to Know About a Career in the Growing Home Healthcare Industry

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edical professionals, patients, and their families are increasingly seeing the value of home care, and the industry is expected to grow. In fact, home health and personal care aide job openings are projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, with experts predicting an estimated 8.2 million job openings in home-based care by 2028. Industry experts say that workers from all backgrounds, not just nursing, will be needed now and in the future.

“If you enjoy working with people and helping others when they need it most, a job as a home care or hospice nurse, home health aide, personal companion or caregiver could be a good fit for you,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of Interim HealthCare Inc. “Likewise, if you’re currently a medical professional seeking more flexibility and to be reminded of why you entered the field in the first place, home healthcare can offer greater job satisfaction and a much-needed change of pace.”

To help potential job candidates understand this growing industry, Interim HealthCare is sharing some quick insights:

Why In-Home Care?

Home care describes personal care and support services provided to an individual in their home. Often referred to as senior care, it provides help with the activities of daily living as well as companionship to those who need support to maintain

their independence at home. Home healthcare, on the other hand, entails medical-based care to help patients recover from an illness or injury, or to provide in-home medical oversight and ongoing care for complex, chronic medical conditions. Many families and patients can testify to the various ways home care can be a game-changer, and a growing number of physicians and medical professionals are recommending

therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Veterans, with their track record of serving and protecting others, are encouraged to apply for a home care job, along with anybody who thrives in a job that offers variety, a challenge, and new faces and places.

What to Look for in Employers

Seeking a career in the field of home care? Be sure you work for a home healthcare organization with a positive work culture that has your best interests in mind. That includes offering good work-life balance, flexible schedules, rewarding assignments, and competitive pay. The employer should also prioritize your continuing education and professional development by offering advanced learning opportunities and room for growth, along with additional perks like tuition discounts, to make it all possible.

For a home healthcare career guidebook, visit info. interimhealthcare.com/jobs-in-home-healthcare

home health services to patients of all ages because it delivers cost-effective, high-quality care in the setting where patients most often want to be -- home. Among these services are inhome nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, hospice care, and bereavement services.

What Employers Want

Those in the know at Interim HealthCare say that being compassionate, trustworthy, dependable, and having the ability to work independently can help you thrive in the field of home care. “Made for This,” Interim’s current recruitment campaign, highlights the company’s need for registered nurses, and licensed practical and vocational nurses, along with certified nursing assistants, home care aides, home physical

EDUCATION & CAREER

As demand for medical and personal care in the home grows, consider a career in this thriving field, whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or embarking on a career change.

Source: StatePoint

Texas Southern University’s Center for Justice Research Awarded a Nearly $600,000 Grant by Arnold Ventures

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bail and detention, and research into prosecutors’ efforts to reduce racial disparities in the criminal legal system.

“This project centers an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to rigorously studying prosecutor decision-making,” said Dr. Howard Henderson, TSU Professor and founding director of CJR. “Through this work, we have the opportunity to provide evidence that will help prosecution better understand community-based alternatives to incarceration.”

approach to community safety. Other universities that received grants for this research include Harvard University and Indiana University.

For more information, please visit tsu.edu.

Texas Southern University’s Center for Justice Research (CJR) has been awarded a nearly $600,000 grant to rigorously study prosecutor diversions and provide greater awareness and insights into the decisions made every day by prosecutors across the United States. This is part of a $7.4 million pledge by Houston-based Arnold Ventures.

CJR’s project is one of 14 projects that will research 40 prosecutor offices across 19 states, and across the ideological spectrum, to build evidence on the impact of prosecutorial decision-making. The project includes a cost-benefit analysis of pretrial diversion programs, measuring outcomes from prosecutorial recommendations on

Researchers with Texas Southern University, along with Claremont Graduate University and Justice System Partners, will analyze the cost and benefits of prosecutor diversion programs compared to traditional case processing, looking at five programs in rural and urban prosecutors’ offices in Colorado, California, and Texas.

“Until now, prosecutorial discretion has been opaque and misunderstood,” said Kristin Bechtel, director of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures. “Research and transparency can help us understand the effects of prosecutors’ decision-making.”

Arnold Ventures is specifically focused on how prosecutors can use their discretion to promote racial equity, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, use punitive measures sparingly, and prioritize a holistic

- Rebecca Silber, director of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures.

“This support will help inform policy and practices and expand our understanding of how to build safe and racially just outcomes, It will also lift up the research-prosecutor-community partnerships that sit at the core of these projects and are critical to building safety and justice.”

Source: Texas Southern University

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The Center for Journalism & Democracy Opens at Howard University

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior

The Center for Journalism & Democracy, a first-of-its-kind academic center committed to strengthening historically informed, pro-democracy journalism, has opened at Howard University.

“More than a year ago, I came to Howard University with a vision to create a space for veteran and budding journalists to hone their craft and respond to our increasingly threatened democracy,” the Center’s founder, Nikole Hannah-Jones, said in a news release.

“[on Tuesday, November 15], we officially launched the Center for Journalism & Democracy, and [held] our inaugural Democracy Summit to showcase our philosophy that democracy not only guarantees a free press — it requires one,” Hannah-Jones continued.

“The Center aims to be a key resource and national player for investigative journalism. We are an open learning community with a mission to prod the profession to rise to the urgency of the moment.”

According to the release, the day-long Democracy Summit convened historians, democracy experts, and journalists to unpack present and specific threats to American democracy collectively.

The panel examined how American media were covering this moment.

They expected to come away with a new vision for protecting democracy.

The program included a special message from former President Barack Obama.

It featured Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Anthea Butler, Greg Carr, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Avery Davis-Roberts, Astead Herndon, Maria Hinojosa, Sherrilyn Ifill, Cassandra Jaramillo, Steven Levitsky, Wesley Lowery, Rachel Orey, Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, Kathy Roberts Forde, Jay Rosen, Jason Stanley, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, and more.

“Howard University has a time-honored tradition of protecting and preserving our nation’s democracy by shedding light on the Black experience,” Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, president of Howard University, remarked.

“We are home to the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper and one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for archival material documenting the Black experience. In addition, we are honored to be the home of the Center for Journalism & Democracy.”

Dr. Frederick continued: “It is an incredible gift to have Professor Hannah-Jones’ expertise and leadership be a part of our longstanding tradition of Black intellectual thought.

“We are proud to see her vision of creating an academic center that honors and disseminates the traditions of the Black press come to life.

“The curriculum, programming, and resources the Center provides will strengthen our commitment to educating the next generation of diverse journalists.”

Officials said the Center would create in - vestigative reporting courses and journalism programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

It would support their campus news organizations, provide financial and career support for student journalists, host symposia, train faculty, and launch a visiting professorships program to bring practitioners of investigative reporting into the classrooms of HBCUs.

It will work in partnership with the MoorlandSpingarn Research Center on the Black Press Archives Project, which seeks to digitize Howard’s extensive Black newspaper archives.

It will fund reparations reporting projects as well.

Officials said all Center activities would engage in conversation about and commitment to investigative journalism and to strengthen it in service of democracy, officials asserted.

With the Center, Howard University becomes one of the few journalism programs nationwide to offer a slate of courses with an investigative focus.

Additionally, the Center will work with multiple HBCUs that offer journalism degrees and concentrations.

• That list includes:

• Morehouse College

• Florida A&M University

• North Carolina A&T

• North Carolina Central University

• Savannah State University

• Texas Southern University

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association

“The vigilance, critical analysis, and clarity of purpose that is required of journalism today ground our aspirations for the Center,” Dr. Kali-Ahset Amen, executive director of the Center for Journalism & Democracy, stated in the release.

“We want to remind people of the power and necessity of courageous journalism. Now is the time.”

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hen we think of nurses, we think of the assistant to a physician who acts as an intercessor between family and patients. We visualize an individual dressed in a pair of scrubs prepared to ask questions, provide a level of service, and more…or do we?

It’s quite possible that we may lack an understanding of their emotional journey and how their commitment to us is undervalued.

Pioneering nurses such as James Derham, Mary Eliza Mahoney, Adah Belle Thoms, and Hazel JohnsonBrown are just a few influential caregivers who aided their community throughout history and are widely celebrated within their profession.

Those women are a part of the reason that Louisiana native Shona Baylor has been able to create new grounds and break barriers as a licensed vocational nurse here in Houston.

As she concludes her master’s in nursing, the veteran medic practitioner gave d-mars.com the exclusive on how rewarding her career is and how her business model, Joseph Dream’s Legacy Ventures, is a cutting-edge service for overall health and wellness.

Baylor gave insight into how nursing can be considered, at times, a thankless job. Moreover, she verbalized how the emotionalism of her career is a true catalyst for community engagement and premium service.

Her upbringing in the Bayou state and early exposure to family catering was just one of the attributes that honed her skills for the love of her future.

With those early years of practice, later came her education, service in the military, and becoming a Hospital Corpsman, providing medical care to those in the Navy. She’s also one of the few early college graduates in her family wearing that accomplishment with pride.

According to a study, over 10,422 hospital corpsmen are employed throughout the United States, per Zippia. 10.6 percent of

HCs are Black with women making up nearly 30 percent.

As for JDL’s model, the healthcare professional has cemented the company’s values and mission guidelines stating,

SHONA BAYLOR, RN Helping People In Healthcare & Wellness Journey W

“JDL Health Solution’s foundation is built on an evidence-based approach while embracing a holistic path to health and wellness. We understand the dynamic needs of our clients and their most valued asset, the employee.”

Baylor added,

“Our multidisciplinary team of trained healthcare professionals will provide a network of support to enhance each client’s success rate. Mental health, community resources, nutrition/wellness support to facilitate therapeutic lifestyle changes specifically individualized is paramount. The goal is always to meet the client where they are and provide realistic attainable health, and wellness goals.”

Existing Health Discrepancies In Our Country

Baylor echoed the lack of healthcare for minority groups in America and the racial disparities that are constantly at the forefront of controversy in the media.

According to the Commonwealth Fund Organization, African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured than their white counterparts.

Contributing factors that remain unchanged include poor job representation that lacks health insurance benefits, and high unemployment rates.

Despite an improvement over the years, Baylor tells us that free exams for the public are still an alternative and JDL supplies those needs with ease.

As she sets sails into the new year completing her course studies, the family health matriarch remains confident that JDL’s legacy isn’t confined to the affluent nor unavailable to those with less.

Q&A With Shona Baylor:

DMARS: Motivation runs differently for many. However, for you, what’s your reason for wanting to be a nurse?

SB: I didn’t just choose to be a nurse; I chose a profession that allows me to serve. And for me? That’s all I can see myself doing.

DMARS: What were your earliest memories that led you on the path to nursing? How did the interest originate?

SB: As a young child, I was the caregiver for the elderly people in my family, my grandmother, and my great aunts. And I was kind of watching [them]. The youngest female child would take care of the aging and the elderly.

DMARS: The pandemic led to a lot of unexpected and unforeseen devastation. How did the spread of COVID-19 affect you?

SB: During the pandemic, I had an emotional awakening along with the rest of the world. There were eye-opening moments when I realized that people were dying in undignified ways that were unfair to their families and loved ones. It made me wonder what I could do to turn my love for caring into a business for others.

DMARS: Your business, JDL Ventures LLC, has great significance to you. How does that tie into your company?

SB: JDL Ventures means Joseph’s Dream Legacy. Joseph is my maiden name from Louisiana. And if you were to ask anyone who knows anything about me, I’m big on family.

company aligns itself with tier-ranking companies, what does JDL want to contribute to for better workflow?

SB: Business models have changed in the workforce. Mental health days, shorter work weeks, and less hours with a salary have helped to really shape the minds of workers. Our services want to continue providing innovative ways that make an employee say, ‘This is why I want to work here.’

DMARS: What does JDL represent in terms of aiding the community?

SB: [JDL] is for the people which is why it was conceived. We need more organizations to look at our society and those without. Otherwise, we are turning a blind eye to ‘healthy-looking’ civilians who are truly in need of a better quality of life. They deserve that, at best.

DMARS: Healthcare insurance is still not affordable for many. Jobs may provide only so much coverage while others who are employed work with no benefits. How does JDL approach patients with limitations?

SB: We understand that health insurance is being advertised for a select group of people to pay out of pocket for their own plans because their jobs either won’t or don’t have the budget to offer them health benefits. And that’s okay because we offer negotiations within our parameters.

DMARS: What’s your approach to the lack of healthcare for minority groups?

Combined, the three entities provide coverage for home healthcare for various patients, toxin removal for optimal internal digestion and corporate well being for employers including mental health.

With any family legacy comes the need to introduce and combine new perspectives with old-school governing. The CEO championed what she now sees as an opportunity to inspire not only her family but create a platform honoring an essential quality of life for patients everywhere.

As for JDL’s model, the healthcare professional has cemented the company’s values and mission guidelines stating, “JDL Health Solution’s foundation is built on an evidencebased approach while embracing a holistic path to health and wellness. We understand the dynamic needs of our clients and their most valued asset, the employee.”

Baylor added, “Our multidisciplinary team of trained healthcare professionals will provide a network of support to enhance each client’s success rate. Mental health, community resources, nutrition/wellness support to facilitate therapeutic lifestyle changes specifically individualized is paramount. The goal is always to meet the client where they are and provide realistic attainable health wellness goals.”

visit www.esteemconciergenursing.com or www.jdlventuresllc.com

The entrepreneur added, I have this sense of urgency to dismantle the inherited dysfunctions that pledge a lot of our families. I want to leave behind a lesson or a legacy for my family. We are much more than our wounds, and brokenness.

DMARS: What does creating that legacy mean for your present?

SB: Being from very humble beginnings, I was determined to change the trajectory of my future. I needed to be that example, continually striving for improvement for myself, my family and my community.

DMARS: Esteem Concierge Nursing, a subsidiary under the JDL umbrella, caters to the elderly. With constant reports of abuse and the ever-growing rise of misconduct between workers and patients, how do you bridge the gap for trust?

SB: I believe people can forget that patient safety and privacy factors are just as real to us as upholding business practices are for any owner. Elderly patients are vulnerable to so much and all types of abuse including sexual. I’m adamant about how I want to train my staff.

Baylor added,

My soul would never sit right with me if I knew something, or someone associated with me performing such dangerous acts.

DMARS: Corporate environments have changed since the pandemic for the sake of employers’ mental health. Since your

SB: I don’t know how to not think about the Black and Brown people who need and desire the basic institution of affordable healthcare and unique options to service specific needs. I need to see what my community and surrounding areas need, or I can’t fulfill what I was put on this earth to do.

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JDL’s service includes Esteem Concierge Nursing, Ivy Smoothie Hydration and Wellness, and Health Solutions.

The nursing profession really isn’t for the faint of heart. To see a family entrust you caring for their loved ones, that’s where the reward truly is.

—Shona Baylor, RN and Owner of JDL Ventures

4 Ways To Save Money This Holiday Season

By d-mars.com News Provider

ith many facing rising costs on essential needs, people are looking for deals and new ways to save money, now more than ever. As we enter the holiday season, what is meant to be a joyful time can become stressful - especially if money is tight! Luckily, it’s possible for everyone to enjoy the holidays and stick to a budget when shopping on Amazon. This season, try these 4 tips to save on everything from food, gifts, and home entertainment.

1. Check out new ways to save on the Amazon Access hub

Everyone knows Amazon Prime can help save time and money, but did you know that Amazon now offers a one-stop shop for customers to explore the programs, discounts, and features that make shopping on Amazon easier than ever - including for those shopping with SNAP EBT and other forms of payment? This new hub even includes information on Amazon’s growing discounted membership option, Prime Access, which offers all of the shopping, savings, and entertainment benefits of Prime for just $6.99/month (reg. $14.99/month). Last year, Prime Access members saved an average of more than $1,600 from shipping savings, coupons, and membership discounts alone. To learn more or start a 30-day trial, visit amazon.com/primeaccess.

2. Make a budget and shop the early deals

Budgets are your best friend, especially during the holidays! After paying your monthly bills, determine how much money you have left over and divide that among the loved ones you want to treat this year. Then filter by price when shopping online at Amazon so you stick to that budget. Also, take advantage of Amazon’s daily Lightning Deals, as well as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday events to score the lowest prices of the year on gifts for everyone on your list. Plus, Prime members get 30-minute early access to select daily Lightning Deals throughout the holiday season - and year-round.

3. Enjoy free entertainment

The traditions that cost little to nothing are often the ones that make the best memories - like cozying up on the couch for movie night with friends or loved ones. Get in the holiday spirit by streaming award-winning movies, Amazon Original series, or even live sports on Prime Video. Or, host a family carol sing-along night by streaming the 100 million songs available ad-free now for Prime members on Amazon Music - including the global playlist “Merry Mix,” featuring iconic holiday classics.

4. Make a holiday feast or order take-out - for a fraction

of the cost

So much of the holiday season centers around food. Rest assured you’ll be able to fill the table and everyone’s bellies without breaking the bank when you get your groceries through Amazon Fresh. Find consistently low prices on your favorite brands, with weekly deals delivered to your inbox and 20% off on select everyday favorites, essentials, and more in store for Prime members. As an added bonus, get some precious family time back when you use same-day delivery or pickup options. Prime members in the U.S. can also get $10 off a Grubhub order over $25 using code GiveMe10. To score this deal, available November 25-28, Prime members must be signed up for the existing free, one-year Grubhub+ membership trial, available at amazon.com/grubhub.

Source: BPT

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5 Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones This Holiday Season

By d-mars.com News Provider

The holidays are right around the corner, and experts are already seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In addition, COVID-19 continues to be a serious health threat in the United States.

As you gather with family and friends this holiday season, remember that one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones is the gift of health. For a healthier, happier season, the American Lung Association offers these five tips:

1. Get your COVID-19 and flu shots: The single best way to stay healthy and protect others is to be up to date on your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and make sure all of your loved ones – from those aged 6 months to 100+ years – are also up to date on theirs. This includes the new COVID-19 booster shot, which is expected to provide protection against the most recent variants and subvariants. It’s also time for your annual flu shot. Staying current with all your vaccinations is key to protecting your health.

2. Keep your medications and mask with you: If you are traveling, make sure to keep your regular medications and a mask with you (not in your checked luggage). It is good to have a mask on hand if you are with

someone who is immunocompromised and prefers you to wear one.

3. Consider testing: Before large gatherings, consider doing an at-home COVID-19 test as an added layer of confidence that you are healthy. The average cost of a two-pack self-test at the drugstore is $25 and is covered by most insurance policies.

4. Wash your hands often: Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re unable to wash your hands, using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a good alternative. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as it allows the germs on your hands to reach moist, porous surface tissue where the germs can enter your body and cause infection.

5. Stay home if you’re sick: Stay home when you are feeling ill. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or flu, you should test immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you are at high risk for severe illness to discuss possible treatment options.

With COVID-19, the flu, and other seasonal illnesses spreading nationwide, take steps to protect yourself and those you love to make this a happy and healthy holiday season for all.

For more information, visit Lung.org/ Viruses

Source: StatePoint

CRNAs Are the Solution To Delayed Surgical Care for Veterans

By d-mars.com News Provider

As we honor veterans, it can be easy to forget about the challenges some continue to face at home: challenges that include undergoing critical medical procedures in a timely manner.

Long wait times

Veterans have to wait too long for surgical care in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. According to a survey by Veterans Need Care Now, a grassroots coalition committed to reducing surgical wait times, 23% of veteran households report delays in securing VA health appointments and surgical procedures.

Access to high-quality, timely care

Veterans deserve access to high-quality care without long wait times. Reports have shown a lack of access to anesthesia services in the VA, which may be a contributing factor to lengthy wait times along with other factors such as staff shortages, limited space, and access to specialists. A national review of staffing shortages at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for the fiscal year 2021 found anesthesiology shortages at numerous VHA facilities, including in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Washington State, California, and Minnesota.

The ability of CRNAs to provide high-quality care, even under the most difficult circumstances, has been recognized by every branch of the U.S. military. CRNAs have full practice authority in the Army, Navy, and Air Force and are the predominant provider of anesthesia on forward surgical teams and in combat support hospitals, where 90% of forward surgical teams are staffed by CRNAs. “The high quality of care that CRNAs can be trusted to provide is reflected in our military, where CRNAs are allowed to practice independent of physician referral and supervision,” said AANA President Angela R. Mund, DNP, CRNA.

While CRNAs care for wounded soldiers on battlefields and safely and cost-effectively provide quality anesthesia care to veterans here at home, many VA hospitals only allow CRNAs to provide anesthesia under the supervision of a physician anesthesiologist. Requiring an additional person for the procedure can create a backlog of access to critical procedures as well as added expenses. This federal mandate creates an unnecessary barrier to expanding care and exacerbates any provider shortages.

Finding a solution and shortening wait times

Results of a study by RTI International indicated that

allowing nurse anesthetists to provide anesthesia services without supervision from a physician does not put patients at increased risk. In fact, no significant difference was found in patient outcomes when comparing the three scenarios studied: CRNAs working alone in the operating room without anesthesiologist supervision, anesthesiologists working alone, and the CRNA and anesthesiologist working together on a case.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government suspended the supervision requirement for CRNAs so more patients could have access to the care they needed. And now, 22 states have opted out of the federal Medicare requirement that calls for physician supervision of CRNAs.

A study by the Lewin Group shows that a CRNA practicing without supervision is the most cost-effective method of anesthesia delivery and that increasing the number of CRNAs and permitting them to practice in the most efficient delivery models will be key to containing costs while maintaining quality care. Based on this evidence, CRNA full practice authority within the VA can increase veteran access to care, lower wait times, and decrease costs.

To learn more about the role and duties of CRNAs, visit VeteransNeedCareNow.org.

Source: BPT

Two types of medical professionals are able to deliver anesthesia to patients: physician anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).

Sexy Diva World, Inc. is helping women all over the world understand that they can create their dream life. This movement helps women understand that self-love is sexy! Women have access to a whole new world when they love themselves, and our programs help them understand that self-love is a choice. Beneath all the layers of hurt, betrayal, disappointment, selfsabotage, and feelings of isolation is a Sexy Diva waiting to be unleashed. I welcome all women to join this movement!

—Charlene Taylor, the founder, owner, and CEO of Sexy Diva World, Inc.

HELPING WOMEN Release,

Transform, Emerge &

By d-mars.com News Provider

We hear the term “women’s empowerment,” but do we really stand on it? Backbiting, catfights, and jealousy seem to be the norm depicted on reality TV and in the media when it comes to women and their circles. But Charlene Taylor, the founder, owner, and CEO of Sexy Diva World, Inc., successfully leads this global movement for women that is changing the negative narrative.

Charlene is a two-time NPC Bodybuilding champion and a top ten fitness competitor who has been featured on Channel 2 KPRC-TV.

She is known as “The Liberian Lioness,” committed to spreading love, inspiring, and empowering women worldwide to discover their authentic selves. An entrepreneur for over 20 years, in addition to leading the Sexy Diva World brand, she is a success strategist and CEO of Ace Compliance Consulting and Social Gym Club, Inc.

Charlene, through Sexy Diva World, is helping women of all ages and single moms worldwide in a trusted space to unleash their feminine power with specifically designed programs for the needs of the whole woman. Her platform is strategic in helping women discover self-love and connecting them to a genuine circle of like-minded women for their health and well-being.

Under this effort, Charlene has not forgotten about the younger generation and has the Diva in Training Foundation to provide support, training, and a life-changing curriculum to inspire teenage girls to love

Transcend

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HELPING WOMEN Transform, Transcend

and honor themselves, build self-confidence, develop high self-esteem, and embrace sisterhood. The girls are introduced to new concepts that spark mindset shifts and participate in events and activities that expose them to a world of endless possibilities that empowers each girl to live a purposeful life. Being a mom herself, it was important for her to create an extension of this foundation to uplift single moms with training and development, education assistance, and life-changing on-the-job opportunities that enable them to improve their professional skills, mindset, and lives so they have the tools and resources to support their children and families.

Some of the Sexy Diva World programs include:

• Annual Self-Love & Sisterhood Summit

• Quarterly Two-Day Retreat

• Sexy Diva Squad

• Metamorphosis Retreat

• Intimacy, Love & Sex Crew

• Diva in Training Foundation

• Sexy Diva Speakers University

If you would like to join the Sexy Diva World Inc. movement and take the Sexy Diva Integrity Pledge,

HEALTH

Q&A With Charlene Taylor:

DMARS: What was the event in your life that birthed Sexy Diva World, Inc.?

CT: In the mist of terminating a toxic relationship, I discovered I was pregnant. I felt alone and angry my picture perfect life I created was shatter in a thousand pieces without purpose. Being in such a dark place, I saw the light when I heard “Goddess of love” and “sexy diva” in a soft loving voice as I cried out to God seeking purpose. That experience 13 years ago birthed this movement to empower and inspire women to embrace self-love even in the space of feeling alone and isolated.

DMARS: Your initiative is about self-love. Was there ever a time you had issues with your own self-esteem and self-worth? How did you overcome that?

CT: I knew I was smart because I made the good grades my mother expected. I knew I was the best athlete in my school because I set records, earned trophies, medals, featured in the local news weekly, and was recruited by over 20 of the top colleges in the nation. Though I excelled at athletics and academics, I wasn’t told I was beautiful growing up as a young girl. As an adult, I learned to tell myself that I was beautiful. The more I spoke it, the more I believed it, embraced it, and lived it.

DMARS: The term “sexy” can sometimes be used to put women in a place where they are looked at as objects. What is your definition of the term as you empower women and as it relates to this platform?

CT: The term “sexy” is a mindset and a way of being. Our feminine energy is the spark that radiates us and the essence of being sexy. Our Sexy Divas are powerful women who are courageous, confident, and unstoppable as they create life with extraordinary love, laughter, and heartfelt joy.

DMARS: Can you provide us with a success story of a woman who has been empowered through participating in your program(s)?

CT: There was a woman I was connected to who was a victim of domestic violence. She was being beaten in the middle of the street by her boyfriend, and no one was helping her. I got out of my car and was able to get her away from him. I discovered we lived in the same community. Over a period of time, with tools, resources, and a safe plan of action, she was able to leave her abusive boyfriend. To see a woman’s transformation is powerful.

DMARS: Through this program helping other women, how have you yourself evolved as a woman?

CT: I absolutely have evolved. I went from knowing myself as a powerful, confident, sexy, and fun woman to evolving more and more as an effective leader for women, now known as “The Liberian Lioness,” unstoppable in attracting all that I desire.

DMARS: What are the short-term and long-term goals for Sexy Diva World, Inc.?

CT: Short-term, I want this organization to continue to empower women worldwide, helping them embrace self-love and sisterhood and live by our Sexy Diva Integrity Pledge. Long-term, I want us to fulfill our mission, vision, and foundation statement that results in every female loving herself, loving her life and living life to the fullest with extraordinary love, laughter, and heartfelt joy.

Sexy Diva World welcomes women from all walks of life and is creating a world where women respect and love themselves, which in turn helps them honor and respect each other. Charlene understands that some women are still carrying the pain of being betrayed by so-called friends or have not healed from generational curses. This acclaimed and widely-recognized platform is proven effective in bringing women together to connect and collaborate, helping them live life to the fullest.

visit www.SexyDivaWorld.com or call 281.865.3535 or Scan QR CODE

How Do You Know Blood Donations Are Safe?

By d-mars.com News Provider

Every two seconds, someone in the United States (U.S.) needs blood. A single donation can save lives. However, only 3% of eligible Americans give blood each year.

“When you give blood, you’re giving the gift of life,” said Simone Glynn, M.D., chief of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Blood Epidemiology and Clinical Therapeutics Branch. “You aren’t just helping patients in critical care, but also those dealing with blood disorders.”

For the person doing the giving, you can be assured that you are doing a great thing, Glynn said. But if you’re the person receiving, can you trust that the blood you’re getting is safe?

Glynn said it’s a very important question. For 30 years, NHLBI has funded programs and research aimed at keeping the nation’s blood supply safe. One of these programs is NHLBI’s Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study, or REDS program. The REDS program conducts research to evaluate and improve the safety of the nation’s blood supply and the safety and effectiveness of transfusion therapies in children and adults. REDS is the largest research program of its kind in the U.S. It addresses potential emerging threats to the blood supply and serves as a resource for ongoing transfusion research. Because of programs like REDS, patients can have confidence that the blood they are receiving is safe.

Another major reason the blood supply is safe and trustworthy, Dr. Kamille West-

Mitchell of the National Institute of Health Clinical Center Blood Bank noted, “are the donor screening requirements that blood donation sites have in place to ensure the safety of both donors and blood recipients.” On the day a person shows up to give blood, some of the requirements they must meet are to:

* Be in good health - meaning that you feel well and can perform normal activities

* Have a healthy pulse and blood pressure

* Register a normal temperature - not a fever

* Meet their state’s minimum age requirement

* Not have a low hemoglobin level

* Not have HIV, hepatitis, or risk factors for these infections and other bloodtransmissible infections

* Not have donated blood in the last 56 days

Once the person’s blood leaves the donation site, it is carefully tested and screened for major known transfusion-transmissible agents such as HIV and hepatitis B and C to ensure it is safe, then stored at the right temperature before it is shipped where needed.

“Blood is always in demand because it’s perishable. But the good news is most people can donate blood,” West-Mitchell said. Finding a place to donate is simple, as there are blood donation sites in nearly every community. For more information about blood donation and safety, visit the NHLBI’s Blood Diseases & Disorders Education Program at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/blood/donation.

January 2023 is National Blood Donor Month! Source:

Living With Diabetes? Why You Need to Pay Attention to Your Feet

By d-mars.com News Provider

Diabetes can impact the body in a number of ways, especially creating potentially serious complications for your feet.

“Foot care is a central component of overall diabetes care,” says Bryce Paschold, DPM, FACFAS, a boardcertified foot and ankle surgeon and a fellow member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “Without precautions, even small foot problems can lead to amputation or be life-threatening.”

To help those living with diabetes understand potential complications and how to avoid them, ACFAS is sharing these important insights:

Potential Complications

Nerve damage that affects arms, hands, legs, and feet known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy not only makes you more likely to experience numbness, burning, and loss of your protective sensation, but losing sensation in your feet can also make it easier to miss common minor skin pathologies and other foot issues while they’re still relatively easy to treat.

With diabetes, the blood vessels below the knee often become narrow and restrict blood flow, causing infections that don’t heal. This common and serious complication can lead to the loss of your foot, leg, or your life.

Stress fractures and sprains are commonplace among all athletes, but those living with diabetes who experience neuropathy are more likely to be unaware of foot and ankle injuries and exacerbate them by continuing their activities.

While still relatively rare, Charcot foot seems to be growing in prevalence as more Americans develop diabetes. This sudden destruction and erosion of the foot’s bones, caused by severe nerve damage, can trigger an avalanche of problems, including joint loss, fractures, the collapse of the arch, massive deformity, ulcers, amputation, and even death. Symptoms appear suddenly and include warm and red skin and swelling, but commonly without pain.

Prevention

You can play a vital role in reducing your risk for complications. Here’s how:

• Inspect feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, and nail problems. Use a magnifying mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. If you need assistance, have someone else do it for you. Be proactive by knowing what is going on with your feet on a daily basis.

• Don’t ignore pain. Seek care immediately if you experience pain in your leg at night or with little activity. It could mean you have a blocked artery.

• Don’t perform “bathroom surgery.” Never trim calluses or corns yourself, and don’t use over-the-counter medicated pads. See a foot and ankle surgeon for

proper treatment.

• Keep floors clear. To prevent injury, make sure no needles, insulin syringes, or other sharp objects are on the floor. You should also always wear shoes, indoors and outdoors.

• Prevent Irritation. Shake shoes free of small objects you may not be able to feel and ensure your socks aren’t bunched up. Wear lighter-colored socks so you’ll notice blood or drainage if they occur.

• Be temperature aware. Never use heating pads, hot water bottles, ice or electric blankets, and never put your feet in hot water without testing the temperature; you can easily burn your feet without noticing.

• Stay active. Improve circulation by wiggling your toes and moving your ankles for five minutes, two to three times a day.

• Control blood sugar levels. Good diabetes management reduces your risk of developing complications.

• Book an appointment. Visit a foot and ankle surgeon to determine if you have lost any feeling or circulation. Periodic foot exams can also help prevent complications. “Advanced therapies for foot wounds, such as the use of bioengineered skin substitutes and negative pressure wound therapy, are saving limbs and restoring mobility for people who suffer from nonhealing foot ulcers,” says Dr. Paschold.

For more information and to find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, visit

FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website for the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Source: StatePoint

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5 Myths About Veteran Affairs Loans

By d-mars.com News Provider

More veterans are taking advantage of an important benefit for service members: A Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.4 million VA loans were taken out in 2021, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, there are still many veterans who are not using this important earned benefit for their service and sacrifice for the country.

VA home loans allow veterans and active-duty service members to obtain home mortgages with more favorable terms than other loans on the market. A VA loan is a mortgage supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and serviced by authorized lenders, like loanDepot, one of the nation’s largest non-bank retail mortgage lenders.

Why aren’t more veterans and active-duty service members using this benefit? Many are unaware of how to qualify for a VA loan or its benefits.

Eligibility and benefits

You may be eligible for a VA loan if you are an active duty servicemember with at least 90 days of continuous service, or if you are a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged meeting minimum requirements based on your dates of service. National Guard and Reserve members who meet specific criteria are also eligible.

While there are a number of VA loan options, typical benefits can include:

* No down payment

* Competitively low-interest rates

* No private mortgage insurance

* Limited closing costs

* Funding fee waived for disabled veterans

* Lower credit minimums

“A VA home loan is one of the most powerful tools our nation’s veterans can use to purchase a home and build long-term wealth,” said Patton Gade, loanDepot branch manager, and former U.S. Army officer. “Yet, it surprises me just how unknown and misunderstood these loans are among the people who have earned them. With all of the misconceptions out there, it’s important to work with a mortgage professional who specializes in VA loans, so you can better understand and unlock their full potential.”

2. Myth: You can only have one VA loan at a time

Sometimes you may have to finance multiple properties at once. Under certain conditions, with a VA loan, you may be able to finance numerous homes simultaneously, including your primary home, rental properties, and vacation homes.

3. Myth: VA loans are less preferable to sellers because they have a lot of restrictions

A VA loan may take a few days more to close versus a conventional loan, but that doesn’t necessarily make them more restrictive.

VA loans have additional controls in place to protect the veteran and their family; e.g., appraisals have to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser, which may increase the processing time of the loan.

4. Myth: The appraisal process for VA loans is more stringent and difficult than a conventional loan

The appraisal process is similar to a conventional loan. The VA approves and hires local appraisal professionals to ensure a smooth process.

5. Myth: VA loans take forever to close

Even knowing about the advantages of VA loans and that you may be eligible, you may still be unsure about using this earned benefit because of popular misconceptions.

1. Myth: A VA loan can only be accessed once

Many veterans are under the impression that you can only access a VA loan once. However, you can use and reuse the VA benefit again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the VA loan program as long as you remain eligible.

Working with a lender that specializes in VA loans and understands how they work can prevent issues that may slow the process. They can help to keep everything moving on time so you can get the home of your dreams with minimal delays.

If you’re thinking of taking out a VA loan, be sure to work with a lender who has specific expertise with the product and working with the veteran community, so they are well prepared to help you.

Source: BPT

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Preventing Scams and Fraud This Holiday Season

By d-mars.com News Provider

Scams and fraud are more deceiving these days, reaching you in more ways than ever before. The FTC reported 2.8 million fraud reports from consumers in 2021 alone, with reported fraud losses increasing by 70% from 2020 and more than $5.8 million.

Scammers begin their traditional uptick at the start of the holiday season, and identity theft protection expert Carrie Kerskie says being aware of what new cyber and phone fraud trends to look out for is your biggest defense against unwanted fraud.

“The more that we can get this information out there the better,” Kerskie recently told T-Mobile Stories, “Unfortunately when it comes to technology, privacy, and identity theft, the same old advice that was given 10, 15 years ago is still the gospel of what you’re supposed to do. And that is outdated. None of it works. It’s not true, it’s not relevant anymore.”

Scammers have expanded from targeting consumers with only traditional email and phone calls. The most recent trending scams are occurring using person-to-person payment platforms or P2P, remote access software, and even public Wi-Fi.

Kerskie says the most desirable accounts to criminals include bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, credit card accounts, and Amazon accounts. Now, with P2P payment platforms, criminals can get access to your bank account and use it to transfer money within moments.

The latest tactic that concerns Kerskie is using remote access software to gain access to everything on your computer without having to directly ask you for things like your social security number, bank account, or credit card number.

While many workers use remote access software safely from their companies’ IT departments, criminals are also using this software in their scams.

Criminals also try to access your information in settings like coffee shops or libraries using public Wi-Fi. A laptop or smartphone using public Wi-Fi can easily fall victim to scams. An easy fix is to use your smartphone’s wireless data and hotspot to help keep your personal information secure.

Kerskie says there are ways to keep scammers and fraud at bay ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Prioritize Privacy: Kerskie says, if it’s easy for you, it’s easy for a criminal. Privacy means having strong and unique passwords with a minimum of 12 characters, and for pins using random numbers and taking advantage of extra security. Enabling multi-factor authentication on your various apps and accounts will also protect you from potential threats.

Use Available Resources: Take advantage of the free anti-fraud safeguards offered by your mobile carrier. In the case of T-Mobile’s Scam Shield, services include enhanced caller ID, scam ID, and blocking, which flags suspicious calls and gives customers the option of blocking those numbers. Additionally, customers can get a free second number to keep their personal number personal, or even change their primary number completely.

Validate or Eliminate: Whatever potential threat you come across via email, text message, letter, or even a phone call, try to validate the information. If you cannot confirm the information is true or confirm the senders’ validity, throw it away, block the phone number or email address and report it as spam or junk mail.

Understanding how potential cyber threats and fraud work will help protect you this holiday season and beyond.

Source: StatePoint