Category Archives: Society: Social Services

The Latest news about what is available to our Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them through social services.

Society: Social Services

The Employee Ownership Expansion Network Announces the Appointment of New Board Member

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The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) announced today the appointment of Adria Scharf, PhD, to its Board of Directors. Ms. Scharf is Associate Director of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations and also teaches and directs the Curriculum Library for Employee Ownership (CLEO).

ARLINGINTON, Va., Jan. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding employee ownership across the U.S. through the creation and support of a network of State Centers for Employee Ownership – announced today the appointment of Adria Scharf, PhD, to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to add Adria to the EOX Board,” said EOX co-chair Jim Steiker. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience around shared ownership and a strong commitment to our mission to grow employee ownership.”

Ms. Scharf is Associate Director of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations. The Institute studies approaches that broaden financial participation and inclusion in the economy and business organizations and allow employees to be fully engaged and share the rewards of their work. Ms. Scharf’s research focuses on the wealth, wage and job benefits of employee ownership. She also teaches and directs the Curriculum Library for Employee Ownership (CLEO) – the world’s only online library dedicated to employee share ownership, which features more than 600 resources designed to help college professors teach about employee share ownership in their classes.

“EOX is laser-focused on expanding employee ownership in the United States,” said Scharf. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to join the board and help advance its vital mission because I see including employees in ownership as key to building a more equitable economy.”

About the Employee Ownership Expansion Network

The Employee Ownership Expansion Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in Philadelphia, PA in 2018 and headquartered in Arlington, VA. Its mission is to significantly expand employee ownership in the United States by establishing and supporting a network of independent, nonprofit State Centers for Employee Ownership. To date, EOX has provided funding and technical assistance to support the opening of twelve State Centers helping them to reach their goal of having 70% of the US population live in a state with a Center for Employee Ownership. To learn more, visit www.eoxnetwork.org.

Media Contact

Steve Storkan, Employee Ownership Expansion Network, 1 651-319-1874, [email protected], https://www.eoxnetwork.org/

SOURCE Employee Ownership Expansion Network

Society: Social Services

JDASC urges SEC to delay bitcoin ETF approvals until after “Satoshi Nakamoto” identity trial

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Deters further stated ” It may be too late and I realize this press release is a last minute, 11th hour appeal to the SEC, to delay all bitcoin ETF approvals until after the Satoshi Nakamoto court ruling. JDASC was approved as a non-profit, public benefit corporation by California just over a week ago. Despite not having the JDASC website ready, I felt it was imperative to try and reach the SEC and voice JDASC consumer investor protection concerns.”

JDASC (Joint Digital Asset Standards Council) is a non-profit, public benefit, consumer protection California corporation recently formed to establish industry wide digital asset standards and consumer investor protections.

Media Contact

John Deters, JDASC, 7702382085, [email protected], In process

SOURCE JDASC

Society: Social Services

Wesley Griffin Appointed as The Executive Director of The Collective Gain Foundation Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

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“We are thrilled to welcome Wesley as the Executive Director of the Collective Gain Foundation,” said Christian Lane, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board. “His extensive experience in leveraging resources for social good and his innovative approach to community development make him an ideal leader to steer our organization towards greater achievements.”

The Collective Gain Foundation was founded by brothers Christian, Joseph, and Patrick Lane in 2021 after having built and sold Praecipio Consulting, a successful technology and process frameworks consulting firm with a focus on Atlassian software. Praecipio Consulting specialized in scaling teams and enterprises. The brothers recognize the urgency to apply this to organizations and projects helping those projects reach sustainable, scaled impact. The Collective Gain Foundation is committed to bringing the capabilities leveraged by modern businesses and enterprises to accelerate these organizations’ impact.

With previous roles encompassing philanthropy, corporate finance, and go to market strategy, Wesley’s expertise will guide the Foundation’s efforts in fundraising, board member selection, project investment identification, and building partnerships globally.

“I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director at the Collective Gain Foundation,” said Wesley. “I am excited to collaborate with the Board of Directors and community partners to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in communities globally.”

As the Executive Director, Wesley will lead the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, forge key partnerships, and spearhead efforts to expand the Foundation’s global reach and effectiveness in fostering sustainable growth and social transformation.

About The Collective Gain Foundation:

The Collective Gain Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. The Collective Gain Foundation’s mission is to accelerate progress in saving and protecting the earth’s resources for current and future generations. It will accomplish its mission by making direct and indirect investments of time, energy, expertise, networks, and capital into projects, organizations, and land.

For more information about The Collective Gain Foundation, please visit https://thecollectivegain.org/ or contact [email protected]

Media Contact

Christian Lane, The Collective Gain Foundation, 1 512-200-2663, [email protected], https://thecollectivegain.org/

SOURCE The Collective Gain Foundation

Society: Social Services

CMG President Extends New Year Greetings to Overseas Audiences

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Shen Haixiong, President of China Media Group, greeted international audiences in his New Year’s message on Monday, reflecting on a year of sharing stories from China and the world.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — CGTN America & CGTN UN releases “CMG President Extends New Year Greetings to Overseas Audiences”

Shen Haixiong, President of China Media Group, greeted international audiences in his New Year’s message on Monday, reflecting on a year of sharing stories from China and the world.

“In 2023, China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative ushered in its first decade of prosperity. Flowers bloomed along the way, and China and the world advanced hand in hand. China Media Group has actively promoted exchanges among diverse civilizations on this road to prosperity and recorded with lenses and pens countless beautiful and heart-touching stories in people’s lives.” said Shen.

He has also highlighted several CMG programs that promoted cultural exchanges in 2023. CMG’s coverage of the Hangzhou Asian Games received 41.4 billion views, reaching a record high in the history of the Asian Games. CMG also collaborated with international counterparts, by signing cooperation documents and hosting media events.

“The world today is still not peaceful. It is in great need of peace, development, and cooperation to seek a win-win! We are pleased to see that more and more friends outside China are getting to understand, recognize and support China’s ideas and propositions.” said Shen.

Shen has praised the China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges event hosted by CMG during the APEC meeting in San Francisco last November. He said the guests of the “Enduring Friendship” event are devoted to bilateral friendship – among them a veteran of the Second World War U.S. Flying Tiger command.

CMG turned five years old in 2023 – the Group has established 191 overseas bureaus, covering 67 countries. Shen vowed that CMG would continue to produce quality shows in the coming Year of the Dragon.

“In this spirit of the dragon, China Media Group will bring more good stories about China and the world to our global audiences. Let’s write down new chapters of modern human civilization and welcome the new spring together!” said Shen.

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Shen says CMG is dedicated to building a world-class mainstream media organization.

Click here to read the full text of the address:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-01-01/CMG-president-extends-New-Year-greetings-to-overseas-audiences-1q0LYyHLJMQ/p.html

This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

Media Contact

Zeng Siwei, CGTN America, 1 3036185067, [email protected]

SOURCE CGTN America

Society: Social Services

Labor Law Firms Zakay Law Group APLC and JCL Law Firm APC File Class Action Against MINACT Alleging Failure to Provide Compliant Meal and Rest Breaks

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Under California law, every employer shall pay to each employee, on the established payday for the period involved, not less than the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked in the payroll period, whether the remuneration is measured by time, piece, commission, or otherwise. Hours worked is defined in the applicable Wage Order as “the time during which an employee is subject to the control of an employer and includes all the time the employee is suffered or permitted to work, whether or not required to do so.” MINACT allegedly required its employees to perform work before and after their scheduled shifts, as well as during their off-duty meal breaks. The lawsuit alleges MINACT failed to compensate its employees for any of the time spent under the employer’s control while working off-the-clock. As such, MINACT allegedly failed to pay its employees the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked in a payroll period.

If you would like to know more about the MINACT lawsuit, please contact Attorney Jackland Hom today by calling (619) 255-9047.

Zakay Law Group, APLC and JCL Law Firm, APC are labor and employment law firms with offices located in California that dedicate their practices to fighting for employees who have been wronged by their employers due to unfair employment practices. Contact one of their attorneys today if you need help with workplace issues regarding wage and hour, wrongful termination, retaliation, discrimination, and harassment.

-THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT (Rules Prof. Conduct, rule 7.2)-

Media Contact
Jackland Hom, Zakay Law Group, APLC, (619) 255-9047, [email protected], https://zakaylaw.com/

SOURCE Zakay Law Group, APLC

Society: Social Services

Attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, File Suit Against Victoria’s Secret Stores, LLC, Allegedly Failing to Provide Employees With Rest Breaks

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Additionally, Defendant subjected Plaintiff to adverse employment actions by allegedly retaliating against Plaintiff. Throughout the beginning of 2023, Plaintiff informed Defendant of her medical diagnoses and need to have workplace accommodations. Plaintiff’s managers allegedly failed to accommodate her requests and brushed off complaints. Shortly after submitting her formal request to accommodate her disability, Defendant terminated Plaintiff’s employment. As a result, there is an alleged causal link between the protected activity and Defendant’s decision to terminate her employment which is against public policy.

For more information about the class action lawsuit against Victoria’s Secret Stores, LLC, call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today.

Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today.

***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT***

Media Contact

Nicholas De Blouw, Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, (800) 568-8020, [email protected], https://www.bamlawca.com/

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SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP



Society: Social Services

How Costalegre Carved Its Niche at the Intersection of Luxury and Sustainability

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Tourism experiences combine world-class accommodations with conservation initiatives serving nature and community

NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In western Jalisco, where lush jungle meets the rugged Pacific coastline, Costalegre beckons travelers seeking an unmatched luxury experience paired with genuine respect for the land, connection to local communities and a commitment to conservation. In Costalegre, sustainability is a key factor for both tourism pioneers and the newest resorts. Here are some of the ways that Costalegre has established its position at the forefront of sustainable eco-friendly tourism.

Cayeres®: Preserving Biodiversity, Empowering Communities

Founded by the late visionary Italian businessman Gian Franco Bignone in 1968, Cayeres® was created as a place where travelers from around the world could immerse themselves in the splendor and tranquility of nature without intruding upon it. Cayeres® makes the most of its diverse topography with accommodations ranging from fully-staffed clifftop ocean castles to design-forward private villas, colorful cliffside casitas, beachfront bungalows, and El Careyes Club & Residences. With a conscientious approach to development, Cayeres® ensures that 93 percent of land within the compound remains protected.

The Cayeres Foundation, deeply reflective of the ethos of Costalegre, was designed as a catalyst to manage innovative programs in the environment, education, wellness and the arts to support 12 rural communities in the region. This year, the Foundation is celebrating 40 years of its Sea Turtle Center. Since 1983, the foundation has safeguarded more than 16,000 sea turtle nests, releasing more than 1.3 million newborn turtles from four different species into their natural habitat. Locals and visitors, including elementary school students, are invited to help collect nests and release hatchlings, fostering a profound appreciation for one of the world’s oldest surviving species.

Cuixmala: Community-Led Conservation

Envisioned by Sir James Goldsmith, knighted for his services to ecology, the luxury eco-resort Cuixmala is surrounded by 30,000 acres of coastal jungle within the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, home to hundreds of wildlife species. Sir James purchased the initial piece of land featuring a nine-mile pristine coastline in 1987, which over time has evolved to include an iconic blue-and-yellow tiled dome villa, freestanding bungalows, private villas, and casitas.

Founded in 1988, the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation plays a vital role in safeguarding Costalegre’s unique ecosystems through a community-led approach to conservation. Educational programs inspire local communities to embrace environmental stewardship, fostering a profound connection between residents and the natural world. Cuixmala’s commitment to conservation extends to reforestation projects and habitat protection, ensuring the preservation of the region’s remarkable biodiversity, which includes over 270 bird species, 70 mammal species, and 68 reptile species.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo: Pioneering Luxury in Harmony with Nature

Opened in late 2022, the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo welcomes guests to enjoy all of its 157 guestrooms and suites set upon 3,000-acres of an oceanfront nature reserve. The resort epitomizes a harmonious blend of ultra-luxury hospitality and innovative sustainability initiatives connecting guests to the natural surroundings. Committed to reducing its environmental impact, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo uses solar energy for power, significantly lowering its carbon footprint, and employs cutting-edge water conservation systems. A mere 2 percent of the reserve is developed, offering an unspoiled natural experience for guests. Authentic Mexican culture is evident in all aspects of the on-property experience. Guests are connected to the country’s rich heritage and modern lifestyle via the “puro talento Mexicano” initiative that celebrates Mexican talent across all design disciplines – from the country’s greatest contemporary architects to decorative folk arts sourced through philanthropic alliances. Of recent note, a partnership with famed Mexican chef Elena Reygadas announced in August 2023 has brought the unique ingredients of Costalegre and its on-site, low-impact farm Rancho Ortega, to the plates of guests at Coyul.

For outdoor lovers, the resort’s Discovery Centre serves as a knowledge hub with 26 miles of hiking trails connecting guests with indigenous flora and fauna. Resident researchers and biologists lead morning hikes, unveiling the rich biodiversity of the reserve, which is home to over 70 endemic species, 3 bird species, 16 mammals, 11 amphibians, and 30 reptiles.

About Costalegre

Situated within the state of Jalisco, Costalegre, which translates to “Happy Coast,” stretches 238 miles along the Pacific Coast from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo. Characterized by rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush jungles, it comprises the municipalities of Cabo Corrientes, Tomatlán, La Huerta, and Cihuatlán. A leader in sustainability, the region’s tourism stakeholders are committed to providing a low-density environmentally-minded visitor experience. Dotted along the region are charming Mexican towns known for their eco-tourism offerings, architecture, and traditional cuisine. Renowned for its exclusive resorts and properties, including the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Las Alamandas, Careyes®, Cuixmala, and Six Senses Xala (set to open in 2026), Costalegre also offers an array of more budget-friendly accommodations, as well as a host of private homes and villas for rent.

Travel to Costalegre is easily accessible from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO). The region is connected by Federal Highway 200, also known as Carretera Pacífico, a two-lane fully paved highway. The Chalacatepec International Airport is currently under development, with plans of opening in the year 2024.

Media Contact

Allyson Doyle, PTG Consulting, 1 6464659789, [email protected] 

SOURCE Costalegre

Society: Social Services

Thompson Coe Makes Annual Donations to Hunger Relief Organization and Local Nonprofits

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“As the recent USDA data shows, the mission of Feeding America is even more important today to ensure we end food insecurity and put food on the table for our neighbors facing hunger,” said Shawn Phelan, Chair of the Management Committee. “Everyone at Thompson Coe is committed to helping others and finding ways to make a difference for those in our community.”

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, they have helped provide 5.2 billion meals to 40 million people in need last year.

Additionally, the Thompson Coe Austin office gathered donations for The Settlement Home for Children fulfilling the wish list for four teenaged residents and gift cards for the House staff. Plus, the Houston office adopted 91 angels through the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation Adopt-An-Angel program from the Thompson Elementary School.

For 73 years, Thompson Coe has been recognized as a top tier litigation firm and a national authority on insurance and sophisticated coverage issues. The Firm opened the Austin office in 1999, the Houston office in 2001, the St. Paul office in 2002, the New Orleans office in 2016, and the San Antonio office in 2021.

About Thompson Coe
Founded in 1951, Thompson Coe has been providing legal services to clients both regionally and nationally for 70 years. Thompson Coe is 200+ attorney firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Paul, Minnesota. The firm is highly recognized for its civil litigation capabilities and our diverse group of attorneys has the experience, resources, and capacity to respond to the multi-service demands of our clients across multiple states and industries. Thompson Coe offers comprehensive legal services in areas of Insurance Litigation and Coverage, Products Liability, Mass Torts, Property and Casualty Litigation, Labor and Employment, Business & Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Appellate Law, Insurance Regulation, State Legislation, and Business Transactions, among others.

Media Contact

Liz Landry, Thompson Coe, 214-871-8200, [email protected], https://www.thompsoncoe.com/

SOURCE Thompson Coe

Society: Social Services

Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) and Rep. Dan Crenshaw Celebrate Bi-Partisan Support for NDAA Bill that Includes Grants for Research in Psychedelic Treatment

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Collaboration Helps Bring U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw’s Douglas Mike Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act, legislation that will direct the Defense Department to create grants for studying psychedelic treatments for active duty service members.

CORONADO, Calif., Dec. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending veteran suicide, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking milestone with the inclusion of the first-ever provision for psychedelic research in the recently signed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a significant step forward in expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapies for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Amber Capone, CEO and co-founder of VETS, shared her perspective on this historic achievement, saying, “The inclusion of psychedelic research in the NDAA marks a pivotal turn in our journey to revolutionize mental health care for our military. The unwavering support and dedication of our community, combined with the collaborative efforts of policymakers like Rep. Crenshaw, have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. This is more than a legislative success; it’s a beacon of hope, promising innovative and effective treatments for those who have selflessly served our nation.”

The successful integration of this provision is a testament to the collective efforts of the supporters, who engaged with legislators through calls and letters. Representative Dan Crenshaw, the driving force behind this initiative, actively sought bipartisan support, collaborating with VETS and other organizations to shape the legislation.

Representative Crenshaw stated, “I’ve led this two years in a row in the House, and now finally got it into the final bill with the Senate. I’m thrilled. This will save lives and potentially revolutionize the way we treat all types of PTSD and TBI.”

Over the past two years, VETS representatives engaged in Congressional office meetings and press conferences, conducting an intensive educational campaign on Capitol Hill. This extensive effort culminated in the introduction of the Douglas “Mike” Day Psychedelic Therapy to Save Lives Act in June 2023. Simultaneously proposed as an amendment to the NDAA, this legislation received unanimous approval from both the U.S. House and Senate on December 7, 2023.

In addition to this historic achievement, VETS reaffirms its commitment to advancing at least two additional pieces of legislation in the coming year to further support the military community. This proactive advocacy demonstrates our dedication to creating tangible change.

To accelerate these advancements, contributions to support VETS’ advocacy efforts can be received through: Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions Donations.

About VETS

Founded in 2019, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to end the veteran suicide epidemic by providing resources, research, and advocacy for U.S. military veterans seeking psychedelic-assisted therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other health conditions. VETS envisions a world where our veterans have access to the most advanced healthcare options to heal from the mental and physical wounds of war.

Media Contact

Brad Burge, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), 1 6508636887, [email protected], https://vetsolutions.org

SOURCE Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS)

Society: Social Services

United Airlines Managers Sued For Alleged Racist and Sexist Antics Against Mexican-American Business Manager in San Francisco Airport

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According to the lawsuit, Lujan was forced to endure an alleged pattern of relentless sexism and racism in the United workplace, which included the exhibition of sex toys and spanking paddles at the office, an anti-Mexican and sexist “poem” being recited and circulated over email by a male United manager, and the mocking display of a baby bottle in retaliation for Ms. Lujan’s complaints.

“United’s alleged unrelenting sexism and racism were demoralizing and dehumanizing,” said Ms. Lujan. “Being mocked and humiliated by these male managers was compounded by United’s alleged decision to completely ignore my complaints.”

“Blatant workplace harassment like this cannot be tolerated in 2023,” said attorney Sam S. Yebri of Merino Yebri LLP. “Major American corporations like United Airlines must do more to protect female and minority employees from the cancer of racism and sexism.”

Ms. Lujan’s lawsuit, filed on December 21, 2023 in San Mateo County Superior Court, is captioned Lujan v. United Airlines, Inc. et al., Case No. 23-CIV-06106.

Media Contact

Sam Yebri, Merino Yebri LLP, 1 310-551-2015, [email protected], www.MYLAWLLP.com 

SOURCE Merino Yebri LLP