KYCC launched the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program during April 2004 and has enrolled over 40 people who hope to become small business owners. The IDA program is an asset building “savings match” program targeting low-income residents of Los Angeles County. For those who meet the income guidelines, two dollars is added to their total account balance for every dollar saved. Participants save $1,000 in the span of 12 to 18 months and the federal government and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles match it with up to $2,000 for business start-up and expansion use.

As part of the IDA Program, participants attend personal finance and money management workshop series and microenterprise training. Workshops are designed to educate or refine the participants’ personal and financial skills that are essential for long-term success. Upon enrollment in the program, participants undergo an eight-week financial literacy and entrepreneur training.

The IDA Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and is supported by the following local financial institutions: Nara Bank, Wilshire State Bank, Comerica Bank, Center Bank and US Bank.

KYCC’s Small Business Development Unit also offers a wide range of small business services, including marketing assistance, loan packaging, human resources and management. If you are interested in learning more about the IDA Program or other small business related matters, please contact Rick Kim at (213) 365-7400, ext. 228.

JAO members and participants of the speech contest.

“My Hero Is … ”

On March 2, students from KYCC’s Saturday Enrichment Program participated in a speech contest entitled “My Hero Is …” hosted by the Japanese American Optimist Club (JAO). Four students participated in the contest. The first place winner was Ana Quintana who spoke passionately about her mother as a hero who nurtures her with endless love while teaching her to care for others. Yesenia Montano and Dolores Santiago tied for second place. Montano named her father as a hero, and Santiago vividly explained the heroism of her aunt in Mexico who cared for her during early childhood. Santiago dreams that someday her aunt will join her in the United States. Third place winner Eric Seo chose his uncle as a hero because he serves as his role model since his parents are always working away from home.

The JAO generously provided a four-course dinner for all of the students and families. Quintana received a medal and a $100 savings bond and will compete in another speech contest on April 16 in Monterey Park.

Eternity

Over 300 high school kids braved stormy weather on Friday, Feb. 18, to attend KYCC’s Sixth Annual Eternity Dance held at the beautiful Skyhall Banquet facility at the Aroma Wilshire Center. The event was led by the collaborative efforts of youth development leadership groups YDAPP (Youth Drug Abuse Prevention Program) and Youth Venture. This year, the Eternity Dance featured anti-drug and HIV/STI awareness and education and a raffle featuring prizes from Six Flags Magic Mountain, Regal Movie Theatres and a $100 dollar gift certificate for the Grove shopping center. In addition, 100 percent of the proceeds from this extremely successful event will be donated to a yet to be determined tsunami relief fund.