Empowered Community, Inc.

Yes, Young Adults Can Buy a Home in 2025—Here’s How For many young adults, homeownership seems more difficult than ever. Rising home prices, stagnating wages, and changes in federal assistance programs have created new hurdles. However, with the right strategies—such as choosing high-income careers, managing finances wisely, and securing the best mortgage terms—homeownership is still achievable. This guide provides young adults with everything they need to know about purchasing a home in today’s economic climate. https://lnkd.in/eiyt62E3 -----

?? Bananas in Your Smoothie? You Might Be Losing Antioxidants! ?? Did you know that adding a banana to a smoothie can reduce antioxidant benefits by up to 84%? ?? Here’s why: Bananas contain polyphenol oxidase (PPO), an enzyme that breaks down antioxidants (like those in berries) when blended. This process—similar to how a cut banana turns brown—reduces the power of the polyphenols that help fight free radicals. Keep Your Smoothie Packed with Antioxidants: ? Add bananas last & drink immediately ? Squeeze in lemon / lime juice to slow oxidation ? Use frozen fruit to reduce enzyme activity Small changes can help you get the most health benefits from your smoothie! ???? #HealthyLiving #SmoothieTips #Antioxidants

Sssending you coils of joy, health, good fortune, and countless blessings this 2025 Lunar New Year! ?????? Sssome fun facts about the Year of the Snake: 1. CALM & COLLECTED: Those born in the Year of the Snake are believed to be calm, wise, and charming. They have a mysterious and deep personality that draws people in. 2. ELEMENTAL TWIST: Each Year of the Snake has an associated element. 2025 is the year of the Wood Snake, which signifies growth, creativity, and flexibility. 3. LUCKY DAYS: For those born in the Year of the Snake, the 1st and 23rd of every Chinese lunar month are considered lucky. 4. COLORS & NUMBERS: Red, yellow, and black are considered lucky colors for Snakes. Numbers 2, 8, and 9 bring good fortune. 5. HISTORICAL FIGURES: Famous people born in the Year of the Snake include Pablo Picasso, Bob Dylan, and Oprah Winfrey. They all embody the Snake's qualities of intelligence and creativity.

In honor & celebration of his remembrance

10 Situations That Reveal True Character Navigating life means understanding yourself and others. This self-awareness fosters personal growth and helps identify trustworthy individuals. The following situations unveil true character in everyone. Let these insights be your shortcut, avoiding the need for too much trial and error. 1. Under Pressure: When faced with tight deadlines or high-stress situations, people's true nature surfaces. Example: A team leader staying calm and supportive during a project crunch time, or someone losing their cool and lashing out. 2. In Adversity: Hard times reveal true character—how people handle failure, loss, or setbacks. Example: Someone facing financial struggles who remains optimistic and perseveres, versus someone who gives up and blames others. 3. When They're Alone: People's actions when they think no one is watching show their integrity. Example: A person picking up trash in a public park when no one is around versus ignoring it. 4. During Success: How someone reacts to success can reveal humility or arrogance. Example: A person who shares credit with their team and stays grounded versus someone who brags and belittles others. 5. In Relationships: Interactions with family, friends, and romantic partners highlight true personality traits. Example: A person consistently showing support and kindness, or someone being manipulative and selfish. 6. When They Have Power: People in positions of authority reveal their true nature by how they treat those under them. Example: A manager who empowers and respects employees versus one who exploits their power and intimidates others. 7. While Competing: Competitive situations can expose a person's fairness or ruthlessness. Example: An athlete who plays by the rules and congratulates opponents versus one who cheats and shows poor sportsmanship. 8. When Faced with Temptation: Responses to temptations—moral, ethical, or financial—reveal true values. Example: Someone refusing a bribe even when in need versus someone easily succumbing to dishonesty. 9. In Crisis Situations: Emergencies and crises bring out natural instincts and genuine behaviors. Example: A person who quickly helps others and stays composed during a disaster versus someone who panics and prioritizes themselves. 10. While Negotiating: Negotiation scenarios highlight patience, honesty, and negotiation style. Example: A negotiator seeking win-win solutions and showing transparency versus one who uses deceit and manipulation to get their way.

Our Happy New Year Empowerment Story For 2025, we encourage you to FIND ONE THING to transform your life, as Emma did below... As the clock struck midnight, Emma made a resolution for the new year. Instead of a list of fleeting promises, she chose only ONE life-changing goal: to prioritize her health. By February, she was following a balanced diet and exercising regularly. By June, she had improved her fitness and energy levels, feeling more vibrant and mentally positive than ever. December found Emma mentoring friends and family about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, sharing her journey. This single, purposeful goal not only transformed her physical well-being but also inspired those around her. In 2025, just one meaningful accomplishment led to Emma's much improved health and happiness.

This one is tricky and may use all of your critical thinking skills. Do you see the solution?

Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah! This year, Christmas and Hanukkah coincide, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate our diverse traditions together. As we light the menorah and decorate the tree, let’s embrace the themes of hope, resilience, and community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our incredible volunteers, dedicated Board of Directors, and enthusiastic participants. Your unwavering support and commitment make our mission possible. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, joy, and meaningful connections. Here’s to a season of peace and prosperity for all. Warm wishes from your friends at Empowered Community, Inc. #SeasonGreetings #Christmas #Hanukkah #CommunitySpirit #EmpoweredCommunity #VolunteerAppreciation #BoardOfDirectors #HolidayJoy #Peace #Prosperity #CelebrateTogether #NonprofitLove #Nonprofit #Charity #GivingBack #SocialGood #Volunteer

Critical thinking is important for career and navigating life. Something as simple as the below puzzle can help you develop problem solving strategies. Share your best answers with us, and we'll share ours!

Clear Vision, Clear Savings: Your Guide to Affordable Eyewear We saw first hand how expensive eye care is nowadays. But clear vision is essential for a healthy and productive life! That's why we're sharing effective strategies to save money on your eye exams and glasses. Our recent experience found significant cost variations between traditional optometrists and online retailers. Here's a real-world premium example that includes a rimless frame, progressive lenses, 1.67 Index Super Thin Lens (V-Pro Digital Free Form), Scratch Resistant Coating, UV Protective Coating, Premium Anti-Reflective Coating, Photochromic: Transitions XTRACTIVE Gray, Super Hydrophobic upgrade, and Blue Light Lenses upgrade. Local Optometrist - No insurance: $1210 - With insurance: $732 Online Example - No insurance & no coupon: $790 - With insurance & coupon code: $449 - With Insurance: $302 Note: You can find basic frames and single-vision lenses for as low as $20-$60. For a more comprehensive package including progressive lenses and anti-reflective coating, you might pay around $100-$200. SAVING STRATEGIES 1. Compare Online Retailers: Explore online retailers like GlassesUSA, Zenni Optical, Warby Parker, and others. These often offer competitive prices on frames and lenses. 2. Consider Generic Frames: Designer frames can significantly inflate the cost. Explore stylish and affordable generic options. 3. Prioritize Essential Features: While features like blue-light filtering and photochromic lenses offer benefits, focus on essential needs like scratch-resistant coatings and UV protection first. 4. Seek Coupon Codes: Many online retailers offer seasonal or promotional discounts. Look for coupon codes before finalizing your purchase. 5. Maximize Insurance Coverage: Understand your vision insurance plan and utilize its benefits for eye exams and glasses. 6. Health Saving Account: Pay with your tax advantaged HSA, if you have one. IMPORTANT Having a yearly examination with a certified eye doctor is essential for preserving good eyesight. Ask for your prescription including the pupil distance (PD) numbers for both the left and right eyes to have complete control over your eyewear purchases. Legally, you cannot be refused services for deciding to buy eyewear anywhere you prefer. Share this post to help more people access eye care and improve their quality of life. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - EyeCare America: Provides free or low-cost eye exams and glasses to qualified individuals. (https://lnkd.in/eJJgPx8) - Lions Club International: Offers various vision programs, including free eye exams and glasses for children and seniors. (https://lnkd.in/gixx8TP) - VisionServe Alliance: Provides vision rehabilitation services, including low-vision devices and training. (https://lnkd.in/etwscpix) - National Federation of the Blind: Advocates for the visually impaired and offers various programs and resources. (https://nfb.org)