Outreach staff goes to Thai town

Fair-goers at the Thai Community Development Center's Health and Consumer Resource Fair got physical and financial fitness check ups. A Consumer Action outreach staffer was there to provide financial fitness tips and materials on Saturday, July 19. The event was held in Thai Town, near L.A.'s Griffith Park.  The outdoor stage featured a rock band, Thai silk dancers, and Consumer Action's Nelson Santiago presenting the popular MoneyWi$e modules on scams and identity theft.  Santiago said that although Thai dancers were a tough act to follow, he was spared from having to create an on-the-spot theatrical interpretation of identity theft.  During Santiago's presentation, consumers flocked to the stage to ask questions and hear Santiago address their queries about credit, spam, and auto repossessions. Several agencies concerned with consumer issues and financial fitness were exhibitors at the fair.  Consumer Action was joined by, among others, the California Public Utilities Commission, Ability First, Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Housing Rights Center.  The event was co-hosted by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Santiago networked with representatives from several local agencies who expressed an interest in hosting a Consumer Action training for their staff and partner agencies. Santiago said he learned about the programs and services provided by Thai Community Development Center (CDC). The agency works toward advancing the social and economic well-being of low and moderate income Thais and other ethnic communities by promoting affordable housing, access to health care, small business advice and neighborhood empowerment. Thai CDC also helps hundreds of Thai victims of human trafficking with immediate shelter, medical and legal aid and the development of long-term self-sufficiency skills.