_edited.png)
“Divided by the Land, Connected by the Ocean/ Man Apattáo gi Tano’, lao Man Chetton gi Tasi"
Your Guide to Resources at Marianas Festival
Pacific Islanders face significant challenges related to poverty, language barriers, health concerns, and financial literacy, which hinder their overall well-being and economic empowerment. We at MAGI, recognize that while sharing and celebrating our rich culture is extremely important, it is equally vital to support one another in becoming self-sufficient, healthy, and conscious of our well-being.
Our mission is to ensure that our people live long, happy, and healthy lives. To achieve this, we are committed to providing free resources aimed at improving the quality of life for our community. These resources will address the critical issues that our community faces, offering support in areas such as:
​
-
Poverty Alleviation: Access to programs and initiatives designed to provide economic opportunities and financial assistance.
-
Language Support: Resources to overcome language barriers, ensuring better communication and integration within society.
-
Health Awareness: Educational materials and services to promote health consciousness and address prevalent health concerns within our community.
-
Financial Literacy: Tools to help individuals understand and manage their finances, leading to greater economic empowerment.
-
Food Accessibility: Support for community members struggling to afford food, especially when trying to maintain a healthy diet.
-
Mental Health: Resources and support for those dealing with mental health crises, gambling issues, and drug addiction.
The Chamorro and Refaluwasch communities are making significant strides in both state and local jobs and positions, contributing to a robust and interconnected community network. This collective effort is not only creating opportunities but also enhancing health outcomes and overall well-being for our people. Together, we can create a future where everyone thrives. Let's work hand in hand to build a community where our culture is not only celebrated but also supported by a foundation of health, self-sufficiency, and economic strength. Join us at MAGI in this journey towards a better tomorrow for all!
Stop by the Multnomah County Environmental booth at the Marianas Festival to learn more about important environmental health topics. Our booth will provide valuable information on:
•Lead Safety
•Creating Healthy Homes
•Air Quality
•Water Safety
•Fish Consumption Guidelines
Get informed and take steps to ensure a healthier environment for yourself and your community.
Immunizations are one of the best ways to prevent diseases and keep your family healthy. The Multnomah County Immunization program will be at the Marianas Festival offering free vaccines for children and adults at our clinic, as well as at other locations in the community. The following resources will be available:​​​​​​
-
COVID (Moderna and Pfizer for Adults and Children- Age: 6 Months+)
-
MPOX (Age 18 years+)
Regular blood pressure checks and dental varnishing are simple yet crucial steps in maintaining good health. High blood pressure, often referred to as the "silent killer," can go unnoticed until it causes significant health problems, while dental varnishing is essential for maintaining oral health. Here's how these practices can benefit your overall well-being:
​
Regular Blood Pressure Checks:
-
Early Detection: Regular checks can help detect hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention and management before it leads to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage.
-
Prevention of Health Issues: By monitoring blood pressure, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their health, such as adopting a healthier lifestyle, making dietary changes, and starting medications if necessary.
-
Management of Chronic Conditions: For those already diagnosed with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, regular monitoring helps ensure that treatment plans are effective and can be adjusted as needed.
-
Peace of Mind: Knowing your blood pressure status provides peace of mind and encourages a proactive approach to overall health and wellness.
Dental Varnishing:
-
Prevention of Tooth Decay: Dental varnishing involves applying a protective fluoride coating to the teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel.
-
Protection Against Cavities: This simple procedure is particularly effective for children and adults who are at higher risk of developing cavities.
-
Maintaining Oral Health: Regular dental varnishing can contribute to overall oral hygiene, reducing the need for more invasive dental procedures in the future.
-
Cost-Effective Prevention: Dental varnishing is a cost-effective way to maintain oral health, potentially saving on more expensive dental treatments down the line
​
Visit the Multnomah County mobile van at the Marianas Festival for free blood pressure checks and dental varnishing. Take advantage of these essential health services and make a positive step towards better overall health and wellness.
We are thrilled to announce that at this year's Marianas Festival, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the "Preschool for All" initiative. On November 3rd, 2020, voters in Multnomah County showed overwhelming support for early education by approving Measure 26-214 with 64 percent of the vote. This measure aims to extend quality preschool education to children throughout the county. The PFA primary application period happened in the spring and the majority of Preschool for All seats are filled for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Only families who did not apply in the spring should apply now to join a waitlist.
​
The Department of County Human Services has been tasked with administering the program, ensuring that every child in the county has access to early education opportunities. Festival attendees are encouraged to stop by the booth to learn about the impact of "Preschool for All" and discover how they can get involved. This is a great chance to engage with the community and explore the benefits of this important initiative. Visit the booth to learn more about "Preschool for All" and how to access available resources.
The Chinese Friendship Association of Portland, a non-profit organization with over 30 years of history, will be promoting tobacco prevention and Oregon Health Plan (OHP) insurance for Oregonians at the Marianas Festival.
As a grassroots advocacy group, NOCVA is led by a national office and regional chapters in the U.S. mainland, with advisors in the islands. All NOCVA members are volunteers. These committed individuals connect through online communication via the www.chamorrovets.com website, onsite meetings and conferences, and frequent direct personal contact (in person and/or by phone), depending on the issue. Each level of the organization works independently in building NOCVA’s influence at the national, regional, and island levels; all are critical to furthering NOCVA’s mission and vision.
Chamorro-owned and operated, The Base Camas is a small but mighty Jiu-Jitsu academy located in Camas, Washington. The instructors at The Base Camas focus on detailed training techniques to build strong martial artists, equipping students with self-defense skills that enable them to live comfortably and confidently.
​
Students at The Base Camas represent the academy's values in their daily lives, reflecting the discipline and character developed in their BJJ classes. The community of martial artists at The Base Camas learns from one another, always seeking opportunities to improve and give back to the community.
​
Visitors are encouraged to stop by The Base Camas Jiu-Jitsu Academy booth at the Marianas Festival to learn more about their programs. The Base Camas subsidizes tuition through a combination of their own funding and government programs, with The Base covering about 90% of the costs.
​
Join The Base Camas in building a strong, confident community through the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu!
Financial Literacy
​
Dream Builders: Revolutionizing Financial Services
Dream Builders is a community of financial professionals dedicated to delivering top-tier financial education and transforming the financial services industry through a dependable, scalable system. Their mission is to bridge the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, offering the professionalism of large institutions without the confusing jargon. Staying true to their grassroots origins, they maintain authenticity and enthusiasm.
​
As a caring community with a passion for helping others, Dream Builders is not just building an industry but changing the world. They empower families by providing comprehensive financial literacy and tailored solutions, including financial literacy introductions, building savings and wealth, increasing cash flow and managing debt, preparing with proper protection, integrating health and wealth, understanding asset accumulation strategies, and achieving long-term goals.
​
In partnership with Transamerica and Aegon, Dream Builders offers both education and practical solutions. For those seeking additional income and business ownership opportunities, they provide a proven platform, along with training for licensing and continuous development to help individuals and their businesses thrive. Come visit Dream Builders at the Marianas Festival to learn more about their services and how they can help empower your financial future.
​​​
World Financial Group and Transamerica Financial Advisors
​
World Financial Group and Transamerica Financial Advisors provide financial services through life insurance, retirement strategies, and a variety of wealth-building strategies. Since their founding in 2001, every decision has been guided by their mission to help individuals create the life they want to live while protecting their loved ones and planning their financial legacy.
​
They offer access to a diverse portfolio of insurance, retirement, savings, and wealth-building strategies. Their team of licensed independent agents across North America helps guide individuals from where they are to where they want to be. Find Julian Hofschneider and his team at Marianas Festival where they will be providing financial literacy information to help you become self-sufficient while building towards financial security for your future.
PDX Pacific Climate Warriors will be distributing produce at Marianas Festival on Saturday August 24, 2024! No cost, all free! Luau leaf, mini bananas, kalo, and more will be available for you to take home after enjoying your time at Marianas Fest! Paper bags will be provided, BUT guests are encouraged to bring reusable bags for their produce!
Army Active Duty and Reserve Gresham Office
The US Army will have a special booth at this year's Marianas Festival to provide information on the enlistment process and the many benefits of joining the Army. Our representatives will be available to answer your questions and guide you through:
​
-
Enlistment Process: Step-by-step guidance on how to enlist.
-
Career Opportunities: Explore the wide range of career paths available in the Army.
-
Education Benefits: Learn about the educational benefits, including tuition assistance and scholarships.
-
Training and Development: Information on the training programs that will help you build a successful career.
-
Health and Retirement Benefits: Comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and more.
This is a great opportunity to increase your awareness of what the US Army can offer and to understand the process of enlisting. Whether you are considering a future in the military or just want to know more, our team is here to help.
We are excited to announce that the Department of Human Services will have a dedicated booth at our event. Their mission is to provide hope and a better quality of life for our community's most vulnerable individuals. At their booth, they will offer valuable information on the wide range of services available to those in need. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the resources and support they provide to our community. We encourage all attendees to visit the booth and discover how these services can make a positive impact on their lives or the lives of those they care about.
UTOPIA PDX, (United Territories Of Pacific Islanders Alliance - Portland Chapter) is a non-profit run by and for Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders (QTPIs). They organize to heal through the love for our culture and the love for our people. We invite everyone to visit their booth, experience the joy and passion they bring, and learn more about the love they share.
Håfa adai! My name is Bertina Balajadia Grajo, and I am a doctoral student from the Island of Guam, currently residing in the State of Oregon. I am pursuing my doctoral degree in the Department of Public Administration, where I am conducting a research project titled "Empowering Pacific Islanders: Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities Among the Mariana Islands' Communities Through Public Administration."
​
The results of this study will contribute to my dissertation, and I am deeply committed to understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by our community. This research aims to explore the perspectives and attitudes of people from the Mariana Islands regarding access to services in the United States. By gathering insights from our community, I hope to identify barriers, enhance resource utilization, and ultimately contribute to the well-being and empowerment of Pacific Islanders.
​
Are you from the Mariana Islands and currently living in the United States? Your insights and experiences are vital!
​
We are conducting a study to explore the perspectives and attitudes of people from the Mariana Islands regarding access to services in the United States. Many state organizations have programs specifically designed to support Pacific Islanders, but we want to understand more about their impact on our community.
​
Purpose of the Research:
-
To determine whether the Marianas community is aware of these state programs designed for Pacific Islanders.
-
To explore the extent to which these resources are being utilized.
-
To identify any barriers or stigma associated with accessing these services.
-
To understand how these resources contribute to the self-sufficiency, prosperity, and overall well-being of our community.
Why Participate? Your participation will help us gain a deeper understanding of how these programs are working for our community and identify areas for improvement. Your voice can contribute to creating more effective and inclusive services that truly support the needs of people from the Mariana Islands.
If you attend the Marianas Festival, please consider being a participant in this study. Eligible participants are 18 years of age or older who identify as Chamorro/Refaluwasch from the Mariana Islands. Participants will be asked to complete an online survey with possible follow-up questions. Please note that participants will not be compensated for their time.
To learn more about the study, please email me at bgrajo@liberty.edu. The survey link will be available here on August 26, 2024.
