Growth & Grace

This episode of Growth and Grace featured discussions about the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) and its impact on individuals battling drug and alcohol addiction. Major Boyd highlighted the ARC's social model program, which has been helping people since the 1880s. Destiny and James, current participants, shared their transformative experiences, each being 75 days into the program. They emphasized the importance of work therapy, spiritual guidance, and community support in their recovery. The program also includes individual and group counseling, anger management, and 12-step meetings.

Leaha Crawford, a Howard University graduate with an accounting degree, discussed her career journey from automating businesses in the 90s to starting her own accounting firm in Las Vegas in 2007. She detailed her experience with payroll, tax preparation, and auditing, emphasizing the importance of compliance and proper business structures. Crawford highlighted her work with nonprofits, including grant management and financial statement analysis. She also shared her educational achievements, including a CPA license, an enrolled agent certification, an MBA, and a PhD in progress. Crawford's firm offers CFO services, tax preparation, and IRS tax resolution, stressing the importance of having a supportive network and proper legal counsel for business owners.

Leaha Crawford and her guests, Keith Jackson and Lamont Fitts from Bank of Nevada, discuss the challenges and opportunities for small business owners in securing loans. The Bank of Nevada offers a streamlined product with financing up to $250,000, no annual fees, and no prepayment penalties, primarily based on credit scores. The product is designed for established businesses with at least two years of operation. The bank emphasizes relationship banking, providing personalized service and various products like lines of credit, term loans, credit cards, and overdraft protection. They stress the importance of business owners maintaining proper documentation and financial health to secure loans and build long-term relationships with their bank.

Leaha Crawford hosts a special episode of "Growth and Grace" featuring Ryan Schmucker from Care Chest, a nonprofit organization that provides medical equipment and supplies to those in need. Care Chest, founded in 1990, serves the entire state of Nevada, with two facilities in Reno and Las Vegas. They offer durable medical equipment, home modifications, and diabetic supplies, among other services. Qualification is based on income, with a maximum of 138% of the federal poverty level. They also provide a Prescription Assistance Program and Care Loans up to $50,000 at 1% interest for additional needs. Care Chest aims to help people maintain independence and avoid financial strain.

Dr. Tiffany Tyler-Garner discusses her journey of self-discovery and personal growth in her new book, "Four Seasons of Reflections." She emphasizes the importance of unpacking personal burdens, making commitments to oneself, and processing emotions to achieve transformation. Tyler-Garner shares her experience of realizing the need to let go of external pressures and focus on her own peace and joy. She also highlights the significance of choosing partners who complement and support personal growth, and the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in relationships. The book aims to guide readers through their own reflective journeys.

Leaha Crawford and Julian Rosado discuss the Knicks' playoff performance and the upcoming game against the Celtics. They then introduce Major Harold and Michelle from the Salvation Army to discuss their programs. The Salvation Army offers various services, including the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) for drug, alcohol, and gambling addiction, which is free and includes job training. They also operate a five-acre campus with 11 buildings providing homeless services, veterans' programs, and vocational training. The Salvation Army's contact number is 702-870-4430, and they emphasize the importance of community support and the variety of programs available.

In the conversation, the hosts discuss various personal finance topics, including budgeting, credit scores, and financial well-being. Frank Ruvalcaba from Operation Hope explains the importance of understanding credit, the role of credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and how credit scores are calculated, emphasizing the significance of payment history. He also touches on the concept of financial well-being and the organization's mission to educate and empower underserved communities. The hosts discuss strategies for budgeting, the importance of an emergency fund, and the impact of credit card debt. They also mention the use of authorized users and the benefits of financial literacy for children.

Leaha Crawford and Julian Rosado discuss the growth and community impact of Row House, a fitness studio in Henderson, Nevada. David and Rebel Hooten, the owners, share their journey from passionate members to business owners, highlighting their 28-year marriage and transition from education to entrepreneurship. They emphasize Row House's inclusive environment, offering various class types, and the importance of community engagement. The studio features 26 rowing machines and hosts events like farmers markets to connect with locals. They celebrate milestones, such as 50,000 meters rowed, and offer a free first class to newcomers. The Hootens express their passion for the business and the positive impact on the community.

Nicole Williams discussed her upcoming women's only pool party at the Lexi Hotel on May 3, organized by Taste Entertainment and House of Vegas Pride. The event will feature DJ Bossy Lee, a wet T-shirt contest, games, and a safe space for women, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Tickets are available online, and the guest list is mostly sold out. Williams also mentioned her involvement in a fashion show for the Cupcake Girls charity on May 1 and an open house for studio apartments in downtown Las Vegas. The conversation also touched on traffic issues in Las Vegas and the importance of creating inclusive spaces.

Leaha Crawford and Julian Rosado discuss tax season, emphasizing the importance of accuracy over speed, especially when dealing with extensions and penalties. They highlight the need for thorough client education and due diligence to avoid errors. Jonathan Ng shares his journey from hobbyist to entrepreneur, detailing his transition from commercial to natural clay, and his innovative use of wood ash from a local barbecue place for glazes. He aims to improve online sales and marketing, and plans to use local materials for unique pieces. Jonathan's business, Jonathan Ng Pottery, is available online at jonathanngpottery.com.