On May 28, the KCCD hosted a press conference announcing the findings of its research report on the “State of Korean American Marriages.” This study was funded by the Administration of Children and Families, a sector of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.*

 

“We’re pleased to be sharing our findings of this report, which will help to dispel the prevailing image of Asian Americans as the model minority,” said KCCD President Hyepin Im. “This report reveals the various hidden problems and sources of tension within Korean American marriages.” Im added that the research identified gaps in marriage education and family support services, particularly in areas specific to Korean Americans’ distinct cultural and immigration experience.

 

Rev. John Park, president of the Council of Korean Churches in Southern California, who is partnering with KCCD in the Healthy Marriage Initiative stated, “This study shows [that] many Korean American families and marriages are experiencing difficulty, with over 43 percent stating that in their immediate families, there has been divorce.” The study, adds Park, also reveals the culture of shame surrounding marital problems, as more than 90 percent of the survey participants stated that they were in “happy marriages.”

 

Eric Boyd, district director for Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas, stated, “This study is really alarming…if these numbers are showing that 48 percent of the people know somebody personally who needs help in their marriages, we really need to have more marriage education.”

 

Among the key findings, participants noted that the top sources of conflict were financial, challenges with in-laws, infidelity, and domestic violence. When asked to identify what skills would improve their marriages, 44 percent of the participants listed communication, trailed by anger management (19 percent) and financial management (10 percent). The full report, which includes recommendations and strategies for building healthier marriages and families, is posted on the KCCD website ( www.kccd3300.org).

 

 

*Data collection for the preparation of this report was supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration of Children and Families (ACF), and through the Compassion Capital Fund Targeted Capacity Building program. The findings and conclusions are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of HHS or ACF.

 

 

A Place To Call Home

KCCD hosts its 8th annual home ownership fair

 

You’re invited. Everyone is welcome, Korean translators will be present, and raffle prices will be offered. Plus, it’s free.

 

• What: The KCCD’s 8th annual home ownership fair

• When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, July 12

• Where: Oriental Mission Church, 424 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles

 

Last year, more than 800 participants and 19 exhibitors attended our home ownership event. Here’s another opportunity to learn how to purchase short-sale and bank-owned properties at deep discounts; qualify for government downpayment assistance funds as a first-time home buyer; qualify for CalHFA 30-, 35-, and 40-year fixed interest mortgage programs; qualify for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) at up to 6 percent of the purchase price; qualify for Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) tax credit; and meet with lenders, banks representatives, real estate agents and other professionals.