Technology

Nonprofit Family Bridges Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Strengthening Latino Families; Launches special limited edition board game to new monthly donors

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

Twenty years ago, Dr. Alicia La Hoz, a licensed clinical psychologist, saw a disturbing trend in some of the Latino families that she counseled. She noticed that some of the children experienced trauma growing up in volatile family environments. Her answer to breaking such a dangerous cycle was found in the creation of Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, an Oakbrook Terrace nonprofit that offers resources, tools, and support to families experiencing such situations.

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Twenty years ago, Dr. Alicia La Hoz, a licensed clinical psychologist, saw a disturbing trend in some of the Latino families that she counseled. She noticed that some of the children experienced trauma growing up in volatile family environments. Her answer to breaking such a dangerous cycle was found in the creation of Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, an Oakbrook Terrace nonprofit that offers resources, tools, and support to families experiencing such situations.

“At our nonprofit, we work to end the cycle of trauma through our array of faith-filled, scientifically-based programs that help to bring families closer together and overcome challenges.”

The nonprofit’s mission is to end the cycle of family trauma through innovative programs that empower, equip, and encourage underserved communities. Its vision is to have resilient communities where flourishing families raise purpose-driven children.

This year, La Hoz and her team celebrate the organization’s founding. She explained that since 2004, the nonprofit’s national and international programs served an average of 5000-10,000 people a year through its collective impact model where her team works collaboratively with multiple organizations yearly.

With Giving Tuesday around the corner, the nonprofit encourages the public to support its mission by joining the Familias Unidas Giving Circle. By joining as a monthly donor, members enter into a family of champions dedicated to strengthening Latino families and empowering communities.

“At our nonprofit, we work to end the cycle of trauma through our array of faith-filled, scientifically-based programs that help to bring families closer together and overcome challenges,” La Hoz explained. “Our services include interactive, culturally relevant, and skill-building workshops done in English and Spanish in online and face-to-face engagements specific to couples, parents, and singles.”

There are other special programs geared for younger people. La Hoz mentioned Bridgekeepers, a volunteer coaching program for 14 to 19-year-olds that gives them tools to build strong foundations for their future with guidance and goal-setting skill sets. The Wise Up Girl program welcomes young ladies between the ages of 16 and 24 to learn about life skills and relationship scenarios.

New members joining the Familias Unidas Giving Circle level will receive a special thank-you gift: the limited edition Golden Bridges board game. The game brings families together for quality time, communication, and fun experiences while helping to build bonds and create memories. The goal of the game is for players to perform enjoyable and challenging activities while expressing gratitude.

“In this age of high tech, we often forget about the importance and need to establish human connections,” she said. “Opportunities exist in simple activities such as having a one-to-one conversation, eating together for a meal or even playing a board game like Golden Bridges,” La Hoz said. “This game is special because it encourages families to talk, react, and share emotions positively and healthily. This game can be a great Christmas gift for a family that needs it.”

For more information about Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, visit the website. For more information about Familias Unidas Giving Circle, visit this link.

About Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia:
While working as a licensed clinical psychologist and working with Latino parents, couples, and children, Dr. Alicia La Hoz witnessed the pain experienced by children growing up in high-conflict homes. Wanting to end the cycle of trauma, she founded Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia, a mission-driven organization that empowers limited-resource families with tools to combat trauma, mental illness, and poverty.

What began as a small group of community leaders meeting in church basements and serving a handful of families, has evolved into an international group of community champions impacting millions around the world.

Today, Family Bridges is a big family of community champions, teachers, counselors, and creatives. We empower people through interactive, culturally relevant workshops and events. There they learn skills to strengthen their relationships at home, at work, and in the community. We equip leaders with curricula to build stronger communities and develop a positive environment to raise children. We encourage a culture of hope through stories delivered online and on stage. For information, visit the website.

Media Contact

Marie Lazzara, JJR Marketing, 630-400-3361, marie@jjrmarketing.com, https://jjrmarketing.com/

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SOURCE Family Bridges/Lazos de Familia

Technology

2026 Vietnam-China Cross-Border Tourism AI Empowerment Cooperation Exchange Program Concludes in Nanning

Published

3 hours ago

April 19, 2026

NANNING, China, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from china-asean-media.com.

The 14-day “2026 Vietnam-China Cross-Border Tourism AI Empowerment Cooperation and Exchange Program” successfully concluded on April 19 in Nanning, Guangxi. Co-hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China) and the Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang provinces (Vietnam), the event brought together nearly 30 tourism officials and industry representatives from the four Vietnamese localities.

With the theme “Vietnam-China AI + Cross-Border Tourism Exchange and Cooperation,” the program combined expert lectures, case studies on AI applications, and field visits. Participants gained insights into ASEAN-China tourism policies, AI-driven cross-border cooperation models, and smart tourism technologies. Hands-on training enabled them to use AI tools for decision-making, product development, and destination branding.

The delegation conducted field studies in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, and Hechi. They visited the China-ASEAN AI Innovation and Cooperation Center, the “Easy Visit Guangxi” platform, the No. Wang Cultural Industrial Park, and the BAO JUN base, experiencing Guangxi’s smart, industrial, landscape, and wellness tourism offerings.

A meaningful part of the program was retracing President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary footsteps in Guangxi, including visits to the former site of Yucai School in Nanning, the former residence of Ho Chi Minh in Liuzhou, and the “September 2” School site in Guilin. On April 17, all participants attended the launch ceremony of the 2026 Vietnam-China Border People’s Carnival in Nanning, witnessing the deep friendship and mutual support between the border communities of both nations.

At the closing ceremony on April 18, a cross-border tourism product design competition was held. The team from Quang Ninh won the Best Design Award, while teams from Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Tuyen Quang received Excellence Awards. Mr. Lưu Bá Mạc, Vice Director of Lang Son’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the program for fostering practical cooperation and opening new directions for the “comrades and brothers” friendship between local authorities.

The program not only provided Vietnamese tourism professionals with valuable knowledge in AI and smart tourism but also laid a solid foundation for future cooperation in building shared tourism information platforms, developing smart products, and enhancing data connectivity. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing high-quality development of the cultural and tourism industry through AI, contributing to the strategic Vietnam-China community with a shared future.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/2026-vietnam-china-cross-border-tourism-ai-empowerment-cooperation-exchange-program-concludes-in-nanning-302746589.html

SOURCE china-asean-media.com

Technology

TCL Solar: Powering Pakistan with advanced solar module innovation

Published

4 hours ago

April 19, 2026

LAHORE, Pakistan, April 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL Solar made a strong impact at this year’s Solar Pakistan exhibition (17th-19th April, at Expo Centre Lahore) by unveiling a range of advanced solar solutions designed to meet the growing demand for low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

The new T5 Pro solar module represents a major leap in N-type TOPCon technology, delivering breakthroughs in both conversion efficiency and power output. It is designed to be the new flagship product in the industry, offering enhanced performance and long-term value.

Key Highlights of the T5 Pro:

A unique product design: The T5 Pro specificity remains in its design architecture, with an overlapping tri-cut cell construction. This innovative structure significantly boosts the module’s performance, ensuring superior output and higher energy yield.

Product Reliability: The T5 Pro’s low-current technology ensures precise temperature control, with hotspot temperatures up to 45°C lower than conventional modules. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and improves overall module longevity. The module has also passed rigorous reliability tests, making it ideal for diverse applications, including commercial rooftops and ground-mounted power stations.

Customer Value: By enhancing energy generation and reducing project lifecycle costs, the T5 Pro provides a high return on investment for both residential and commercial solar applications.

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module: Optimized for C&I Rooftops

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module addresses the specific challenges faced by commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops, particularly in areas with limited load-bearing capacity.

Improved Power Output: Weighing only 5.4 kg/m², these modules generate 3-6% more power compared to traditional TOPCon modules, offering a highly efficient solution for weight-sensitive environments.

Superior Heat Dissipation: The ultra-thin glass design enhances heat dissipation, lowers operating temperatures and reduces overall weight and making the modules ideal for aging rooftops or structures with limited structural integrity.

Building on the momentum at Solar Pakistan 2026, TCL SOLAR and TAIMOOR TRADING CO. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a key step in advancing solar energy solutions. This partnership aims to expand clean power access and drive sustainable development across Pakistan and beyond, with a shared focus on innovation and a low-carbon future.

Focusing on innovation, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, TCL Solar continues to lead the way in solar technology in Pakistan and across the region, providing solutions that meet today’s energy needs while enabling measurable emissions reductions across the energy value chain.

As Pakistan embraces renewable energy, TCL Solar’s cutting-edge technologies will help drive the growth of low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tcl-solar-powering-pakistan-with-advanced-solar-module-innovation-302746579.html

SOURCE TCL Solar

Technology

TCL Solar: Powering Pakistan with advanced solar module innovation

Published

4 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Key Highlights of the T5 Pro:

Customer Value: By enhancing energy generation and reducing project lifecycle costs, the T5 Pro provides a high return on investment for both residential and commercial solar applications.

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module: Optimized for C&I Rooftops

TCL Solar’s Lightweight Module addresses the specific challenges faced by commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftops, particularly in areas with limited load-bearing capacity.

Improved Power Output: Weighing only 5.4 kg/m², these modules generate 3-6% more power compared to traditional TOPCon modules, offering a highly efficient solution for weight-sensitive environments.

As Pakistan embraces renewable energy, TCL Solar’s cutting-edge technologies will help drive the growth of low-carbon energy in South Asia and the Middle East.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/tcl-solar-powering-pakistan-with-advanced-solar-module-innovation-302746579.html

SOURCE TCL Solar