Quality Of Life

First-time Home Buyer Workshop
The First-time Home Buyer Program is designed to help low-to moderate-income individuals by stretching their borrowing power with a variety of flexible mortgage products. It also helps them understand the steps in becoming a first time home buyer, which include budgeting and qualifying for a home loan.

Individual Development Account
The Individual Development Account Program is an assets-building tool that provides a cash incentive for individuals to save towards an appreciating asset, such as a home, small business or higher education by providing a matched savings contribution. Participants must have an account and make a deposit to the account on a monthly basis without withdrawing the money for at least 6 months while utilizing this program. They must attend 20-30 hours of free financial education workshops. Once their savings have reached a certain limit, they can receive a match for every dollar saved. The Bank will sponsor $100,000 for 3 years and United Way will manage the accounts for the first year.

Census 2010 Campaign
EWB will be acknowledged publicly for its participation and support of the Multi-Ethnic "Count-Me" Campaign while building bridges between for-profit and non-profit groups. The traditional divide between both types of groups continues to break down as many communities experience the benefits of partnerships dedicated to serving the needs of their local communities.

Mini Health Fair
EWB hosts Mini Health Fair events at its Southern and Northern California branches annually during the early summer season. This is a series of free health fair events EWB hosts, together with other sponsors, to give back to the community. While our main focus is providing glucose screening, we are covering more services each year. In 2007, our medical services included glucose screening, blood pressure monitoring, body fat composition tests grip strength tests, drug counseling, Medicare Part D Interpretation, vision acuity testing, and eye pressure testing. Together with the help of our sponsors, we will target more locations and services every year.

EITC
Earlier this year, East West Bank partnered with H & R Block and Mabuhay Alliance in free tax filing preparation services for LMI individuals. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) clearly provides an important income support to hundreds of thousands of low-income households and brings in needed resources to communities, especially when coupled with other income supports. EWB and H&R Block will continue to provide low-moderate income individuals free consultation on tax filing services on an annual basis.