Conversations and Connections

Vape shops are everywhere in East Texas, and vaping is becoming increasingly more popular among teens.  In this episode, we talk with Melissa Russell and Kyla Skelton with the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Counsel about the dangers of vaping and what their organization is doing about this issue.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Kim Riddle, the agency's SANE nurse about what teen dating violence looks like, and how teens and parents can deal with it.

We talk with area Life Coach Michelle Cox about the upcoming Change Maker's Women's Resilience Summit!

Impact Lufkin has been an ongoing project in North Lufkin for several years now.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Lufkin City Councilman Robert Shankle about what Impact Lufkin is all about, and how the Family Crisis Center can play a part in that community.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  In this episode Stuart talks with Mallory Dotson with the Family Crisis Center about the issue of Human Trafficking in East Texas.

The Holidays are here.  And while for most of us it's a time to be happy and cheerful, for many others it's a time of worry and stress.  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency counselor Carrel King about dealing with stress over the holidays, especially if you're a survivor of relationship violence. 

'Tis the season for the agency's annual Adopt a Family program!  In this episode, Stuart talks with Development Director Melissa Wheeler about how you can make a family's Christmas brighter this year by supplying gifts for one of the agency's clients and their children!

Human trafficking doesn't just happen in large cities, and it sure doesn't happen like it's portrayed in movies or on TV.  In this episode Stuart talks with Maria Villarreal with Unbound Now, an agency dedicated to fighting human trafficking and helping it's victims get out of the human trafficking world. 

In this episode, we talk with Michelle Conner with Burke.  Michelle works with the veteran community in East Texas... helping them locate needed services.  

There's more to a student's college experience besides going to class.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Daisy Brumley and Gerardo Valladares about their role in Student Affairs at Angelina College.

Angel Gillispie with the Texas Family Care Network talks with Stuart about the services the non-profit agency provides to foster families in Texas.

In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Executive Director Whitney Burran about the upcoming Passion for Purple luncheon on October 1st, and the very special guest speaker who will be attending!

In this episode we visit once again with Lufkin ISD to talk with them about their successful ACE after school program that's now approaching it's fourth year!

The time is almost here!  Back to School!  In this episode, we talk with Child Advocate Sadaria Christian about the agency's back to school supply drive!

In this episode of our podcast, Stuart talks with DaVina Morris, the Regional Director of BCFS Health and Human Services.  DaVina talks about the vast array of services that are available to East Texans from BCFS!

June is Pride Month and in this episode Stuart talks to Oscar Ruiz, one of the organizers of Lufkin Pride.  Oscar talks about what it's like organizing a group like Lufkin Pride in Deep East Texas, and why he believes it's important for even rural areas to have organizations like this.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Darla Daigle with Buckner International about all the services that organization is involved with when it comes to kids in the foster care system.  

It's that time of the year once again!  The East Texas Blueberry Festival is taking place June 8th, and that means it's almost time for the Blueberry Cupcake Battle!  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about all you need to know concerning this annual baking event!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Emma Skinner, a Sexual Assault Client Services Advocate for the agency about why it's important to recognize this month.

Stuart once again talks with ADAC's Melissa Russell about the upcoming Veteran's Stand Down event taking place in Nacogdoches on April 20th.  This will be an event geared to ALL veterans, but especially the homeless.

Stuart talks with LISD licensed social worker Tonja Akridge about the issue of teen dating violence and what she sees in teens today.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Justin Holland, a recovery coach with the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Council's Recovery Support Services Program.  Justin describes how the RSS program works to help those who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Many Texas universities have their own police departments to help keep students, faculty, and visitors safe.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Lt. Amanda Kennedy with UPD about the services they provide to protect students and to educate them on campus safety, including sexual assault awareness programs.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Drew Crecente,  the founder of Jennifer Ann's Group... an organization who's mission is to raise awareness of teen dating violence through video games.  Drew lost his daughter Jennifer Ann to dating violence, and he has taken up the cause for awareness.

A look at the pressures young male teens face today and how it effects their attitude and relationships towards their romantic partners as well as sex.