Gaston's Great

This special episode features the standout moments of 2024 when Steven asked our guests the big question: Why do you think Gaston County is such a great place? 🏡✨ Hear heartfelt answers from local heroes, nonprofits, and community leaders as they share what makes our county so special. 🎙️❤️ Let’s celebrate the pride of Gaston together! 🙌🌟 #GastonsGreat  🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston&apo...

Get ready to feel the holiday spirit with this special Christmas episode of Gaston's Great! 🎅📖 Steven takes center stage, reading The Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, sharing festive Christmas jokes and trivia, and unveiling his Gaston County twist on The Night Before Christmas. 🎁 Laugh, reflect, and celebrate the season with us—there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don&a...

This week on Gaston's Great , we sit down with Karen Creech , Program Director of The Center in Gaston County. 🌟 The Center is a vital adult day care providing care, connection, and enrichment for adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. 🧠💙 Karen shares how their programs—like social activities, exercise sessions, art projects, and even a prom—help enhance quality of life and bring joy to thei...

This week, we welcome David Phelps from The Salvation Army to discuss the incredible work being done right here in Gaston and Lincoln County. From providing essential services like food to supporting families during difficult times, The Salvation Army continues to make a profound difference in our community. David shares the challenges, triumphs, and heartwarming stories that define their mission...

Happy Thanksgiving from Gaston's Great ! 🎙️ This week, Steven and Naomi are bringing the holiday cheer with funny Thanksgiving stories and lighthearted questions that'll keep you entertained. 😂✨ We're also sharing YOUR Facebook comments on why you're thankful for Gaston County—because there's so much to love about our community. ❤️ Tune in for laughs, gratitude, and a wh...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with representatives from HealthNet Gaston, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, affordable healthcare to low-income, uninsured residents of Gaston County. We explore their mission to assist individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, and discuss how they coordin...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Amy Spencer, Executive Director of the Gaston County Education Foundation, to explore their mission of enhancing educational opportunities in Gaston County! 🎉📝 We dive into their amazing grant programs, like the Ron L. Ensley Grant and the Jennie Stultz Grant for Art Education, which have provided over $1 million to support local educator...

In this week's episode, we sit down with Stephen A. Crane, Executive Director of Our Neighbors, Inc., a Gastonia-based nonprofit dedicated to improving affordable housing opportunities in the community. Stephen shares insights into their mission, the challenges of developing and managing affordable housing, and the impact of their programs on local residents. We also discuss their collaborati...

 This Halloween, join Steven and 2 surprise guest for a fun-filled episode of spooky jokes and unexpected laughs! From funny stories to Halloween favorites, this episode has just the right amount of "scare" to make you smile. Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit! 🎃  🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!   If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, le...

In this episode of Gaston's Great, we chat with Scott and Madison from the Mite Organization, a nonprofit revolutionizing the world of charitable giving. Learn how they ensure transparency and direct impact by connecting donors to vetted global projects, empowering communities, and tracking every donation's real-world effects. Discover the stories behind their efforts to make the world a...

 In this enlightening episode, we sit down with representatives from the Gaston Literacy Council to explore their vital mission of promoting literacy and education in our community. Join us as we discuss the impactful programs they offer, the challenges they face, and how everyone can play a role in fostering a culture of reading and learning. Tune in to discover how words can empower individuals...

In the conclusion of our two-part series, Rodney Freeman and Mark Taylor share powerful stories of impact and the challenges Bountiful Blessings faces in serving the community. Join us as we explore the future of their mission and how they continue to bring hope through their weekly food distributions. FACEBOOK 🔊 Thank you for listening to Gaston's Great!   If you enjoyed this episode, pleas...

 In this episode of Gaston’s Great , we sit down with Rodney Freeman and Mark Taylor from Bountiful Blessings, a local nonprofit dedicated to making a difference every Thursday by providing food to those in need. In part one of this inspiring two-part series, learn about how Bountiful Blessings was founded, their mission, and the impact they are having on the community. Discover the heart behind t...

In part two of our conversation with Gaston Together, Leslie Lee and Amia Massey return to dive deeper into their vision for a more connected and collaborative Gaston County. We explore ongoing projects, future goals, and the power of bringing diverse groups to the table to solve community challenges. Don’t miss this insightful continuation as we uncover how Gaston Together is driving progress and...

 In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Leslie Lee, Executive Director, and Amia Massey, Chair of the Board, from Gaston Together. Join us as we discuss their mission of fostering collaboration and unity within Gaston County. Learn about their initiatives that bring citizens, organizations, and communities together to address key issues and create positive change. Tune in for an...

In Part 2 of our special episode on Camp Centurion , we continue our conversation with Kenneth Heavner, President, and Joe Dun, Director of the program. They dive deeper into the challenges veterans face when reintegrating into civilian life and the vital support Camp Centurion provides to help local veterans transition smoothly. Join us as we explore inspiring stories of resilience, how the commu...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Kenneth Heavner, President of Camp Centurion, and Joe Dun, Director, to explore how this vital program is helping local veterans reintegrate into the community. Join us for part 1 of this inspiring conversation about supporting those who have served. WEBSITE FACEBOOK Book of The Week:  Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations 🔊 Thank you...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Karen Gipson, the Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Greater Charlotte. Karen shares the inspiring mission of the organization, its impactful goals, and her personal journey that led her to become involved in empowering young girls through this incredible program. Tune in to learn how Girls on the Run is making a difference in the li...

In this episode , we sit down with John, the Executive Director of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Gaston County, NC. Dive into his inspiring journey into the nonprofit world, uncover the garden's core mission, and get a sneak peek into upcoming events and plans that promise to enchant visitors. Whether you're a plant enthusiast or curious about nonprofit leadership, this conversati...

 Join us for the second part of our engaging conversation with Kathleen Finch from the Carolinas Street Art Collaborative. Kathleen shares more insights into the world of street art, discussing the organization's latest projects, community involvement, and the positive impact on local artists. Tune in to hear inspiring stories about how art brings people together and transforms public spaces...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we kick off a two-part series with Kathleen Finch, the driving force behind Carolinas Street Art Collaborative. Discover how this non-profit organization is making a difference by hosting events that support artists financially, offering scholarships, and organizing family-friendly pop-ups. Kathleen shares insights into their impactful projects, including s...

🎓✨ Dreams Take Flight at the Dream Center Academy! ✨🎓 In this powerful follow-up episode, we continue our conversation with Roxann from the Dream Center Academy, joined by three inspiring graduates. Together, they share their personal journeys, experiences, and the impact the Academy has had on their lives. Listen in as these graduates recount their challenges, triumphs, and the invaluable sup...

🎓✨ Dreams Take Flight at the Dream Center Academy! ✨🎓 Join us for a heartwarming and inspiring two-part series as we delve into the incredible stories of three graduating students from the Dream Center Academy. In Part 1, we sit down with these remarkable individuals to explore their journeys, aspirations, and the profound impact the Academy has had on their lives. Discover how the Dream Cente...

 In this insightful episode of Gaston's Great, we sit down with Susanna Kavanaugh, the Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas. Located in Gaston County, this remarkable nonprofit organization is dedicated to bridging the gap in the foster care system. Susanna shares inspiring stories and sheds light on the critical support and resources provided by Least of These Carolinas to foster c...

Join us in this inspiring episode of Gaston's Great as we sit down with Kathy, the President and CEO of Catherine's House. Catherine's House is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for women in need. Kathy shares her incredible journey, the mission of Catherine's House, and the impactful work they do to empower women and transform lives. In this episode, we...