The Power of Us

Sheriff Wesley Doolittle shares his journey to becoming sheriff, emphasizing resilience and dedication in public service. He discusses the impact of mental health on law enforcement and advocates for community support and training. The sheriff highlights the importance of community involvement, safety awareness, and technology in crime prevention. He addresses staffing concerns and reiterates the...

Sarah Hall, co-founder of MCO, shares her journey after losing her son Ethan to an overdose. She emphasizes the role of support groups like GRASP during challenging times. The group of mothers organizes an event to raise awareness, leading to the creation of the Montgomery County Overdose Prevention Endeavor. Their first event at Stonebridge Church attracts over 250 attendees, showcasing community...

Dawn Candy, founder and executive director of Hands of Justice, shares the organization's mission to support survivors of sex trafficking, particularly women. After a personal experience with his granddaughter's trafficking, he emphasizes advocacy and economic empowerment for survivors. The organization educates parents on trafficking signs, hosts events for awareness and fundraising, and collabor...

Kim Hess, founder of Cassidy Joined for hope, shares her personal journey after losing her daughter Cassidy to suicide, leading to the creation of a foundation for families affected by similar tragedies. A community event, featuring keynote speaker Nathan Harmon, aims to raise awareness and support for students facing mental health challenges. Students take an active role in the event, discussing...

Isaiah 117 House aims to support children facing trauma during removal from their homes. Founded by Rhonda Paulson, the organization provides a safe environment for children and caseworkers. Volunteers receive training in trauma-informed care, and community engagement is crucial for its success. Fundraising efforts help sustain operations, while personal stories highlight the positive effects on f...

Becky Ramirez from Keep Us Fed discusses the nonprofit's mission to alleviate hunger through food recovery. The organization connects wasted food to those facing food insecurity, with volunteers playing a vital role. In Montgomery County, 15-20% of residents are food insecure, underscoring the need for community support. Since 2015, Keep Us Fed has rescued over 8 million pounds of food, providing...

Family Promise started as a host congregation and evolved into a shelter for homeless families, accommodating six families at a time during COVID. Most families are single mothers facing challenges like job loss and domestic violence. The organization has a 98% success rate, focusing on stable housing and employment. Community involvement is encouraged through mentorship and donations, raising awa...

Jamie Freels-Runey, Executive Director of Mosaics of Mercy, discusses her journey in community mental health and the unique model Mosaics offers for resource navigation. The organization provides personalized support, helping clients find tailored mental health and substance use services. Mosaics served around 3,800 individuals last year, focusing on prevention and intervention, and ensuring timel...

Mike Fortner from Sleep in Heavenly Peace shares his journey into charity work, focusing on providing beds for children in Montgomery County. The organization relies on volunteers for monthly assembly events, personalizing each bed to boost the child's self-esteem. With 3% of children lacking beds, partnerships with local churches help prioritize requests. Community support is vital, and listeners...

Billie Beasley from Journey Home joins JJ and Monica. Beasley shares her experiences overcoming childhood abuse and her mission to help others. Journey Home offers a supportive environment for women, focusing on trauma training, parenting classes, and healthy living. Success stories showcase the program's positive impact, emphasizing empowerment and community resources. Listeners are encouraged to...

JJ Hollie and Monica Daigneault introduce the show and how they want to raise awareness about community resources. Judge Wayne Mack shares his journey from custodian to judge, emphasizing mental health support. The formation of the Montgomery County Behavioral Health Suicide Task Force leads to a successful community event. The discussion highlights the importance of mentoring at-risk children and...