Community Matters on WCIC: Recent Episodes
Brian Williamsen
Karen Tripp with Cancer Companions explains how her organization works to help cancer patients through Bible studies and prayer teams. She discusses the importance of getting screenings and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people getting these done.
Ciaran Maloney from Peoria Charter talks about the food drive his company is organizing to help the community.
Michael L’Esperance from back2dad.com has encouragement and advice for fathers, along with resources for being the best dad you can be.
Earl Johnson, author and co-founder of the Spiritual Care Division of the American Red Cross, talks about how being prepared before disasters can make a big difference when trying to help during them. He gives tips for coping during the coronavirus pandemic.
Danny Huerta from Focus on the Family shares advice with parents as they begin to have conversations with their kids about what the new normal looks like.
Brian Snell, Divisional Senior Vice President Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has insurance advice for individuals and families now without it, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jessica Long, Team USA Paralympic Swimmer, talks about how her faith has helped her overcome adversity in life.
Lisa Weitzel, President of Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives talks about the importance of supporting small businesses during these challenging times. She explains the I Love Local campaign and gives numerous examples of how to shop local, even while sheltering in place.
Jeff Nene from Convoy of Hope details his agency’s plan to serve 10 million meals as a response to COVID-19. He describes what it has been like, serving others during this challenging time.
Rev. Craig Williams, Executive Director for South Side Mission in Peoria, describes how his agency is serving the public during the coronavirus outbreak. He explains how difficult circumstances provide an opportunity to share hope in Jesus.
Six pastors from the WCIC community offer encouragement to help families and individuals during the coronavirus outbreak, a time causing stress and worry for many people.
Dr. Christopher McDowell, an Emergency Medicine Physician for SIU School of Medicine and Memorial Health System in Springfield explains what coronavirus is, how we can keep it from spreading, and provides practical tips for you and your family.
Mary Lanham, Interim Village President of the Village of Sheffield gives an update on business and commerce in the village, plus an overview of activities and amenities in the community.
Joannie DeBrito, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, talks about how the community as a whole can be part of the solution for people who may not feel there is any hope left in living.
Arkasia Cox with the Association of Peoria Area Christian Home Educators talks about resources they provide to parents who homeschool their children and offers encouragement to homeschool parents.
Jada Hoerr, Development & Relations Director for Midwest Food Bank talks about her organization’s mission to fight hunger in Illinois, the United States and throughout the world. She describes how rewarding it is to serve others and what the organization hopes to accomplish in the future.
Dr. Brian Adams, Author and Pastor, tells his story of how God changed him from a drug dealer into a minister. He talks about the power of forgiveness and how it can be a game changer in life.
Michael Austin from Christian History Magazine describes the role friendships had in spreading Christianity and the role spiritual friendships continue to have today.
Daryl Carlson, Manager of Education & Community Volunteers for the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter - Peoria Office provides tips for preventing wintertime accidents for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. He shares about how his agency works on behalf of family members of those with Alzheimer’s.
Rachel Chaffer with Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton describes a prom event designed to make teens with special needs feel included and loved.
Danny Huerta from Focus on the Family talks about the dangers that can exist for kids while using apps and social media and offers tips for parents to help keep their children safe.
Rob Wilson, Executive Director of Kingdom Life Peoria explains how his organization is working to pair up groups and ministries throughout the Peoria area in an effort to strengthen the community.
Chris Collins with Housing Our People Everywhere (H.O.P.E.) describes his organization’s goal to provide sustainable living for the homeless and create jobs for at-risk youth. Pastor Mark Marshall with Christian Faith Center discusses the biblical elements of service and how important hope is for every person.
Lindsey Kerr, Executive Director of LifeLine Pilots talks about how one woman started an organization that now benefits from 450 volunteer pilots to provide free air transportation for financially distressed people with medical needs.
Mary Lou Nelson & Autumn Wisz from Heartland Head Start share how a grant will help provide dental work for people who can’t afford it. They also describe their organization’s new initiative to help pregnant women.
Laura Adams, Safety and Education Analyst for DriversEd.com explains why it’s so dangerous to drive while distracted and focuses on the recent additional dangers posed by vaping. She gives details from a recent survey, which discovered many Americans are vaping while driving.
Omer Osman, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation gives details on the capital program for Illinois and projects being planned for the WCIC listening area. He also shares winter driving safety tips.
George Goodlow, Resource Supervisor for Lutheran Social Services discusses his organization’s mission to provide helpful programs for vulnerable individuals and families in Illinois.
Sam Guillory, Director of Development for The Baby Fold gives an overview of how this organization is helping children and families in central Illinois.
Chris Marchand, Author and Pastor talks about his heart for teaching people about the real meaning of Christmas and why he wrote a book about it.
Tim Oloffson, Executive Director of Another Child Foundation explains how his ministry began, his heart for reaching orphaned and at-risk children in Romania and how you can get involved in a volunteering opportunity in this area this Christmas season.
Shymeka Kerr-Gregory from The Gregory Youth Foundation details her organization and how it is designed to help empower young people in Springfield, particularly through acts of service in the community.
Laura Adams, Safety and Education Analyst for DriversEd.com discussed distracted driving trends and previewed National Teen Driver Safety Week. She gave tips to parents for helping their teenage drivers stay safe on the roads.
Andy King, Executive Director, Dream Center Peoria talks about how his organization is working to make a positive change in Peoria. He previews an event designed to galvanize the community
Pam Souter, Central Illinois Autism Association, discusses how her agency is helping families impacted by autism and previews the upcoming annual autism walk and 5K event.
Kate Wilson, Walk Manager for the Peoria Metro Walk to End Alzheimer’s discusses statistics and facts related to Alzheimer’s disease, plus what her organization is doing to help families impacted by it. She previews an upcoming charity event to help fight this disease.
Rick McGough, Author & Speaker previews The Truth Conference and shares why it’s important to tackle the difficult topics as a Christian.
Pastor Clara Forman, Co-Coordinator of the Peoria Chapter of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, details how this new local group will be taking action to reduce crime in the Peoria area. She shares her story of losing her sons to violence and why it’s so important to do something about crime.
Taylor Little shares her heart for ministering to women who have lost children due to miscarriages. She talks about her website she designed to connect women to each other for support.
Scarlet Daoud, a Radio Frequency Microwave Engineer discusses the dangers of 5G technology and how it can have a health impact, with additional towers and reception sites being allowed. She also talks about the effort to prevent 5G equipment from being put in place in neighborhoods.
Mark Minnella, Co-Founder of the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants explains the difference between gambling and investing and offers tips for biblical management of your money.
Sgt. Tony Halsey with Illinois State Police gives an update on Scott's Law in Illinois, the law requiring drivers to slow down and move over for stopped vehicles with flashing lights. He explains why it is so important to follow this law and the lives it can impact if you don't.
Gwen Smith, a speaker, author and podcaster outlines her mission for women to give hope and encouragement to other women by sharing their stories and experiences. She talks about her Graceologie podcast and upcoming appearance at the Broken Into Beautiful conference in Morton.
Pastor Jessie Davis, Great Oaks Community Church talks about the importance of a church looking outside its walls and challenges churchgoers to make an impact for Christ.
Rob Jackson, Counselor for Focus on the Family gives parents advice for conversations with adult children about their significant others, along with other issues that can come up when children become young adults.
Grant Murphy, Executive Director of Nicholas J. Murphy Foundation talks about the foundation he operates in memory of his brother, who lost his life while saving someone else’s life, specifically legal services for members of the military. He offers advice for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.
Rob Jackson, Counselor for Focus on the Family has advice for parents whose children have viewed pornography. He also offers tips on how to talk with your kids about this sensitive topic.
Ryan Mobley, Downstate Illinois Director for Safe Families for Children, talks about how his organization works to keep children safe and families intact through host homes, family coaches, church involvement, and other resources.
Amy Beadle and Jeff Berg with Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau talk about upcoming events and tourist attractions in the Capital City. They provide information on entertainment options for the whole family, plus attractions for residents and repeat visitors.
Donn Paul with Southern Recipe Small Batch shares how men can take better care of themselves as part of Men’s Health Month – everything from diet, to exercise to smartphone usage. He also talks about some healthy snack options.
Justin Miller, Transition Program Manager for USO talks about how the Pathfinder program is helping Illinois military members transition from active service to civilian life. Justin also provides resources and tips for transitioning military members and their families.
Officer Billie Ingles with Pekin Police gives a look inside the department. She details a recent distracted driving enforcement campaign and previews upcoming events the department will be involved with this summer.
Author Linda Weber talks about the importance of mothers in our lives and focuses on the challenges stay-at-home mothers face, while providing tips for being the best mother you can be.
Daryl Carlson, Manager of Education & Outreach for Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter gives advice for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and provides information on how his organization is helping educate caregivers to provide the best possible care and take care of themselves.
Warren Smith, VP of Mission Advancement for Colson Center talks about the connection between marijuana use and psychosis, detailing the dangers of marijuana that might not be noticed on the surface as discovered in a new study.
Rev. Craig Williams, Executive Director of South Side Mission talks about how his organization is working to improve the lives of people in one of the poorest zip codes. He also previews the 2019 Annual Banquet.
Laura Vorreyer, an author and pet care expert, gives tips for how to keep your pets safe from predators, particularly during the spring months where there is an increased level of danger.
Laura Adams, Education Analyst for DriversEd.com talks about the dangers of distracted driving as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. She details some trends and increasing concerns with social media and its impact on inattentiveness behind the wheel.
Abraham Hamilton, III, General Counsel and Public Policy Analyst, American Family Association talks about the new movie “Unplanned” and why it could have a big impact on the right to life conversation. He gives examples of the impacts of abortion and shares statistics on the issue.
R. Christian Bohlen, author of the book, "Jesus Christ, His Life and Mine: The Story of Jesus and How It Applies to Us in the Twitter Era" talks about how we can focus on Jesus, even when our focus may tend to be drawn in many directions as social media now plays such a large role in our lives.
Jim Bracey, Administrator for the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, details how his organization is making a difference in Springfield and talks about the amount of need that still exists. He also shares how this facility is helping men better their lives.
Jami Kaeb, Executive Director of The Forgotten Initiative, has words of encouragement for foster parents and information on resources for both foster parents and anyone looking to learn more about foster care.
Danny Huerta, Vice President of Parenting and Youth for Focus on the Family, talks about how teenagers shouldn't get the bad rap they sometimes do, and he has tips for parents when it comes to making the most out of your kids' teenage years.
Donna J. Harrison M.D., Executive Director, American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists talks about the impact of abortion on women and has an update on the current situation in Illinois and the nation.
The Peoria Area Anti-Hunger Coalition is hosting their annual Canathon Sunday event. Marjorie La Font has a preview of the event and how this organization is working to eliminate food insecurity in the area.
Mark Rothert, City Manager, discusses economic development initiatives and takes a look at both challenges and opportunities for the City of Pekin.
City of Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder gives an update on what is happening in the city and what's being planned for the future. He also dishes on the delicious horseshoe sandwich and its roots in Springfield.
Bruce Bruinsma, CEO, Retirement Reformation talks about how seniors can not only stay active, but also contribute in ways they may not have realized.