Conversations and Connections: Recent Episodes
familycrisiscenterofeasttexas
Conversations and Connections is a weekly podcast from the Family Crisis Center of East Texas. Each week we'll discuss various topics focusing on sexual assault, domestic violence, prevention, healthy relationships, victim support, legal advocacy, and more. You can email us at ConversationsAndConnections@fccet.com with any questions or comments.
The Brown Family Health Center in Nacogdoches is working to educate East Texans and doing it's part in the prevention of STD's in our area. Stuart talks with Gary Roberts about the STD problem in East Texas and the unique ways Brown Family Health employs to educate the population.
The Family Crisis Center's Battering Intervention and Prevention Program is a different approach to addressing the issue of domestic violence... working instead with perpetrators who are court-ordered to attend classes to help prevent future incidents.
Have you ever taken a moment to just really listen to the lyrics of your favorite songs? What do these songs say about relationships? Attitudes about sex? Masculinity? In this episode we're having a conversation with Executive Director Whitney Burran and Shelter Manager Greg Sims about how what the music we listen to says about these things.
There are many ways you can help our clients who are victims and survivors of relationship violence. In this episode we are talking with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mallory Harris on various opportunities you can help!
Licensed Professional Counselor Donna Cowart joins us in the studio to talk about how therapy helps to heal those experiencing relationship violence.
The Coalition's mission is to promote a drug-free life for our young people. On this episode, Stuart talks with The Coalition Executive Director Sharon Kruk about their mission, the services the provide, and the impact of drugs, tobacco, and vape products are having on our kids here in Deep East Texas.
In honor of Father's Day, we're dropping our episode early as Stuart and agency BIPP Coordinator Will Windham have a discussion about healthy fatherhood and what it means today to be a good dad.
June is Pride Month... and the Family Crisis Center of East Texas wants everyone to know that regardless of where you sit on the LGBTQ space, the agency serves ANYONE who is going through some type of relationship violence. On this episode, Stuart talks with SFA Campus Advocate Mallory Dotson about relationship violence in the LGBTQ community.
Kim Bartel is with the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council here in East Texas. In this episode we talk with Kim about the popularity of vaping, especially among the youth in East Texas and how vape shops are practically everywhere now. We'll also examine other substances being abused today.
Melisa Youngblood is probably going to be the first person a potential client of the Family Crisis Center sees when seeking services. Stuart talks with Melisa about the process of interviewing a client for the first time and her inspiring story of overcoming her obstacles in life.
The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council does a lot more than just help people confront their drug or alcohol problems. In this episode Stuart talks with Megan Griffin with the PADRES (Parenting Awareness and Drug Risk Education Services) about how they help educate clients to be the best parents they can be.
Our Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mallory Harris joins us in the studio today to talk about two big events coming up... Our annual Safer East Texas Training and Blueberry Cupcake Battle!
A new sound is here for the podcast! We hope you celebrate with us as we now have a dedicated podcast studio! To help us mark the occasion, Stuart talks with Family Crisis Center Executive Director Whitney Burran. Whitney shares her "origin story" with us... from humble mild-mannered intern to leader of the agency!
It's a big responsibility to feed up to 40 or more people breakfast lunch and dinner seven days a week, but that's exactly what agency Kitchen Manager Veronica (aka "Rocky") Sessions does! In this episode, Stuart visits again with Rocky as they talk about feeding people when they are sometimes at the lowest point in their life.
It's an unfortunate reality that a lot of our country's veterans are either homeless or require assistance in life. In this episode, Stuart talks with ADAC's Melissa Russel about the upcoming Veteran's Stand Down Event to help with these issues.
Stuart's had a busy February in East Texas Schools while Will is expanding the agency's BIPP program!
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and in the episode we talk with forensic nurse Kim Riddle about this topic that every parent and student needs to know about!
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so Stuart talks with Emma Skinner and Brittany Newman with the Family Crisis Center on this very important topic. Fine out what human trafficking is, and how it affects Deep East Texas.
We kick off the new year with ADAC's Melissa Russell about their upcoming Nacogdoches town hall event, designed to help parents educate youth on the dangers of tobacco use.
It's already that time of year! The Family Crisis Center is gearing up for it's annual Adopt a Family program. Stuart sits down with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mallory Harris to talk about it as well as the agency's annual food drive!
We sit down with agency safe house director Greg Sims about running a shelter for domestic violence survivors as well as his own passion project, Thanksgiving in the Park!
In this episode, Stuart sits down with Boys and Girls Club of Lufkin Unit Director Risa Walker. Risa discusses the importance of an organization like the Boys and Girls Club for East Texas kids.
In this episode, Stuart talks with Kevin Taylor of the Legacy Institute about how they help people learn about financial responsibility and the job market here in East Texas.
In this episode Stuart walks with Will Windham, the agency's Batterer's Intervention and Prevention Program about healthy masculinity... what it is, and how men can learn to start practicing it in their lives.
In this episode, Family Crisis Center counselor Carrel King talks to Stuart about how to talk to children about tragedy and coping with grief.
Stuart talks with child advocate Sadarria Christian about the Family Crisis Center Back to School Supply Drive!
June is Pride Month and in this episode we sit down with Diju Fritzy with the Lufkin Pride Alliance. We talk with Diju about the need for organizations like PAL in Deep East Texas and the challenges the LGBTQ community face in rural areas like ours.
Artificial Intelligence has been gaining in popularity over the recent past. And while the technology has its benefits, there's also a darker side. In this episode, Stuart talks with Ashley Cook with Harold's House about how AI is being used to create not only child porn, but is also being used as a means to lure kids to the unsavory side of the web. THIS EPISODE MAY CONTAIN TOPICS SOME PEOPLE MAY FIND DISTURBING.
It's that time again! Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mallory Harris about the upcoming Blueberry Cupcake Battle at the Texas Blueberry Festival!
In this episode, Stuart talks with Mosaic Center Executive Director Rebecca Reid. Rebecca talks about the Mosaic Center's mission to help women make better lives for themselves, and their partnership with the Family Crisis Center.
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.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In this episode, Stuart talks with SANE nurse Kim Riddle about this issue, what it looks like, and what can parents and educators do to help.
Need some help coping with the stresses in life? Are you in need of help getting your home or office de-cluttered? Maybe you need a life coach! In this episode, Stuart talks with life coach Michelle Cox on how everyone, even kids can benefit!
Coming up on April 20th, the first Veterans Stand Down event will take place in Nacogdoches. This is an event to assist the veterans in the East Texas area with various resources. Stuart talks with organizers Josh Fleming and Melissa Russel about this important event.
Many East Texans have heard of Burke, but does everyone know exactly what services that agency provides? In this episode, Stuart talks with Kinnie Reina about the multitude of services Burke has to offer and their upcoming Mission Possible event!
Want to help survivors of relationship violence? You can make a donation to the Family Crisis Center of East Texas here:
https://familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.networkforgood.com
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In this episode, Stuart talks with the agency's Mallory Dotson on what Human Trafficking is, and why it's important to recognize this all-important topic.
In this episode, Stuart talks with agency intern Tess Rowland. Tess isn't one of the typical interns the agency usually has. Her major is in hospitality. We'll take a look at how that has ties in to the work the Family Crisis Center has done this fall.
In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Operations Director Kelly Carver about employee behavior in the workplace, including sexual harassment and workplace romances.
With the Holidays near, Stuart talks with agency counselor Matt Craven on how survivors of relationship violence can cope during this time of the year.
Stuart talks with agency Safe House Manager Greg Sims about something that is near and dear to his heart... Thanksgiving in the Park. This event sets out to provide a sense of family during Thanksgiving for those who may not have family here locally.
Christmas is just around the corner and it's time for the agency's Adopt a Family program to get started! In this episode, Stuart talks with Angela Turner about how you can make a difference in a family's live this Holiday Season! We also talk about the agency's food drive!
In this episode, Stuart talks with Holly George, the Victims Assistance Coordinator with the Nacogdoches County Attorney's Office. It's her job to see that crime victims see some relief after experiencing a traumatizing event.
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas is planning a huge event in October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month! The Passion for Purple luncheon will take place October 4th and Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about this big event!
Angelina County has numerous nonprofit organizations ready to help make our community a better, healthier place. In this episode, Stuart talks with Dr. Sid Roberts about a new initiate known as Angelina Thrive, which will help bring area nonprofits together to work for the better good of Angelina County residents.
In this episode, we talk with Clarisa Venegas and Beth Malloy with the Angelina County WIC office about details regarding the WIC program and how it benefits new mothers and their children.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Evelyn Saudceda about the importance of the Bilingual and English as a Second Language programs at Nacogdoches ISD.
Seasons of Hope is a faith based program for women going through tough times. In this episode, Stuart talks with the program's Executive Director Paige Pate about what Seasons of Hope is and their approach to helping women overcome obstacles in their lives.
Are you a civic-minded individual that wants to learn more about serving East Texas? The Lufkin/Angelina Chamber of Commerce may have what you are looking for with one of it's leadership programs!
How do you make the 100th episode of Conversations and Connections a special occasion? Have Family Crisis Center Executive Director Whitney Burran come on as your guest! In our 100th episode, Stuart and Whitney talk about what's going on at agency in 2023 and what to look forward to in years to come!
In this episode, Stuart talks with Nancy Niehause... founder of the 21/7 Association in Nacogdoches. Nancy talks about the help that the 21/7 Association wants to provide for Nacogdoches citizens and what inspired her to launch the effort.
Today's teens are faced with many challenges in living their lives. East Texas community leader Gary Roberts wants to see that these teens are exposed to the education and learning they need to make their lives a little easier. In this episode, Stuart talks with Gary about the upcoming Teen Summit set for August 12th at SFA.
In this episode, Stuart talks with Shawn Stewart, a Youth Recovery Coach the ADAC's YRC (Youth Recovery Communities) Program about their approach in helping East Texas youth combat drug addiction.
Summer is almost here... and that means it's almost Blueberry Festival time! In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about the Blueberry Cupcake Battle, a baking contest that the Family Crisis Center has sponsored every year for a while now.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with agency counselor Matt Craven about how survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault deal with their mental health stresses.
In this episode, Stuart talks with San Augustine Legal Advocate Lizzet Mendoza about what her role is with the agency, as well as the unique aspect of working in a rural area.
Stuart sits down with two of the agency's spring interns to talk about their experience at the Family Crisis Center and what the future holds for them.
Stuart sits down to talk with Noah Padgett, the Family Crisis Center's Legal Advocate for Nacogdoches County. Noah talks about what the duties are of a legal advocate and how he helps survivors of relationship violence and sexual assault.
Continuing the topic of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Stuart talks with the agency's Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Mallory Dotson about the importance of recognizing the issue in East Texas and how the agency serves survivors.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the country, and it means that the Family Crisis Center of East Texas will play host to numerous events in East Texas. In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Development Director Melissa Wheeler about why it's important to recognize the month and how the Family Crisis Center plans to mark the occasion.
Harold's House will be conducting an event in Lufkin on March 30th for community leaders to help them respond to incidents of child abuse. In this episode, Stuart talks with Harold's House Program Director Madelyn Pool about this event and the reason Harold's House is conducting it. To register, visit Harold's House Facebook page, call 936-634-1999, or visit haroldshouse.org
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the U.S. Statistics say 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of dating violence. In this episode, agency Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Kim Riddle talks with Stuart about the issue of dating violence among teens.
The Nac Can Coalition's job is to raise awareness and to conduct prevention efforts when it comes to alcohol and substance abuse. In this episode, Stuart talks with Cindy Vargas and Melissa Russell about Nac Can's mission and how they work to make our community a safer place.
Homelessness is a problem that knows no boundaries, including right here in East Texas. In this episode, Stuart talks with Stephanie Hess, founder of Blessing Bags for N.A.C. This non-profit agency is reaching out to the homeless communities in Angelina and Nacogdoches counties in an effort to supply then with food, toiletries, and other needed items.
Stuart talks again with agency Human Trafficking Coordinator Maria Villarreal about Texas House Bill 390, which requires motel and hotel employees to be trained on Human Trafficking Prevention.
We're kicking off 2023 with an episode on Human Trafficking. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Stuart talks with agency Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal. Maria talks about the differences between labor and sex trafficking, as well as what tactics traffickers use to lure potential victims.
Domestic Violence isn't just a problem in large metropolitan areas. It also affects our rural communities. In this episode, Stuart talks with Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Ince, who's practice in located in Hemphill. Stuart and Cynthia talk about the perception of domestic violence in small, rural communities and the unique challenges that go along with that.
Domestic violence is not just a women's issue. Men play a vital role in preventing domestic violence and promoting prevention. In this episode, Stuart and BIPP Coordinator Will Windham have a discussion on what men can do in the prevention effort.
One of the Family Crisis Center's partners is the Texas Council on Family Violence, or TCFV. In this episode, Stuart talks with TCFV's Prevention Manger William West about the role TCFV plays in prevention education and how they assist agencies like the Family Crisis Center in their prevention efforts.
Being a college student today can be stressful, and many students at SFA may not know that help is available to them on campus. In this episode, Stuart talks with Clare Fite and Rachel McCorry with SFA Counseling Services about the services they offer students, and they also talk about the new SFA "Hub".
Many school districts provide services for their students and families that some may not even know are available to them. In this episode, Stuart talks with Tonja Akridge, a Licensed Social Worker for Lufkin ISD. Tonja explains her role in helping to provide the best lives possible for Lufkin students.
Mallory Dotson is the agency's new Sexual Assault Services Coordinator. She also serves as the agency's campus advocate for Stephen F. Austin State University. In this episode, Stuarts talks with Mallory about her duties, and what she hopes to do on the SFA campus!
There's a whole lot more to the county extension office than giving out advice on managing pastureland and livestock. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Extension Agent Joel Redus about his responsibilities as Extension Agent for Family and Community Health.
Would you like to help our child clients have an awesome school year? You can help by making a donation to our agency Back to School Supply Drive! Stuart talks with Child Advocate Sadarria Christian about what is needed and how you can help!
In today's world, we not only have to protect our kids when they go out of the house, but we also need to protect them when they go online. From video games to social media, our kids run the risk of being subjected to potential predators. In this episode, Stuart talks to agency Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal about how predators use video games and social media to contact kids.
When it comes to discussions regarding relationship violence, the LGBTQ community is often overlooked. In this episode, Stuart talks with agency counselor Shelby Brown about how interpersonal violence affects and how it is dealt with the in the LGBTQ community.
A lot of college students can encounter tough times, but for students at Angelina College, there's a way that can make a student's life a little easier with the Roadrunner Market. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Director of Student Affairs at Angelina College, April Wallace. April explains what the Roadrunner Market is, how it works, and how it can help students in need.
Students at Angelina College have a new resource available to them. The Public Health Resource Center gives students a place on campus to help take care of basic health needs. Stuart talks with Anndrea Pickett with the Angelina County and Cities Health District about this new service available to Angelina College students.
As the spring college semester wraps up, we must say goodbye to our spring college interns. In this episode, Stuart talks with interns Madi and Cynthia about what their experience has been like as interns for the Family Crisis Center and what their future plans hold for each of them!
With the month of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Stuart has a conversation with Sgt. Brandan Lovell with the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Department on his duties as an investigator of sexual assaults in the county.
In the episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with SFA grad student Kate West, who also happens to work at the University's Title IX office. Stuart and Kate talk about how colleges and universities handle sexual assault reporting and what students can do if they experience an incident of sexual assault.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with agency Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Marilyn Toc about what the month means and why our community needs to be aware of this issue.
We're taking another listen to this episode from 2020! When most people think about the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, our safe house, or "shelter" is one of the first things that come to mind. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Program Director Glenna Harkness about how the safe house operates and the requirements for those who reside there. Remember, if you need services from the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, help is just a phone call away via our 24-hour hotline at 1-800-828-7233!
Mindfulness meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as to "center" yourself. In this episode, Stuart talks with agency counselor Matthew Craven about what mindfulness is, it's benefits, and we'll even conduct a brief session for you! You might want to check out mindful.org for more information!
In this week's episode we're going back in time to October 2020 with a conversation with agency BIPP Coordinator Will Windham. BIPP stands for Battering Intervention and Prevention Program, and is geared towards men who have been violent, abusive, and/or controlling in their intimate family relationships. Stuart and Will talk about what services the BIPP program provides and the need for such services.
The world of Human Trafficking has it's own slang and lingo that is used by both perpetrators and victims. In this episode, Stuart again talks with Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal about these words and their meanings. A word of caution, some of the words and their descriptions may be triggering for some.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human Trafficking is a problem that's not just in the big cities, but it affects the smaller rural areas of East Texas as well. Simply put, human trafficking, and especially sex trafficking is sexual assault. This episode of Conversations and Connections features a conversation with the Family Crisis Center's Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal as well as Janet Kasper with the Office of the Texas Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team. This is valuable information that everyone needs to hear!
Just about everyone has heard of the "Health District", but what is it that they actually do? In this episode, Stuart talks with Community Health Worker Donna Grimes about the services the Angelina County and Cities Health District provides, who qualifies for services from the Health District, and much more!
The majority of the funding that the Family Crisis Center of East Texas operates on comes from grants. But, it's not just as simple as asking corporations or the government for some money. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Grant Manager Stacy Richardson about what it takes to keep the wheels of the Family Crisis Center turning.
Counselor Dr. Bob Choat visits us again to talk about the Holidays and how they relate to relationship violence. Dr. Choat explains that the connection may not be what a lot of people think. Plus, Dr. Choat talks about the role that PTSD plays in many people's holiday time.
Have you ever wondered how you can have a say in what your child is taught in school? In today's episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Jannifer Fulbright of the Lufkin ISD about SHAC, or Student Health Advisory Councils. These councils consist of community members who advise the district on health related topics and issues for the school to address in their curriculum.
In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart sits down with outgoing intern Christina Gonzales. Christina talks about what it was like to intern at the Family Crisis Center and what she plans in the future.
Relationship violence is not just restricted to adults. Sadly, dating violence amongst our teen community happens as well. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, nurse Kim Riddle talks with Stuart about this issue, and how we as adults can help our teens have safe and healthy relationships.
Angela Turner is one of the newest members of the Family Crisis Center team. Being the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the agency involves many things, including coordinating the agency's Adopt and Family program. In this episode, Angela talks with Stuart about how you can make a family's Christmas a little merrier this year... not only with buying gifts, but donating pantry goods as well.
In this episode, Stuart sits down with the Family Crisis Center's Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal about how the media portrays relationship violence and human trafficking.
In this episode, Stuart sits down with Sheila Adams, Mary Gail McCarty, and Tamara Anguiano with Lufkin ISD to talk about a new after school program they are starting known as ACE, or Afterschool Centers on Education. They will discuss the need for such a program and what it entails.
Thanksgiving is a time for many of us to spend in fellowship with family and friends. But for many in East Texas, Thanksgiving is a time of want and need. Family Crisis Center Safe House Manger Greg Sims wants to change that. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Greg about a project near and dear to his heart... Thanksgiving in the Park, and how he wants to make Thanksgiving a more joyful time for the area homeless population.
Family Crisis Center Special Projects and Compliance Director Kathryn Johnson is responsible for so many things for the agency... from making sure the agency is in compliance with grants, to educating staff on cultural diversity. In this episode, Stuart and Kathryn talk about her job and why she chose her particular career path.
Stuart sits down and has a conversation with Family Crisis Center Bilingual Advocate Maria Rodriguez. Maria talks about the unique need for an advocate for immigrants in our community.
We mark the 50th episode of Conversations and Connections with a conversation with our Executive Director Whitney Burran! We talk with Whitney about the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and why there is still the need to raise awareness of this issue. We'll also talk about all of the upcoming events the Family Crisis Center has set in October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Robert Shankle is no stranger to Lufkin. He's a member of the Lufkin City Council and President of an organization seeking to improve not only North Lufkin, but the City of Lufkin as a whole. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, we sit down with Robert Shankle to talk about Impact Lufkin.
Vallie Cross is in charge of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas' PADRES (Parenting Awareness and Drug Risk Education Services) program. In this episode, Vallie talks with Stuart about the program, what all it entails, and the need for such a program in East Texas.
Getting men to talk about healthy masculinity is not an easy task... especially in Texas. But that's exactly what Emiliano Diaz De Leon does in his role as the Men's Engagement Specialist with the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. In this episode Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Emiliano about his role at TAASA, and a special project he has been a part of for almost a year now known as Texas Men SPEAK. If you would like to be a part of this program for men, email Emiliano at txmenspeak@taasa.org
In this episode, Stuart talks with Clay Alverson, Executive Director of the Men's Fieldhouse. Clay talks about the services that the Men's Fieldhouse provides men in need, from job skills to how to cope with what life gives them.
Matt Craven is the newest counselor at the Family Crisis Center. In this episode, Matt talks with Stuart about his experience as a new counselor, his feelings on being a man counseling women who have survived domestic violence or sexual assault situations, and why he chose his career path.
Today's youth are subjected to many marketing messages with regards to alcohol and tobacco products, and it's The Coalition's mission to help combat those messages. The Coalition executive director Sharon Kruk talks with Stuart about how they go about the task of promoting a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle to the young people of East Texas, among other projects The Coalition plays a part in.
There's a student organization on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University knows as SWAT (Student Wellness Action Team). Stuart talks with SFA grad student Justifer Davis, who's an officer with the SWAT organization about what their mission is and how like-minded students can get involved.
In this episode, Stuart talks with the Family Crisis Center's newest member of the Prevention Team, Rebecca Martinez, who also serves as the agency's Student Advocate at Stephen F. Austin State University. Rebecca tells Stuart what exactly a student advocate does, the services the agency can provide for students, and why she chose her career path.
Celesse Goeyns is the Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Diboll. Stuart talks with Celesse about the services the Boys and Girls Club provides to East Texas kids and why she feels the work she does there is so important.
Gary Roberts with the Brown Family Health Center is a man with many hats. In this episode, Gary talks about everything from educating the community about STD's, to his ministry to area sex workers, to gardening.
Consent is one of the main cornerstones of the Prevention message we bring to students and the community. In this episode, the Family Crisis Center's Prevention Team talks about what exactly is consent, why it's so important, and how you can start introducing the concept of consent to young children.
The Family Crisis Center's Prevention Program has a very good relationship with Angelina College, and a lot of that has to do with Jordan LaCaille. Jordan helps us with coordinating on-campus projects and always welcomes the Prevention Team to many of her activities on campus. We talk with her about the importance of spreading relationship violence prevention messaging on campus, and the challenges of doing that on a smaller campus.
June is Pride Month, and in recognition of the month Stuart travels to Stephen F. Austin State University to have a talk with Megan Morton, the Director of Communication and Danial Gillis, Director of Membership with the SFA LGBTQ Plus Equality Caucus. What is it like to be a member of the LBBTQ Plus community in Deep East Texas? What unique challenges to members of the community face here? We'll talk about these topics and more.
For many of our clients, Melissa Youngblood is the very first person they will come into contact with at the Family Crisis Center. In today's episode, Melissa talks to Stuart about her job as Intake Specialist for the agency, and also the role she plays at Mantooth House in Lufkin.
Many times the survivors that stay in the safe house have no reliable way to get around, and that's where Transportation Specialist Paula Campbell comes in. It's Paula's job to make sure our safe house residents get to doctors appointments, job interviews, and other important destinations.
What do blueberries and the Family Crisis Center have in common? It's the annual Blueberry Cupcake Battle of course! In the episode, Stuart talks with Family Crisis Center Community Outreach Coordinator Greta Rich about this year's Cupcake Battle at the Texas Blueberry Festival in Nacogdoches!
Attorney Charlie Lewis provides an invaluable service for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. As the Family Crisis Center's Staff Attorney, Charlie has seen his share of family court cases. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Charlie talks with Stuart about the various services he provides the clients and the challenges associated with the family court system.
What's it like cooking for what can be up to 30 people or more every day? In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Kitchen Manager Veronica Sessions about just that. From planning meals, to grocery shopping that can run as high as $700 a week, Veronica does it all!
In this episode of Conversations and Connections, we talk with outgoing Executive Director Heather Kartye and the person who will soon take over the reigns of leading the Family Crisis Center, Whitney Burran. Heather will talk to us about what she will take away from her experience as Executive Director, and Whitney will share with us what she's looking forward to the most. No guarantees that tears won't be shed!
In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with counselor Mary Curtis about working not only adults, but children who are affected by domestic violence in their home environment. Stuart and Mary also talk some about how faith can play a role in the counseling process.
Probably one of the first things someone thinks of when they hear about the Family Crisis Center of East Texas is the shelter or "safe house" that the agency operates. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with the man who see to the day-to-day operations of the shelter, Greg Sims. They talk about Greg's duties, as well as what it's like to be a man in charge of the shelter.
April 27th is East Texas Giving Day. In this episode, Stuart talks with the Family Crisis Center's Development Director Melissa Wheeler about the importance East Texas Giving Day to a non-profit agency like the Family Crisis Center, and how the East Texas community can give to the cause.
When a domestic violence survivor reaches out to the Family Crisis Center of East Texas for services, many times they are a parent. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Children's Advocate Monica Ibarra about how she works with the children of our clients to help them cope with various situations they may be facing.
In this episode, Stuart sits down with Kim Riddle to talk about the recent Safer East Texas Training the Family Crisis Center hosted at Angelina College, the importance of such a training for East Texas agencies, and what other training opportunities the Family Crisis Center of East Texas offers.
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas accepts college students as interns every year. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, we talk with Community Outreach Coordinator Greta Rich about the agency's internship program, and who can qualify for an intern. We'll then talk with Sadarria Christian, Shelby Brown, and Emily Adams, three of the agency's interns for the spring of 2021.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks to Lufkin ISD Social Worker Tonja Akridge about how teens are affected by abusive relationships. How does abusive relationships affect their social lives? What about their school work?
Want to know more about the Family Crisis Center of East Texas? Visit our website at https://www.familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com/
Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fccet
In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Family Crisis Center board member Jim McReynolds. Mr. McReynolds is no stranger to East Texans. The former Texas State Representative talks about what it means to him to be a board member, the challenges that such a position has, and what he finds rewarding about serving the community.
Want to know more about the Family Crisis Center of East Texas? Visit our website at https://www.familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.com/
Visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fccet
Harold's House provides an important service to the East Texas region. They provide a safe and secure place for children to tell their story of being the survivor of sexual assault. Ashley Cook, the Community Education Director for Harold's House talks about the services her agency provides the community, and the all too real problem of sexual assault of children in our community.
In this episode, Stuart sits down with the agency's operations director Whitney Burran about things employers need to know about employees who may be experiencing domestic violence. What is the employer's responsibility? What can an employer do to provide support for their employees? We'll answer these questions and more.
In this episode we conclude our four-part series on human trafficking with a conversation with Special Investigator Lazaro Robles with the Department of Family and Protective Services.
We continue our conversation on the topic of human trafficking. In this episode, Stuart welcomes back Maria Villarreal from the Family Crisis Center of East Texas and also Investigator Brandon Lovell from the Nacogdoches Sheriff's Office.
We continue our conversation with the agency's Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal. We talk about the differences between human trafficking and sex trafficking, some of the myths associated with human trafficking, and more.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and we're devoting the entire month of on the topic. Stuart sits down with Maria Villarreal to talk about this all-important issue and how it affects East Texas.
In this episode, the tables and turned and Development Director Melissa Wheeler is asking the questions to Stuart Burson, our Prevention Coordinator. Stuart talks about the importance of prevention work and how it goes much deeper than traditional risk reduction methods.
The Family Crisis Center of East Texas wouldn't be nearly as effective if the community didn't know about us, or if it weren't for the tireless work of our volunteers and interns. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Greta Rich, the agency's Community Outreach Coordinator to talk about the importance of getting the word out about the agency, how the public can volunteer with us, and the agency's annual Adopt a Family program.
In this episode, Stuart sits down with Verna Hayter, the Self Sufficiency Advocate with the Family Crisis Center. Verna talks about the agency's Transitional Housing program and the role it plays in helping domestic violence survivors become independent.
The Prevention Team is back! We'll take a look at how two scenes from a popular TV show and a movie represent unhealthy attitudes about gender roles and relationships, with a holiday theme.
Believe it or not Christmas is almost here! Stuart, Tiffany, and Will take a look at a couple of Christmas song classics and have a discussion on whether they are still appropriate in today's society, or are things blown out of proportion?
Kim Riddle probably has one of the toughest jobs at the Family Crisis Center of East Texas. As a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Nurse, it's her job to do a physical examination of a sexual assault survivor. In this episode, Kim talks with Stuart about what her job entails, what goes on during an exam, and a fun way she uses to teach about the serious topic of sexually transmitted infections.
Many survivors of relationship violence also experience some form of financial abuse. Stuart sits down with Tiffany Walsh to talk about what financial abuse is and what the Family Crisis Center is doing to help clients who have experienced this type of abuse first hand.
When people mention the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, one thing that's surely to come up are our thrift stores in both Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Both of these stores provide a lot of revenue for the agency every year, and also provide a valuable service to our clients as well as bargains for our shoppers. Stuart sits down with the director of both of these stores, Lisa Jackman. Stuart and Lisa talk about what it takes to run these stores, the benefits they provide, and they also talk about some of the more unique items that have been donated.
In this episode, Will Windham talks with Stuart about the Batterer's Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP). Most people probably don't realize that the Family Crisis Center of East Texas also works with men who are accused of domestic violence. We take a look at details of this program.
We wrap up Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a conversation with agency Development Director Melissa Wheeler. Melissa talks with Stuart about the Empowering Survivors Tee Shirt Project, as well as the importance of donations and grants to an agency like the Family Crisis Center of East Texas.
The effects of domestic violence reach further than one may realize. In this episode, Stuart talks with Family Crisis Center of East Texas counselor Dr. Bob Choat about how domestic violence affects not only the survivor, but their family as well. If you feel like you need services from the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, you can always call our toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-828-7233.
When most people think about the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, our safe house, or "shelter" is one of the first things that come to mind. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Program Director Glenna Harkness about how the safe house operates and the requirements for those who reside there. Remember, if you need services from the Family Crisis Center of East Texas, help is just a phone call away via our 24-hour hotline at 1-800-828-7233!
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we're starting things off with Stuart talking with Victim Services Coordinator Kelly Carver. Kelly and Stuart talk about how many cases of domestic violence the agency sees every month, the process someone goes through when seeking agency services, and Kelly shares a success story about one of our clients.
Will Windham works with men on a daily basis. As the coordinator the the agency's Battering Intervention and Prevention Program, Will gets to see and hear a variety of different takes on what masculinity means to East Texas men. In this episode, Will and Stuart talk about what exactly is healthy masculinity... and what's not.
Tiffany Walsh is the Family Crisis Center's Campus Advocate. In this episode she talks with Stuart about the importance of providing services to college students and what it means to be an advocate.
Family Crisis Center of East Texas Executive Director Heather Kartye talks about the origins of the agency, a basic overview of the services provided, and how someone with a degree in agriculture became involved in helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.