On this episode of A Gram of Hope, we speak to LaShanna Alfred, founder of U Change Counseling and Behavioral Health Agency. LaShanna leads CEU workshops on topics like cultural diversity, supervision, ethics, and workplace bullying, and offers consulting for personal and professional development. A licensed clinical social worker with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Toledo, LaShanna provides supervision for social workers in Ohio seeking independent licensure. She is passionate about helping individuals heal from trauma and UNVEILING THE RESOURCES NECESSARY TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MANY!

Tony Dible shares updates on what people need to be aware of as our society is dealing with the negative influence of illegal Opioid drugs and the influence of fentanyl. Both are having a negative impact but awareness helps diminish their killing grip on society.

Jones Leadership Academy of Business hosted a Hygiene Drive packing event in collaboration with the Neighborhood Health Association (NHA). Neighborhood Health Association clinical staff will be conducting Hygiene Wellness Education presentations to 7th and 8th grade students during the event to discuss the importance of personal hygiene.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who serve as a voice for abused and neglected children. It is a mission that makes a difference for the young people of our area.

Delisa Moore is a leading entrepreneur, city of Toledo tax investigator, tax preparer, insurance agent, notary, real estate agent, licensed wedding officiant, and newly elected president of the Greater Toledo Realtest Association. Given her credentials, when Delisa speaks, she's not just talking for her health, her talking can help build our wealth! "PAY ATTENTION!"

No matter how skilled a person is at a task, when you get some help, it makes the job easier and you can get more accomplished. The congress passed the civil rights legislation in 1964 but it needed a companion that would allow its purpose and prospects to extend to greater prospects of actualization. Thus, the introduction of DEI. But some became envious of what was accomplished by the relationship of civil rights and impact of DEI. Understanding what DEI is and its role to helping a myriad of people could help people do something similar but different. Crystal Darnell is the authority that we have turned to. It is said that if we forget history we are destined to repeat it! Her grasp of history and DEI just may help many to help themselves and keep others from the failings of the past. In this podcast Crystal will do what many a preacher does on Sunday morning...she isn't a preacher nor is she preaching but she is gifted in telling the story!

Robert "Bobby" Smith has carved out a place for himself as one who is a great story teller and the progenitor for fertile ground of the seeds of Toledo's Black history and those history makers. His "African American Legacy Project" has the heritage and legacy of many contributions to the Toledo's Black American community. This podcast conversation is just a snippet of those contributions.

Bishop Robert Culp, affectionately known as Toledo Bishop, has been on the front lines of the social justice fight as a servant leader for over 62 years.

Justin Moor has traveled in the wake of the legendary former director Ms. Billie Johnson to lead The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. They serve some 40,000 older northwest Ohioans each year. Promoting the health, well-being and safety of older adults, persons with disabilities and family caregivers to foster independence. Justin Moor shares how he was groomed by the experiences and lives of his father, grandfather and 104-year-old great-grand father.

Many of our young people believe that suicide, drugs, or self-deprecation is solution to their loneliness and lack of resources. Fonda Royster conquered being known as a street kid, dirty kid, unwanted kid until one person finally heard her voice. Her voice was crying out for support and finally landed on ears that would listen and hear. Her spirit would not allow her to give up and now she is a listening ear and a hand for other street kids who are crying! Fonda Royster is a very present help in this time of trouble for the marginalized people in Lucas County. **References to Drugs, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence are mentioned**