January traditionally means a shortage in the blood supply, thanks to holidays and winter weather disrupting blood donation events and routine donations. Communications Director Dan Dowling discusses the importance of winter blood donations, as well as the Red Cross's work responding to local fires and national natural disasters.

We are joined by Greg Sirpis, Chairman of Operation Game Thief. This organization offers rewards to those who successfully report poaching cases in Maine. Maine OGT also aims to educate on hunting ethics and responsibility, especially with our younger generation of hunters.

Dan Brennan, Director of Maine Housing discusses heating aid options available to Mainers via the federally-funded LiHEAP program. We also discuss how the ongoing federal government shutdown could impact beneficiaries. We also explore financing options for first-time home buyers, and ways in which Maine Housing is working to increase affordable housing supply in Maine.

Justin Chenette, Communications Officer of Sweetser joins us. We discuss the mental health services provided statewide by Sweetser, and the upcoming "Smiles for Sweetser" comedy benefit show to help raise funds for the organization's work.

Pam Grant, Program Director of Trauma Intervention Program of Greater Portland discusses the mission of the organization, which sends responders to aid victims and loved ones following traumatic events. The organization works with nine communities in Greater Portland as well as Maine Medical Center. We discuss what is needed in a volunteer, and the organizations hopes to expand their efforts deeper into Maine.

We're joined by Ruth Libby, founder of Ruth's Reusable Resources, along with Lisa Thomas-Willey, Operations Manager. This organization began in Ruth's Portland-area basement and has since grown to a vast warehouse. Ruth's collects gently used and surplus supples for use in schools and classrooms across Maine through their membership-based teacher store.

Whitney Wildes and Alex Woodhouse join us to talk about the services of South Portland based PSL/Strive, an organization that provides support and life skills programs for intellectually disabled citzens of Southern Maine. We discuss the ongoing "Kevin on the Roof" fundraiser, one of the organization's most significant fundrasing events.

We chat with Steve Thomas of the American Red Cross who explains why summer blood donations are so crucial, and the benefits of using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. We also speak with Ryan Walter, organizer of the Cpl. Hutchins Memorial Ride benefitting the Travis Mills Foundation, kicking off August 2nd in Monmouth.

Conversation with the CEO and Founder of "Finding Our Voices" providing direct support to Maine Women and Children who are survivors of domestic abuse, and their July "Into the Light" program.

Chris Schnieder, Director of Media Relations joins us this week to talk about the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia, and to detail an upcoming free conference at the Portland Regency Hotel on June 11th. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America works to educate and provide support for Alzheimer's patients and caregivers.