Conversations and Connections

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.