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.