Direct With North Light Directors

Jon and Bernetta talk with Philadelphia educators about their role in empowering their students.

Irene Madrak was only the third executive director in North Light's history. At the end of 2019, she retired after an incredible career and Krista Wieder took the reins as the fourth executive director at North Light Community Center. Irene and Krista join Bernetta, Jesse, and Jon at MNYK Studios to discuss Irene's legacy and the future of our organization.

Bernetta, Jesse, and Jon sit down with Russel Hicks from Ebony Sons to discuss Teaching, Employment, Engagement, and Mentorship works (TEEMworks). Bernetta is in charge of Teen Services and Educational Advancement at North Light and Russel is the lead trainer for Cohort 4. We talk about youth unemployment, what is needed to correct current trends, and other aspects that play into people's livelihoods.

During the first half of North Light's summer camp this year, Read 2 Succeed came in each morning to work with our campers on reading and comprehension, as well as other skills that build overall literacy. Jon and Jesse sat down with Jinaki and Peggy - two teachers and R2S specialists - to discuss the program, literacy overall, and what parents and teachers can do to support children in building these valuable skills.

Jon and Bernetta sit down with Officer Maurice Scott of the Philadelphia Police Department to discuss the criminal justice system and important concepts for citizens and officers to consider. What power do citizens and officers have? What are the repercussions of having an arrest on your record? What resources are there for people working to reintegrate in the community? These questions and more are answered during this episode.

Bernetta, Jon, and Jesse sit down with Barbara Smith, MSW, LCSW, to discuss grief and how to help people who have experienced a loss. It is important to remember never to compare a loss, each of us experience loss as individuals. Though people can accept what we have been through, nobody will ever fully understand our grief. It is important to develop healthy relationships in order to support people and make them feel as though they are not alone... bear hugs are good too!

North Light Directors Bernetta, Jesse, and Jon speak with North Light parent Tajae (Nelly) and DHS Employee Clarence, to give families who are dealing with the system the tools to stay together. This is a genuine conversation between a family currently working with DHS and a DHS representative.

Why is affordable childcare important? How does support from an early age help to set disadvantaged children up for long term success? Why do so many people get stuck within the cycles of poverty? There is a lot that we can do to help our neighbors, particularly those with the greatest need for help. At North Light, that is our mission. Bernetta, Jesse, and John introduce what the show will be about long-term, and quickly embark on a discussion surrounding childcare.