Houston P. A. hosted by Laurent

Dirk Van Tuerenhout is the curator of Anthropology for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. They opened two new exhibits: Pompeii and Bodyworlds. They're scheduling safe-distanced ticket entries to keep capacity at safe levels. Dirk is a great storyteller and Pompeii is one of the best stories in human history. The city both destroyed and preserved by a volcano eruption is as crazy-interesting as history gets. Go to www.HMNS.org for tickets & info.

Allison Rosen is a survivor of colorectal cancer and a member of the Colon Cancer Coalition and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. She was diagnosed in her 30s and since recovering, she has been advocating for early detection. She stresses the importance of getting a colonoscopy at 50 but that people who have a history of cancer in their families should have it at 45. There are non-invasive take-at-home tests that are effective as well. By sharing her experience, Allison demonstrates the power of support groups. She now volunteers to help others fight cancer. All of those suffering from the disease - including family members - will find instant support by going to their website. It's an amazing community: www.coloncancercoalition.org\Houston

Kevin Hattery is the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston (aka BGCGH), one of our great non-profits that never let up helping the community. When the pandemic struck, they kicked into high gear so kids in Houston could keep up with their schoolwork and stay in contact with their peers – which was perhaps what was most important. With a remarkably small army of volunteers, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston distributed tens of thousands of meals to thankful families and they continue to help. We also discuss the great help they've been getting from our Houston corporations like Kroger, BP and Comcast. They made big grants to BGCGH and individuals like you and me can also sponsor a kid to attend their entire summer program by donating just $30. Go to www.bgcgh.org for more information on this awesome Org.

Becky Lao is the executive director of Archaeology Now so I get an opportunity I love: to talk about history, teaching history and experiencing history through their programs. They have a great series of micro-lessons and longer lectures on their YouTube channel. Educators should check out their Time Travelers Educator's Materials packets on subjects like Rome, the Maya and Egypt. There's also the Culinary Adventures which go into the history of everyone's favorite foods like Tamales.
www.archaeologynow.org

Emilee Whitehurst is the president and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC). Their multi-lingual staff is about to decentralize its operations to bring help closer to those who need it most. Emilee explains how with the help of a huge grant from the City of Houston and matching donations and various reinvestments, HAWC will open locations strategically placed around Houston to help women get out of abusive situations and restart their lives with housing help. The goal is to help them become independent and their programs are very successful .
They are overwhelmed by the rise in violence due to the pandemic and now is a good time to give them our support. Small donations matter a great deal!
www.hawc.org
Domestic Violence Hotline: 713-528-2121
Sexual assault Hotline: 713-528-7273

Kelly Young is the CEO of Career and Recovery Resources, one of the non-profit that had to make a lot of changes to keep serving our community during the pandemic. They provide counseling for anyone transitioning to a new job like military veterans. They are able to help deaf and mute people communicate in order to find services and jobs. They also help people overcome substance addictions. With all these programs subject to new health regulations, Kelly discusses their "online conversion" which most organizations have had to implement. Go to www.careerandrecovery.org .

Timothy Williams is the chairman of the board of Because Education Matters, Inc. He is also the General counsel of the Pro Se Legal Studies Institute, a Paralegal Program which helps to fund Because Education Matters. They are going to launch a mobile legal clinic program. People may not even have to step out of their cars to get legal advice on questions such a drafting a will and other probate cases. Timothy ahs inspiring thoughts on how American citizens should reconsider their relationship with the justice system and consider it a useful tool they should interact with. We discuss the barriers to making this a reality. Go to www.takingbackourcourts.com

John Willis is MIAT College of Technology Houston campus president. They offer programs in Airframe & Powerplant Technician Program, Wind Energy and more. These skilled trade are for high-demand employment fields and MIAT Houston also helps its student find a job. They're having great success and riding a new wave of respect for these types of training programs. They're producing high quality candidates for highly skilled jobs. You can go to www.miat.edu for more information.

Steve Lufburrow is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Houston. They are celebrating 75 years of service to Houston which is a beautiful landmark. For 75 years, they have helped people prepare for a successful career. Whether they are transitioning out of the military, working their way out of a terrible situation or even needing a second or third chance coming out of prison, Goodwill can help with training and job placement. What's more, their stores are so successful that they guarantee the overwhelming majority of your donations will go to fund their services. They are one of the most reliable non-profits in town and we're proud of them. Go to www.GoodwillHouston.org

Theresa Piña is the vice president of operations for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, one of the coolest non-profit organizations in the USA. Their Commit For Life Program which encourages people to donate blood regularly is brilliant success. During the pandemic, they're making their mobile blood centers even safer and they're encouraging people to host virtual blood drives. So they keep adapting and serving the community. Hosting a mobile or virtual blood drive is as easy as going to their website: www.giveblood.org.