Let's Talk: Faith & Justice

In this episode, Maeve interviewed Sabrina Auclair, the owner of Unpacked Living located in Danvers and Beverly, MA. They discussed the problem with plastic, the zero waste movement, and how to live more sustainably in everyday life. To learn more about living without waste and to check out zero waste products, visit Sabrina's store either online at https://www.unpackedliving.com/ or in person at either of her locations. We hope that this episode will convict and encourage everyone to be conscious consumers and to work towards a life without waste. 

Tune into this episode as we discuss all things climate change with Reverend Vernon K. Walker, Program Director of CREW – Communities Responding to Extreme Weather. As an organization CREW equips community-based teams of volunteer leaders with the training, local and regional organizational structures, and technological support needed to build climate resilience. CREW teams engage in education, service, and planning to advance actionable, collaborative, and equitable solutions at the individual, community, and state levels. What an honor and privilege it was to collaborate with Vernon uplifting the importance of environmental justice and stewardship.

In this episode, we had the opportunity to listen and learn from Dr. Dorothy Boorse about the issue of climate change. Dr. Boorse is a professor of biology at Gordon College and is the lead author of “Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment” among numerous other publications. Through an understanding of the environmental issues at hand and the obligations of Christians in response, Dr. Boorse encourages us to pursue stewardship and reconciliation in our collective action of caring for the earth.

Tune in to this conversation with Jasmine and Anita of Jasmine Grace Outreach (JGO) beloved partners of BFJN's Micah 6:8 Service-Learning Program. An organization that helps individuals break free from drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and a hopeless way of life. A dedicated team of survivors and those in recovery who are available to help guide those who are ready and need help. JGO offers addiction support and exit strategies, recovery groups, mentoring and coaching, and many paths to help bring awareness to all. Bags Of Hope was founded by JGO as a way to reach out to vulnerable women in a practical way. Women who are living on the streets or in programs throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire are given Bags filled with basic items that we take for granted everyday. In collaboration with programs serving women affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness, Bags of Hope is driven by the community. By doing this they let the women know there is a better way, they are treasured, loved by Jesus, and that Jasmine Grace is here to help.

Tune in to this episode with special guest Angelica Fontes of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence. A second-generation Cape Verdean American who grew up in Brockton, Angelica serves as a Community Organizer. She developed an interest in civic engagement during early adolescense, and has been driven by the pursuit of social justice and equity for BIPOC communities. Her work focuses on centering, supporting, and empowering community voices that have been doing the work and living in the realities for decades. Angelica states "trauma doesn't stop where the bullet hits", we need to build a village and operate in unity.

Tune in to this special interview and conversation with Amanda Grant-Rose, the Executive Director of Common Cathedral, a faith-based organization and outdoor church with programs and care for people experiencing homelessness as well as meaningful opportunities for housed and unhoused individuals to come together. Amanda is also a board member for the Winter Walk, and helps rally communities far and wide to walk together, in which BFJN has been so grateful to participate in over the years.

Join in on this conversation with Rev. Bonnie J. Gatchell of Route One Ministry, an organization that serves sexually exploited and trafficked women by entering strip clubs and building relationships. Also striving to equip the local church, and community leaders with the tools they need to understand trafficking, identify vulnerable people, and respond in the most healthy ways to those who have experienced sexual abuse.

As the Director of Religious & Spiritual Life, Denicia Ratley supports various faith communities on campus, oversees a team of Chaplains and the daily operations of the Glavin Family Chapel. With a pastoral heart and passion for justice, she is intentional about creating spaces for religious diversity and tolerance. In her spare time, Denicia enjoys reading historical and current research around mass incarceration and racial disparities within the Black community as well as helping women find confidence in themselves by deconstructing beauty standards and apprehensions around makeup and natural hair.

Tune in to this episode to hear more about Denicia’s personal, professional and spiritual journey that got her to where she is today, and how her heart has been postured to serve God. 

In this episode we have the priviledge to hear from one of BFJN's committed board members, Dira, and her housemate, Saranya. The two of them share authentic truths and wisdom as it pertains to the homebuying process for women of color in the Boston area. Both Dira and Saranya not only wanted to purchase a home, but believed strongly in being able intentional to provide quality and affordable housing and hospitality to others. Having a community, they share, is a primary resource and Peaceful Dwellings is how they carry forth their vision of peace and purpose.

As KPMG’s ESG Audit Leader, a mom of two, and an active member in many local communities, Maura Hodge is fortunate to live out her values daily throughout her professional and personal life. She is passionate about protecting the capital markets, particularly in providing reliable and timely information on companies’ sustainability and social initiatives. Tune into this episode to hear more about Maura's journey and how her faith informs the work she does.