Earlier this month, we marked Veterans Day and paid tribute to all the service members who give their time, energy, health, and so much more to ensure our nation stays safe. However, veterans are in need of resources all year long, and in New England, veterans have a big ally in a Worcester non-profit called Veterans, Inc. From housing programs to suicide prevention, healthcare to case management, they cover it all and much more. Raymond Carville, the Public Affairs Manager at Veterans Inc. talks about all they have to offer with Nichole on this week's show.

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A little bit of spice or seasoning can turn a humdrum meal into something nutritious, tasty, and filling. With Massachusetts in the throes of a food insecurity crisis, people who find themselves needing to utilize food banks and pantries may not always be able to access the spices and seasonings that help them connect to their culture and feel the dignity they deserve by cooking a complete meal. The Boston Public Library's Spice Bank is working to supplement pantries with these seasonings, but they need your help to do it. Allie Hahn, Children's Librarian at the BPL Brighton Center branch, joins Nichole to talk about the importance of the project and how you can help.

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If you're a veteran, or happen to know one, you might be familiar with the work of DAV - Disabled American Veterans. One of the major missions that they focus on is connecting veterans with work, especially as we deal with rising unemployment around the country. They've got a nationwide virtual job fair coming up later on this month, and Dan Clare, DAV's Chief Communications and Outreach Officer, joins the show with the details.

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Have you noticed your morning (or afternoon) coffee is getting more expensive? Perhaps the beans you really like at the store are hitting your wallet, too. Roasters here in New England and around the country are struggling with the rising cost of beans, which is hitting customers in the cup. Derek Anderson, the owner of Speedwell Coffee in Plymouth, joins Nichole this week to talk about their experience, the factors playing into this developing situation, and what you, the coffee lover, should expect.

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As resale sites grow in popularity, Second Serve Resale, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is standing out. Not only is it connecting customers with gently loved designer offerings, but owner Amy Hebb is taking it one step further: customers choose which charity receives 85% of the purchase price, ranging from local food banks to international women's organizations! Amy talks about her efforts, and sustainable fashion, with Nichole on this week's episode.

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When you think of housing policy, you may not immediately think of furry friends. However, MSPCA-Angell in Jamaica Plain says our pets need to be kept in mind when it comes to the ongoing housing crisis. They've brought on a new housing specialist, Jamie Blackburn, to advocate for pet owners and find a way to keep them, and their beloved pets, together without fear of eviction or foreclosure. Jamie joins Nichole this week to talk about their mission and efforts.

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In Worcester, there's a branch of a local credit union that has a lot of young energy behind the scenes! All One Credit Union recently opened up a branch at Worcester Technical High School, and patrons who come to do their banking will find students behind the counter processing their transactions. Nichole talks with Lauren Hayes, the head of the Finance, Marketing, and Business Management department at WTHS, Dr. Patricia Suomala, the Director of Career and Technical Education at WTHS, Brittany Haley, All One Credit Union's Assistant VP of Financial Education, and a student in the program to learn all about it.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.