Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Diabetes is on the rise among young people in the United States, with significant increases in type 1 and type 2 diabetes diagnoses.  The consequences of this trend are alarming, as diabetes-related retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74, is appearing earlier and with greater frequency in these younger populations. Without proper education, prevention, and care, millions more could face the devastating impact of vision loss.

Dr Gregory Carnevale, MD, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare talks about this rise in diabetes among the young population and a new UHC initiative, Eye Health Education and Systems of Care for Young Persons with Diabetes.  

We discussed the types of diabetes including Type 1, Type 2 and gestational, their diagnosis and the ramifications of untreated or uncontrolled diabetes.  We discussed prevention and how your genes, weight, exercise and food choices can affect your chances of developing disease and we spoke about the current wide-spread use of weight-loss drugs designed for diabetes glucose control.  

He explained the impact of diabetes on the renal and cardiovascular systems and how that increases your danger for vision loss.  He described the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and the need for dilated eye exam, the sooner the better, especially with young patients. 

For more information about the new initiative go to UHC.com/diabetes or visit preventblindness.org.

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Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA, a national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring.  She discussed the new Finance Park program, a 12 week simulation that gives students hands-on lessons on income, saving, investing and risk assessment, credit and debit spending, careers and budgeting.

She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.

To learn more about JA programs and enrolling your class or student, or to volunteer go to southeasternpa.ja.org

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Sue Daugherty, RDN, LDN, and CEO of MANNA, discussed its beginnings as the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance providing meals and companionship to people living with AIDS and how its grown to provide nourishment, hope, and healing to residents in the Greater Philadelphia area, Southern New Jersey, and beyond.   MANNA offers evidence-based nutrition services, driven by dietitians, chefs, drivers, and thousands of volunteers to cook and deliver nutritious, medically appropriate meals and provide nutrition counseling to neighbors who are battling serious illnesses such as cancer, renal disease, and HIV/AIDS.  With 11 different diets to address the different needs of the clients’ conditions, volunteers prepare, package and deliver the food, providing 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, for clients and their dependents.  Sue has just announced that MANNA is the first organization in Pennsylvania to earn a new accreditation from the national Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), delivering medically tailored meals (MTMs) as part of treatment plans for patients with complex and chronic illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure.  She notes that not only do patients do better when following a prescribed diet, they are less likely to need additional hospitalization.  She spoke of the need for insurance coverage for MTMs and the FIMC’s efforts to expand food delivery service to people outside of large urban areas. 

We talked about the ongoing need for volunteers and annual fundraising events, such as Pie in the Sky sales at Thanksgiving, soup and guacamole sales during the football season and their 35th Anniversary Gala September 25th.

To learn more about meal delivery or to volunteer visit MANNAPA.org

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From the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Seth Pearsoll, VP and Creative Director of the Philadelphia Flower Show, discussed the 2025 edition, Gardens of Tomorrow and Entrance Garden, “Futura Florentia.” He explains Gardens of Tomorrow will showcase the power of plants, sustainability, and innovation.

We talked about PHS, founded in 1827, to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.

Started in 1829 the Flower Show showcases diverse and sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts across acres of garden displays as well as world-renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations and demonstrations, and special events.

As a fundraiser, the Flower Show supports PHS programming that creates healthier living environments, increases access to fresh food and provides jobs and work programs for youth and the formerly incarcerated. PHS works in over 250 neighborhoods in a network of public gardens and landscapes with year-round programming that includes the Tree Tenders, putting trees to cool and beautify neighborhoods, planting public gardens in vacant lots and delivering horticulture programs to schools.

Now in its 196th year, The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the premiere horticultural event of its kind in the United States and one of the world’s most recognized, drawing exhibitors and visitors from around the globe and pumping over 65 million into the city economy.

In addition to the professional exhibitors, local high school and college horticulturists from Lankenau High School Mercer County Community College, The Lakeside School, Temple University and Delaware Valley University will offer future-focused environmental and sustainability displays.  For the first time, the Flower Show will feature a student-created floral exhibition by Bucks County Community College’s Floral Design Program.

The educational lecture series, Know to Grow, returns with industry experts leading presentations on topics including garden design, vegetable gardening, native plants, container gardening, shade gardening and houseplants.

Great Grow Along - the world’s largest virtual garden festival, will present a gardening experts and authors sharing tips, ideas, and inspiration for your home garden.

In addition to the Hamilton Court juried plant competition and the vendor marketplace there will be special activities through the week.  At Artisan Row guests can work side-by-side with 8 artisans to create fresh floral crowns, Flower Show candles, custom scents, fresh and dried bouquets, terrariums, hand painted vases, botanical jewelry, custom hats, bags and more.

Butterflies Live! returns with a butterfly kiosk shop at the end.  Families can enjoy the free Kids Cocoon, a kid-focused play space in partnership with The Franklin Institute where they can plant seedlings, enjoy story time, and participate in activities 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, March 9. Kids Cocoon will feature a Flower Show-themed version of TFI's Creation Station, where children can create floral-inspired masterpieces using LEGO® bricks.

At Bloom Bar and pop-up Bloom Bar carts you can purchase pre-assembled, fresh floral crowns in the heart of the Show floor.  At Family Frolic  Sunday, March 2 there will be hands-on activities and entertainment for families with programming and activities in partnership with museums, nonprofits, and universities; Blossom and Breathe on Friday, March 7 with wellness vendors and yoga in a botanical bazaar, and the popular 

Flowers After Hours after-hours dance party Saturday, March 8! They invite you to dress in your boldest, most eccentric best, and enjoy alien encounter photo ops, galaxy-inspired cocktails, and a space fashion show. Plus, music will be curated by SNACKTIME, the live band for “They Call it Late Night” with Jason Kelce on ESPN, and DJs: Muhammad Carr, Lady B and Touchtone, and Val Fleury.

Members can visit the show on Friday, February 29 before the annual Gala, and PHS will again offer Early Morning Tours and Early Morning Photography Tours.

Members also enjoy discounts at the show and a members lounge with special private lectures.  For information about membership and PHS programming throughout the year, as well as Flower Show tours and Gala and Flowers After Hours tickets go to PHSonline.org. 

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From Bethesda Project, Tina Pagotto, MSW, Chief Executive Officer, and Kharisma Goldston, Director of Shelter, discussed the non-profit, which celebrates its 45 year of service this year.  Founded in 1979 as a one-time service project for women, the mission has grown to 11 sites throughout Center City Philadelphia for individual adults who are chronically homeless and struggle with severe and persistent mental illness, serious medical conditions and/or addiction receive food, shelter and referrals to much-needed services. Bethesda Project staff reach out to those most reluctant to enter shelter with tenacious, dignified care and help them transition to housing.

These sites range from emergency shelter to safe haven provisions to supportive housing to independent living spaces. 

Tina discussed their three concentrations, emergency shelter for any individual who is in need of shelter, entry level housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness through mental illness, addiction or other causes, and supportive services to help maintain their housing.  Once in shelter, Bethesda Project meets needs from clothing, medical attention, and meal services while connecting their guests with support programming.

Kharisma discussed Bethesda Project’s Our Brothers' Place, run in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia and provides emergency shelter for 149 men and supportive services for an additional 50 daily. Individuals experiencing homelessness receive warm meals and social services, taking the first step in accessing housing in the community.  She encourages everyone to keep the emergency shelter number ready – 215-232-1984 to help get the homeless off the street and into safety during the winter.

 They talked about the increasing numbers affected by homelessness in Philadelphia, causes include the affordable housing crisis - lack of inventory, high rent and low incomes, and the lack of adequate access to mental health and medical services.
They ask our support, in cash, in volunteering and for in-kind donations.  Their Young Professionals have a events and activities throughout the year including Trivia at Future Days Beer Co. in Northern Liberties on January 23, with $2 per beer is donated back to BP, and Bethesda itself will celebrate their 45th Anniversary Dinner at Daylesford Abbey with their Founder Abbot Domenic Rossi — Bethesda Project.  Their annual Party & Auction is scheduled for May.

To learn more, to donate, to volunteer, to attend a fundraising event, go to bethesdaproject.org. 

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Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute discussed the commonwealth’s most popular museum destination.      

Coming off its 200th anniversary the Franklin has recently opened new galleries, Body Odyssey, featuring the newly refurbished giant heart, and the Hamilton Gallery, with new stories of scientific discovery surrounding the famous Baldwin locomotive. 

We talked about the staff, the educators, scientists and curators who bring us hands-on, advanced exhibits that appeal to kids and adults.  We discussed some of the programming aimed at adults, Science After Hours, online discussions and more. 

Larry also discussed the 150 million impact the institute has on our local economy, big exhibits bring tourists who support everything from hotels and transportation, to restaurants and other museums. We also discussed how the Institute introduces scientific careers to the thousands of students who visit each year.

We talked about the return of Body Works this February and he revealed its plans for 2026, in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences, they are creating a groundbreaking new exhibit delving into the exciting world of themed entertainment. The exhibit will celebrate the trailblazing success of Universal theme parks, which feature the industry's most technologically advanced film and television-based attractions.

Learn more about upcoming exhibitions, programming, visiting the museum and membership at fi.edu

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Amanda Leese,  SVP of Operations, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley, and Allison Accettola, Senior Vice President for Government Relations,   discussed the Volunteers of America programming fighting human trafficking.   

While trafficking can involve forced labor VOA focus on sex trafficking, of women, children and men.  Everyone is vulnerable, through fraud and coercion or by threats of violence to the victim and their family.  They discussed their close work with local law enforcement to protect the victim, and the reentry programming they offer.  

They stress that education and awareness is vital for children and their families about the dangers of human trafficking, its early signs, and what to do if you suspect someone you know is being trafficked.

VOADV has launched the Human Trafficking Awareness and Education program, aimed at educating school-aged youth and their parents about the dangers of human trafficking. The program was made possible by a federal appropriation sponsored by Congressman Donald Norcross. It will initially launch in Pine Hill, Voorhees, Maple Shade, Paulsboro, and Gloucester City in partnership with the towns’ local police departments. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is developing grade-level specific educational materials for the campaign.

VOADV hosts an annual Human Trafficking Summit, held in Atlantic City for the first two years and at Rowan University in 2024. A key point of the summit is to bring stakeholders, law enforcement, service providers, and legislators together to discuss best practices and how to support both victims and law enforcement prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking.

For more information go to VOADV.org

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Daniel Lombardo, CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed their needs for the families and individuals they support throughout the year with emergency support and wrap-around services.   He spoke of the current housing crisis, especially among the elderly, acerbated by COVID; he also discussed the needs of families who often leave a residence with little more than the clothes on their backs.   Volunteers of America supports its clients with emergency shelter, for men, women and families, and in Philadelphia those with traumatic brain injuries; he described their intake and plan for putting them back to self-sufficiency through social services, job and financial training.  We discussed the impact of being homeless and how it has a lasting effect on parents and children, it’s a defined trauma.  He also spoke of their programming for those returning from incarceration, veterans and persons caught up in Human Trafficking.  He reminds us that Human Trafficking is a growing crime that will only get worse with the big events coming to the Delaware Valley for the country’s 250th celebration. 

We talked about the needs, beyond the food pantries they offer, Volunteers of America need clothing – especially underwear – for all ages, household goods and linens. 

We discussed the annual Beasley Media Group station BEN FM Radiothon for Volunteers and he asks us to support their families at the holidays.  You or your business can adopt a family to provide the necessary items they need, or you can select names and needs from their Amazon list.   They also need volunteers throughout the years.    

The BEN FM radiothon is December 11th from 6A to 6P live from the Great Plaza at Cherry Hill Mall, next to Santa.  Kristen Hermann hosts with help from 6abc. 

For more information about the services and programming of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and how you can support them through donations or volunteering, go to VOADV.org. 

For more details on the annual radiothon visit BENFM.com.

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Leslie Macedo, Senior Director of Programing and Mark Schulz, Senior Director of External Affairs discussed Dancing Classrooms and Musicopia, programs that deliver professional lessons in music and dancing to area classrooms. 

Founded in 1974, Musicopia’s mission is to provide equitable access to music education and enrichment, encouraging self-confidence, global awareness, dedication and joy in Pre-K to 12th grade students and their communities. 

It revitalizes school music programs in the Greater Philadelphia area, bringing over 151 teaching artists into classrooms at over 130 schools, with music that reflects that community and the students’ interests.   Programming includes in-class lessons, string orchestras and after-school  drumlines.

In addition to the classroom lessons, Musicopia’s Gift of Music program collects, repairs and places gently-used band and orchestral instruments in playable or reasonably repairable condition in schools and with students who are eager to play and are in need of a quality instrument.   The Lullabye Project, in conjunction with Carnegie Hall, allows parents and caretakers to create a special song for their child with professional musicians to discover new and fun ways to sing, move, and play together during family time. Music and play promote self-care and a child's development.

Learn more about Musicopia programming at musicopia.net.

Dancing Classrooms, is a global program was launched in Philadelphia in 2007 to teach ballroom dancing, merengue, foxtrot, rumba, tango, swing, and waltz and selected “sugar” dances – such as the cha cha slide and stomp, to entire 5th and or 8th grade classes.  The program fosters teamwork and other social skills, giving students the confidence, connection, and community to take the lead in their lives.   Beyond in-class lessons they offer teaching workshops, and classes in Hip Hop, Latin and now, K Pop, there’s an end of the year performance and selected students are given the opportunity to represent their school at the optional Colors of the Rainbow Team Match events.  Schools can request lessons and fundraise the fees for teachers and costs; there are some limited scholarship opportunities. 

Learn more about the programming at dancingclassroomsphilly.org.

The programs will host a special party December 5, 5:30 to 7:30 at World Café Live.  High Note High Step, will celebrate the impact of Musicopia and DCP’s programs and the passion and artistry of their students in Musicopia’s 50th year.   There will be youth performances, inspiring stories, food, drinks, and a prize raffle.  Tickets are $50 or pay-as-you-wish.  

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Brigadier General (ret) Michael Fleming, Outreach Manager, Cohen Veterans Network, and Grace Caufield, Clinic Director for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals discussed Cohen Veterans Network , a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves, and their families, providing high-quality, accessible care.  Founded in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen, the network began in part because his son served in the United States Marine Corps.

CVN currently has 22 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics in high-need communities across the country serving 20 states, providing services in-person or via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy for the entire military family including spouses or partners, children, siblings, parents, caregivers and others as defined by the veteran or service member.  They treat a number of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children’s behavioral problems.  Concentrated programming addresses suicide risk and couples therapy.   

In honor of Veterans Day they offered ways to bridge the civilian-military gap including flying an American flag, donating to a veteran service organization, or buying a veteran a meal. They also offer a Veterans Pop 101 Quiz to test your knowledge about veterans to gain a better understanding about veterans and the military community.  You can also watch PsychArmor’s 15 Things Veterans Want You To Know.  It’s all found at cohenveteransnetwork.org/veteransday. 

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