As winter cold sets in it's important to keep in mind those in our community who go without basic housing. The first line of support for many in need is the homeless shelter. Our guests on the Progress Pod run two such facilities in Franklin County - Trudy Wesley of South Central Community Action Programs Franklin County Homeless Shelter, and Craig Newcomer of Maranatha Ministries, Inc. Listen in to hear more about the work they do and the challenges (and they are great) they face in lending a hand to our neighbors who need it most.

We talk with Susan Spicka, Executive Director of Education Voters PA, which advocates for equity in funding Pennsylvania's public schools. Listen in and you'll be truly enlightened, as we were, to hear just what they (all of us, really)are up against when it comes to achieving fair and good faith investment from the state, in the education of our kids.

As November 6th approaches, we talk voting and how to become a more engaged and informed citizen. Dr. Grove also touches on the history of voting in the U.S. and how the process has changed (or not) to adapt with modern society and culture, and how factors like gerrymandering and voter suppression pose a challenge to our democracy.

We continue talking immigration on this edition of the Progress Pod with Rodrigo Ortiz and Katrina Smith of Chambersburg, who advocate and organize for immigrant rights and dignity through the group, MILPA, Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Cunniffe-Pena, from Wilson College talks about the history of Latin American immigration to the United States and how we got to where we are today. She will be a guest lecturer on the push and pull factors that spur immigration during a 4-part series on immigration, beginning Monday, October 8th at the Coyle Free Library in downtown Chambersburg. She talks with us about the speaker series and about her presentation. Check out this flyer for more information: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/2b3068_7254c5c95c9342e78e5da9e16c544597.pdf

A few of the founding members of the Chambersburg group, Community Uniting join us to talk about their efforts in bringing people together through acts of goodwill. The group will hold a gratitude walk in downtown Chambersburg this Saturday, September 29th.

Ann talks about and reads letters and diary entries from the exhibit, "Faces of Heroes: Warriors, Angels and Survivors," on display now at the Old Jail in downtown Chambersburg. Listen in to hear fascinating accounts of the immediate aftermath of the 1864 burning of Chambersburg. We learn about which structures still standing in town today, survived the fire and hear about some locally and historically significant names and the roles they play during a tumultuous time.

Also, The Cat is Back! Ann talks about Halloween returning to the Old Jail.

This November voters from the 10 counties in Pennsylvania's new 13th Congressional District have a choice between two political newcomers. A large portion of the district (old PA-9) has been in the grips of the Shuster name for many years, but recent primary election margins have become narrow and Representative Bill Shuster has decided his current term will be his last. John Joyce of Hollidaysburg, PA, flush with campaign funds and the backing of Shuster, emerged as the winner in a crowded Republican primary earlier this year. Our guest, Democrat, Brent Ottaway, also of Hollidaysburg is set to challenge him. Ottaway has been traveling all over the large district meeting voters. Recently, while in Chambersburg, he took the time to visit with us at the Progress Pod to share his views on the important issues facing our country.

In South Central Pennsylvania many of our neighbors struggle with the vicious cycle of poverty. Thankfully, help is out there. In Franklin and Adams Counties, SCCAP offers a range of programs and services to help those in need get on paths to success. On this episode we talk with SCCAP CEO, Megan Shreve and Circles Program Coordinator, Jon Raber. Hear about SCCAP programming, the challenges facing our fellow citizens, and about the challenges SCCAP faces in navigating funding cuts while continuing to provide important services.

Hear all about the first ever Pride Festival to be held in Franklin County PA from two of the event's organizers. Nathan Strayer and Phillip Whitley, Chambersburg natives, share their personal stories and talk about the importance of LGBTQ visibility in our community.