501cTV sits down with Sue Mann, the founder of Bright Minds Processing, shifted from a career as a police officer in San Francisco to establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with undiagnosed learning disabilities. After moving from Ireland and witnessing her children’s academic difficulties, she learned that her daughter’s struggles were linked to a vision problem affecting her learning. Founded in 2020, Bright Minds Processing aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked connection between auditory and visual processing issues in children, collaborating with audiologist Dr. Leah Light to promote this mission.

The narrative highlights a parent’s journey of discovering that their children’s learning challenges stemmed from brain-related issues rather than typical vision or hearing problems, often misidentified by schools as ADHD, ADD, or dyslexia. Seeking help for their children’s attention and task completion difficulties led to significant improvements through therapy with Dr. Keiji Yama. The text emphasizes the common struggles faced by children with visual and auditory processing disorders, noting how these conditions can affect reading fluency and overall academic performance.

Parents often find it challenging to recognize processing disorders in their children, especially when there are no apparent vision or hearing impairments. Indicators such as aversion to reading and difficulties with comprehension can signal potential processing issues, which can adversely impact grades and even sports performance. The author stresses the importance of identifying undiagnosed learning disabilities early, as untreated issues can lead to stigma, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems that might result in school dropout or involvement with the criminal justice system.

To address these concerns, Mann and Dr. Light launched a program for early intervention in 2020, advocating for assessments of learning disabilities among truant students. They call for greater awareness and education on these issues, emphasizing that many disorders remain unrecognized, leading to lifelong challenges. The speaker also reflects on their personal experiences with their children overcoming academic hurdles after receiving auditory and vision therapy, advocating for better support systems within schools.

In conclusion, the text discusses an upcoming literacy roundtable event aimed at addressing low reading levels among third graders and highlights the collaborative efforts of various organizations to implement effective interventions for students with learning disabilities.

501cTV sits down with Angela Barnard and Cindy Lopez from Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County shared insights about their organization, which operates independently from law enforcement and relies entirely on volunteers. Established in the 1980s, the program prioritizes the anonymity of tipsters, allowing crime tips to be submitted through various channels, including a website, an 800 number, and a mobile app. The range of issues reported spans from animal abuse to drug-related crimes, with rewards of up to $3,000 offered for tips that lead to arrests.

The organization receives 30 to 40 tips daily, including a special initiative aimed at schools that provides up to $1,000 for reporting student-related concerns. Since its inception, Crime Stoppers has facilitated over 729 arrests tied to student incidents. Volunteer engagement and partnerships with other nonprofits enhance their outreach efforts, especially concerning human trafficking and animal cruelty.

Current initiatives include a gun bounty program rewarding up to $1,000 for tips about felons with firearms and potentially raising rewards to $5,000 for human trafficking-related tips. The organization is expanding its outreach to schools and local communities to raise awareness and provide resources.

The discussion also highlighted strategies to encourage community members to report crimes without fearing direct engagement with law enforcement. It emphasized the significance of anonymous tip lines, as many residents are reluctant to report non-emergency situations. Effective branding, legal protections for anonymity, and efficient reward systems contribute to the success of these initiatives.

Crime Stoppers plays a vital role in facilitating communication between the public and law enforcement, enhancing relationships with various agencies while promoting community events to prevent youth crime. They are adapting to modern communication trends like texting and social media, making it easier for individuals to report concerns discreetly. Additionally, they address language barriers by offering support in Spanish and Creole, acknowledging fears within minority groups regarding contacting authorities.

The conversation underscored the importance of the Crime Stoppers program for community safety, encouraging followers to stay updated via social media and emphasizing that tips can be submitted for any area through coordinated routing among different Crime Stoppers programs.

501cTV invites back Jason Mandle, the new executive director of Restoration Bridge, highlights the organization’s commitment to combating food insecurity in Palm Beach County. Under his leadership and with founder Pastor Dan West’s support, Restoration Bridge aims to distribute nearly 13 million pounds of donated food this year. The organization has moved to a larger facility near the South Florida Fairgrounds to enhance its operations, which include significant space for both dry goods and perishables. After outgrowing their shared warehouse, they received assistance from local law enforcement to secure a new location.

Daily operations begin at 5 AM, with four vans collecting surplus food from up to 45 retail stores, addressing logistical issues that contribute to food waste. Collaboration with Feeding South Florida and various retailers allows Restoration Bridge to focus on efficient food redistribution through about 30 distribution events each month, serving approximately 100,000 individuals in an area where around 200,000 people experience food insecurity. Their mission emphasizes accountability in food distribution while seeking to expand their impact through community partnerships, including collaboration with law enforcement.

The partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office has evolved from emergency food distributions to initiatives supporting community policing, helping identify families in need and fostering trust between local organizations and law enforcement, contributing to crime reduction. Recent efforts at the Boynton Beach Mall have significantly increased food distribution, providing assistance to 1,500 families weekly.

In response to rising grocery prices, Restoration Bridge is expanding operations and hiring new staff, providing supplemental food boxes with essential items. They seek to reduce costs through volunteer hours and donations, planning future fundraising events as they establish their new location. Volunteers are needed for food distribution roles from Tuesday to Saturday, with more information available on their website, restorationbridge.com. The organization expresses gratitude for community support and emphasizes the importance of financial contributions and volunteer efforts to grow their initiatives.

501cTV's Jenell Harris discusses A New Beginning Community Outreach, with CEO Randall White and Marketing Director Edward Williams founded in 2014 by Harold Nickerson to assist ex-veterans facing challenges related to housing, food access, and benefits. Following Nickerson’s recent passing, the organization continues his mission, expanding its services from paperwork assistance to providing quicker housing solutions through partnerships with United Way and others. Many veterans struggle with navigating post-service life due to a lack of awareness about available resources, and the organization helps them by offering application support, connecting them with counselors, and providing food assistance.

Located at Brown’s Temple Ministry in Pompano Beach, Florida, the nonprofit distributes food every Tuesday, sourcing items from local businesses and seeking a box truck to improve their capacity for perishable goods. The City of Hollywood is assisting in finding a larger space for a walk-in freezer, highlighting community collaboration to tackle local issues like homelessness and financial instability. The organization serves individuals regardless of their financial situation and relies heavily on community support, including donations from local churches.

Despite facing funding challenges for operational costs and difficulty securing small donations and corporate contributions, they seek more volunteers and donations to enhance their services. Additionally, Edward Forty Williams’ book “Do You Really Appreciate Our Service?” addresses veterans’ needs and PTSD, with proceeds aimed at funding a hotel for veterans to provide mental health support and job training during their transition to civilian life.

The discussion emphasizes the critical role of community support for veterans, advocating for affordable housing and camaraderie to prevent homelessness, which can discourage military enlistment. Upcoming outreach events include distributing hygiene items and snacks at Common Ground Church and food distribution in Pompano. Personal stories highlight the ongoing need for assistance, and the speakers call for more sponsors and donations for food distribution trucks while promoting the book as a holiday gift. They also share information about the organization’s social media and website for further engagement.

In this episode of 501cTV, host Jenell Harris interviews Jared Smith, CEO of Bethesda Hospital East and West, to explore his journey, Bethesda's impact, and the future of healthcare in South Florida. Jared shares his transition from accounting to healthcare leadership, reflecting on his passion for innovation and patient care. He highlights Bethesda's role within the Baptist Health system, the largest healthcare provider in the region, with 12 hospitals and a commitment to nonprofit community service.

Jared discusses Bethesda's advanced medical services, including its Level III NICU, heart care, and cutting-edge surgical technology like robotics and AI for diagnostics. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement, philanthropy, and partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and United Way to address social determinants of health. Jared proudly shares that Bethesda Hospital recently ranked in the top 5% nationwide for employee experience.

Looking ahead, Jared envisions leveraging AI to enhance diagnostics and improve patient outcomes. He also announces plans for a new emergency room at Bethesda East, funded through community donations, showcasing the hospital's commitment to modernization and patient-centric care. The episode concludes with a touching story of a nurse's compassion, encapsulating the hospital's mission of empathetic, high-quality care.

In this episode, we sit down with O'Brien Edwards, President and India Edwards, Vice President of Raw Academic Services, to explore the role of tutoring and education support in helping young athletes balance both academic and athletic goals. O'Brien shares insights on how tutoring programs, offered consistently throughout the year, can make a lasting impact on students' academic progress and self-confidence. We dive deep into how parent involvement and awareness of the education system play a vital role in a child's success, especially when navigating the unique challenges of club volleyball.

O'Brien also sheds light on the importance of integrating mental health into educational programs, discussing how mental well-being is key to both academic and athletic resilience. This episode is packed with valuable advice for parents looking to support their daughters in both the classroom and on the court. Don't miss this insightful conversation with an expert committed to shaping well-rounded, empowered students!

Learn more about Raw Academic Services at rawacademicservices.com.

In this episode, we welcome Umberto Rosi, founder of The Give Back Community (thegivebackcommunity.org), an inspiring movement dedicated to spreading compassion and generosity. While studying at university in the Spring of 2020, Umberto and a group of peers decided to hand out food to those in need on the streets of Downtown West Palm Beach. That simple act of kindness sparked a powerful realization for Umberto: even small gestures can have a profound impact. This experience transformed his perspective on life and set him on a path to start a movement.

The Give Back Community’s mission is rooted in giving back through consistent, simple acts of generosity. They aim not only to support those in need but also to transform the lives of volunteers, teaching them the power of compassion and shared purpose. Since its founding in 2020, The Give Back Community has partnered with churches, businesses, corporations, and individuals, fostering a network of service dedicated to spreading hope and encouragement to those who need it most.

In this conversation, Umberto shares the journey behind The Give Back Community, the vision that drives it, and how it’s impacted his life and the lives of countless others.

In this episode, 501cTV explores the impactful mission of Save a Teen, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting teens in foster care and helping them transition into adulthood. CEO Chase Bruder and President Aaron Clemens discuss their efforts to prepare parents for adopting teens and emphasize the importance of fostering educational opportunities through scholarships that cover book expenses and essential college preparation.

The conversation dives deep into Save a Teen's mission to counter the risks teens face after turning 18, such as homelessness, substance abuse, and lack of job opportunities. To address these challenges, Save a Teen has developed several key initiatives, including:

1. Guidance and Mentorship Programs: Partnering with work programs, Save a Teen prepares teens for careers, schooling, and independent life by offering essential support and tools.
2. Scholarships and Educational Aid: Scholarships help cover costs for books, tuition, and other expenses, enabling more teens to pursue higher education.
3. Online Support Platform: The team is working to launch an online network that connects teens with mentors, guidance counselors, and peer support. This platform aims to be a community for young adults seeking advice, resources, or simply a listening ear.

Through their work, Bruder and Clemens highlight their commitment to transforming the foster care landscape and providing essential resources to young adults as they embark on their futures. Save a Teen’s efforts give teens not only the tools they need but also hope and a community to rely on, aiming to become a much-needed voice for foster teens nationwide.

501cTV sits down with Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Bradshaw discusses his long career in law enforcement, starting as a high school athlete who joined the Marines and then transitioned into police work. He became the police chief in West Palm Beach before being encouraged to run for sheriff, a position he has held for the past 20 years.

Sheriff Bradshaw describes how he has transformed the sheriff's office, modernizing technology and implementing new programs and initiatives. He is particularly proud of the office's mental health unit, which pairs deputies with mental health professionals to proactively identify and assist individuals in crisis. Other innovative programs include using therapy dogs for trauma support and providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD.

The sheriff also emphasizes the importance of community policing, with deputies building relationships and trust with residents through outreach efforts like food distribution. Additionally, he discusses the agency's work in homeland security and using advanced technology like coastal radar and live-streaming body cameras.

Throughout the conversation, Sheriff Bradshaw highlights his commitment to public safety and improving the overall quality of life in Palm Beach County. He is especially proud of the agency's partnerships with local nonprofits, to which he directs funds seized from criminal activity.

In this episode, Lisa Stella and Carmencita Mitchell from Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches shares insights into the organization's mission to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The discussion covers the wide range of programs and services that Lighthouse offers, including vision rehabilitation, educational resources, and activities aimed at community integration.

Lisa and Carmencita highlight the profound impact these services have on their clients, sharing inspiring stories of individuals who have gained empowerment and increased independence through Lighthouse's support. The conversation also touches on the importance of raising awareness about visual impairments and how the community can contribute to enhancing the lives of those affected.

Towards the end, Lisa provides details on how listeners can get involved with Lighthouse of the Palm Beaches, whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in awareness campaigns.