WBGL Community Matters

We've heard about an alarming rise in teen suicides lately. It's even been labeled an epidemic in some areas of the United States. Why is this happening so often? Joannie DeBrito, Ph.D., discusses the rise of suicides during Spring time, and what is believed to be the contributing factors. She addresses some of the common causes of suicide or suicide attempts and shares about a program called Alive To Thrive, which is a teen suicide-prevention program through Focus on the Family.

Valena Claiborne shares how someone encouraged her to never give up, when she was in a season of being a single parent. Valena is the executive pastor at CU Church, and she shares how churches are becoming more aware of ways they can practically provide support and care for single parents. She talks about an up-coming event at her church where women, who are single mothers, can share about some of their experiences, needs and concerns. She discusses what your church or organization may be able to do to serve in this unique way.

Terri Lipscomb, Chief Development Officer, shares about the philosophy and mission of Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center and how their team, along with the community, provide care and loving support for women and babies.

Rachel LeJeune, is the Director Of Operations at Willow Tree Missions, in Piatt County, Illinois. She shares about the philosophy and various aspects of the Restore Mission, the community and the collaboration, which enables the staff and volunteers to serve those who are victims of domestic violence.

Have you developed a safety plan for your organization or ministry? Scott Clarkson, a fifteen year, combat marine and safety expert, from Chief Safety Services discusses the need for a plan and how it should be implemented, communicated and practiced.

Many of us are thinking about our health as we enter into a new year and decade. Dr. Omobolawa Kukoyi, a board certified emergency room physician shares her top five areas of focus, in regards to health, going into the new year.

Perhaps your child or grandchild was a recipient of digital technology over the Holidays. It's likely they received a gaming system, smart phone, kindle, iPad or something like this. Lt. Joe McCullough is a Detective with the University of Illinois Police Department. He has seen first hand how scammers and criminals have targeted younger children and families and have sought to cause harm. How can we ensure that our children are not giving away important information to people who would seek to victimize them, steal their identity or cause financial issues? We hope that as you hear today's podcast, you'll be better equipped to help your child or grandchild navigate safely through this digital age and be able to communicate with authorities if something is causing them concern.

Executive Director, Julia Livingstone and Training and Development Manager, Annette King join us on the show once again to talk about the children in our communities who are facing extremely difficult circumstances, and the need for court appointed special advocates. These men and women from various backgrounds and careers, are provided training and come alongside these children as an advocate. Being a court appointed special advocate is truly a meaningful way to help a child and build a healthier, stronger community.

Executive Director, Julia Livingstone and Training and Development Manager, Annette King join us on the show to talk about the children in our communities who are facing extremely difficult circumstances, and the need for court appointed special advocates. These men and women from various backgrounds and careers, are provided training and come alongside these children as an advocate. Being a court appointed special advocate is truly a meaningful way to help a child and build a healthier, stronger community.

It may surprise us sometimes when we hear about a home in our community that has been discovered to be full of animals. It's not wrong to have lots of animals, but when they can't be probably cared for, it becomes a problem for the animals, the owner of the animals and the community. Mary Tiefenbrunn, Executive Director of Champaign County Humane Society speaks to this issue and shares how pets can be an incredible blessing and a special part of our life.