WEEI Providence

Did you know, April is Autistic Awareness Month? Jenn Pohle a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner and Founder of Nettle & Ash joins us to discuss the Autism Spectrum and Neurodivergent individuals. She wants to reach out to those folks so they know N&A is "A Home for Autistic & Queer Empowerment" in RI and Massachusetts. "Their mission goes beyond just structured services, it’s about being an active force in the community". Listen as Jenn describes the types of services they provide, including yoga, meditation, gender-affirming and identity-exploration workshops and Neurodivergent social and support groups. Scott brings up the reality show "Survivor(48)", where Brown University graduate student Eve Erickson a contestant with autism, "shared her diagnosis with her fellow players and host Jeff Probst, sparking a powerful moment of empathy and understanding".

The Rhode Island community has many questions and concerns with the current actions coming from Washington D.C., with the effects being felt locally and nationally. So, we invited Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) for an informal chat. Federal funding, core functions of government, tax cuts for the wealthy on the backs of taxpayers and immigration policy are some issues tackled.

Representative Amo is adamant that a coalition between both Republicans and Democrats to acknowledge that the math doesn't work is of utmost importance. There are some bright spots. The release of federal funds for the Washington Bridge project and the overwhelming success of visitors to the Ocean State in March, for the 1st & 2nd rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Providence have given Rhode Islanders "Hope".

The Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra (RICCO) invites you to join them! Dr. Joshua W. Rohde-Artistic Director, joins us to preview their latest collaboration happening tomorrow, March 30th at St. Sebastian Church in Providence. "Essential Voices" combines choral selections from classic composers paired alongside new works by contemporary composers. RICCO is a community of singers dedicated to bringing choral music to Southern New England. You can take in a concert or if you are motivated, contribute your voice as a member of the chorale. Listen as Dr. Rohde attempts to recruit Scott, who admittedly is "a little pitchy".

We're celebrating women and women's history with The Women's Fund of Rhode Island and our guest Kelly Nevins, CEO. "In 2001, the Rhode Island Foundation, together with founder Simone Joyaux, established a fund specifically for women and girls in Rhode Island. Women's Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) invests in women and girls through research, advocacy, grant making and strategic partnerships designed to achieve gender equity through systemic change". In 2025, the United States ranks 43rd globally on the World Economic Forum's gender parity index, a significant drop from its 27th position in 2023, with the global gap expected to take 134 years to close. Listen as Kelly details the priorities and policies they're implementing to close the gender gap. You can join in celebration during Women's History Month, on March 9 from 2-5 at Providence Public Library for the "Diva Empowerment Concert", an inspiring afternoon celebrating the power and resilience of women through song. WFRI would be grateful for your support year round, including the upcoming "401 Gives" drive. There's also a collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England (GSSNE), as they release the The Rhode Island Girls Report on how girls in RI are faring. Fortunately, in RI men are stepping up to help the campaign with "100 Men for Gender Equality".

The oldest wish granting organization in RI, A Wish Come True, grants wishes and resources to families and children with life threatening illnesses throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. Mary-Kate O’Leary, Executive Director, drops by to talk up their latest March fundraising efforts, “Weekend of Wishes” and “Shamrocks and Shenanigans”. Southeastern Massachusetts is in the spotlight for these events. The Fall River business community is participating in “Wish Hats”, when you can make a one dollar donation represented by a green hat, so if you see a green hat, put a dollar up to donate. You can join in the fun at the Venus de Milo for a night of dancing and celebration, “Shamrocks & Shenanigans” takes place Friday, March 14, 2025. In addition to the festivities, there will be a raffle baskets and trips. With these events occurring on St. Patrick’s Day weekend, you can bet your green beer that there will be alcohol in the baskets! All this to support four featured “Wish Kids”. These kids can get creative with one child wishing for a sloth encounter. Another popular “wish”, is a visit to “Give the Kids the World at Disney”. Listen as Mary-Kate details the criteria for participants and how the families can benefit from the Meghan K. Duffy Memorial Hardship Fund. Kudos to everyone that participated in the “2025 Polar Plunge”, where brave “ocean plungers” raised 80K for AWCT kids and families.

Joe Sharkey,

Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Boston nonprofit organization "You’re with Us!", wants you to know community based inclusion is the key to opportunities for adults with disabilities. He joins us to discuss how this successful partnership at Northeastern University came to fruition and can been duplicated in RI, citing Brown University as a desirable partner. "You're With Us!" identifies and trains college clubs, groups, and teams to be welcoming and supportive peers to the differently abled. Joe details the impetus of the program, when Michael Plansky, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, found it necessary to leave his coaching position to care for his son Max who was diagnosed with Cerebral palsy. Max was negatively impacted by the loss of social interaction he was privy to when Michael was coaching, and "You're With Us!" was developed. Listen as Joe recalls his experience as someone with a traumatic brain injury mentored in the same way and which was key to his recovery. He credits his Brown University alumni mentor, Patrick Lynch, Rhode Island's 72nd Attorney General, for support in bringing the organization to RI. "You're With Us!" is expanding its reach to individuals on the Autism Spectrum as well.

It's always Black History Month at Stages of Freedom in Providence RI. Co-Founders Ray Rickman (Executive Director) and Robb Dimmick (Program Director) join us as we recognize Black History Month in February. They invite you to their museum, open year-round, to peruse the voluminous materials they have curated to tell the history of Black Rhode Island life and culture, some through exhibitions. One such exhibition, "Slavery to Soldiers", tells the history of the first Black Regiment of the Civil War. Scott recounts his interview with Brown University Bear Ben Taylor (S-TE), whose Great Great Aunt Edith Sampson was the first African American representative to the United Nations and delegate to NATO. There's also discussion of famous Black athletes from Brown University and of Activist and NBA legend Bill Russell. "Founded in 2016, Stages of Freedom is an award-winning non-profit that has at its core addressing racial inequities in Rhode Island and ensuring that Black Lives Do Matter". Their mission includes; swim empowerment for BIPOC youth, cultural and arts events and workshops to empower Black youth, programs that promote and celebrate African American history and culture, a museum of Rhode Island African American history with a non-profit bookshop, environmental justice and their daily e-blast, "Connected." Listen as Ray recalls his younger days and early activism. "The Civil Rights Kid with Ray Rickman" is a powerful one-man show recounting Ray’s early activism in the Civil Rights Movement. From leading school walkouts in Detroit to marching alongside James Meredith in Mississippi, this is a compelling story of bravery and history, told by someone who lived it. The lasting impact of all the history compiled by SOF, is that many of their works can be used in the classroom, by request.

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There's early action on the football field on Sunday 2/9, Team Fluff and Team Ruff compete in Puppy Bowl XXI. Erin Barnicle from Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE) joins us to share some details about their two competitors. Bark Kent representing Team Fluff and Lex Woofer represents Team Ruff, both of the Shih Tzu/Dachshund blend. They're two of 142 puppy players from 80 shelters and rescues across 40 states and two countries on this 21st anniversary of the Puppy Bowl, which will also include 11 extraordinary special needs athletes. Listen as Erin describes these cute pups,that have already been adopted after the competition was filmed. GDRNE "is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, shelterless, all-breed rescue group headquartered in Massachusetts, comprised of volunteers from all over New England who love dogs and want to help those that end up homeless through no fault of their own", so there are more puppies and dogs to adopt and add love to your life. She also gives a little insight into the production behind Puppy Bowl 2025. You can participate in many ways. Join them March 22nd for the "Lucky Dog Gala" a fundraiser/auction and an in person "Meet and Greet" also coming up in March.

It's everyone's favorite community fundraiser, only comes around once a year, Girl Scout Cookie season! Ginger Lallo, Chief Operating Officer-Southeastern New England (GSSNE), joins us to detail all things Girl Scouts USA. Their website is a goldmine of information, with an especially a helpful tool that directs you to the closest cookie booth in your vicinity. It's nteresting to note that the Girl Scouts and the cookie program started over 100 years ago with the proceeds providing 65% funding to their local organization. Such crucial funding supports "important skills like confidence, relationship building, and their next ambition such as spending a night under the stars today or build a rocket to the moon tomorrow". Healthy living is a focus for the troops, and the camps provide a space for outdoor activities and the opportunity to earn badges for acquired skills. GSSNE is proud to claim one of their properties, Camp Hoffman, as one of the oldest existing camps in the country. Listen as Ginger speaks on her 21 years of service with GSSNE. It is typical for a Girl Scout to remain with the organization from Daisy to Ambassador and beyond. They're always seeking volunteers, whether former Scouts or not, with specific talents to facilitate programming. She's proud to be part of a leadership development organization, focusing on building courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.