Conversations and Connections

53. A Conversation with Greg Sims about Thanksgiving in the Park - Conversations and Connections

Thanksgiving is a time for many of us to spend in fellowship with family and friends.  But for many in East Texas, Thanksgiving is a time of want and need.  Family Crisis Center Safe House Manger Greg Sims wants to change that.  In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Greg about a project near and dear to his heart... Thanksgiving in the Park, and how he wants to make Thanksgiving a more joyful time for the area homeless population.  

52. A Conversation with Special Projects and Compliance Director Kathryn Johnson - Conversations and Connections

Family Crisis Center Special Projects and Compliance Director Kathryn Johnson is responsible for so many things for the agency... from making sure the agency is in compliance with grants, to educating staff on cultural diversity.  In this episode, Stuart and Kathryn talk about her job and why she chose her particular career path. 

51. A Conversation with Bilingual Advocate Maria Rodriguez - Conversations and Connections

Stuart sits down and has a conversation with Family Crisis Center Bilingual Advocate Maria Rodriguez.  Maria talks about the unique need for an advocate for immigrants in our community.  

50. A Conversation with Executive Director Whitney Burran about Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Conversations and Connections

We mark the 50th episode of Conversations and Connections with a conversation with our Executive Director Whitney Burran!  We talk with Whitney about the month of October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and why there is still the need to raise awareness of this issue.  We'll also talk about all of the upcoming events the Family Crisis Center has set in October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

49. A Conversation with Impact Lufkin President Robert Shankle - Conversations and Connections

Robert Shankle is no stranger to Lufkin.  He's a member of the Lufkin City Council and President of an organization seeking to improve not only North Lufkin, but the City of Lufkin as a whole.  In this episode of Conversations and Connections, we sit down with Robert Shankle to talk about Impact Lufkin.

48. A Conversation with Vallie Cross of PADRES - Conversations and Connections

Vallie Cross is in charge of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas' PADRES (Parenting Awareness and Drug Risk Education Services) program.  In this episode, Vallie talks with Stuart about the program, what all it entails, and the need for such a program in East Texas.

47. A Conversation with TAASA Men‘s Engagement Specialist Emiliano Diaz de Leon - Conversations and Connections

Getting men to talk about healthy masculinity is not an easy task... especially in Texas.  But that's exactly what Emiliano Diaz De Leon does in his role as the Men's Engagement Specialist with the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault.  In this episode Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with Emiliano about his role at TAASA, and a special project he has been a part of for almost a year now known as Texas Men SPEAK.  If you would like to be a part of this program for men, email Emiliano at txmenspeak@taasa.org

46. A Conversation with Clay Alverson of The Men's Fieldhouse

In this episode, Stuart talks with Clay Alverson, Executive Director of the Men's Fieldhouse.  Clay talks about the services that the Men's Fieldhouse provides men in need, from job skills to how to cope with what life gives them.

45. A Conversation with Crisis Counselor Matt Craven - Conversations and Connections

Matt Craven is the newest counselor at the Family Crisis Center.  In this episode, Matt talks with Stuart about his experience as a new counselor, his feelings on being a man counseling women who have survived domestic violence or sexual assault situations, and why he chose his career path.

44. A Conversation with The Coalition Executive Director Sharron Kruk - Conversations and Connections

Today's youth are subjected to many marketing messages with regards to alcohol and tobacco products, and it's The Coalition's mission to help combat those messages.  The Coalition executive director Sharon Kruk talks with Stuart about how they go about the task of promoting a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle to the young people of East Texas, among other projects The Coalition plays a part in.