Conversations and Connections

91. A Conversation with Mallory Dotson About Sexual Assault Awareness Month - Conversations and Connections

Continuing the topic of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Stuart talks with the agency's Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Mallory Dotson about the importance of recognizing the issue in East Texas and how the agency serves survivors.  

90. A Conversations with Melissa Wheeler About Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events - Conversations and Connections

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the country, and it means that the Family Crisis Center of East Texas will play host to numerous events in East Texas.  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Development Director Melissa Wheeler about why it's important to recognize the month and how the Family Crisis Center plans to mark the occasion.  

89. A Conversation About Standing Up for Children: A Leader’s Response - Conversations and Connections

Harold's House will be conducting an event in Lufkin on March 30th for community leaders to help them respond to incidents of child abuse. In this episode, Stuart talks with Harold's House Program Director Madelyn Pool about this event and the reason Harold's House is conducting it.  To register, visit Harold's House Facebook page, call 936-634-1999, or visit haroldshouse.org

88. A Conversations with Kim Riddle on Teen Dating Violence - Conversations and Connections

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the U.S.  Statistics say 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of dating violence.  In this episode, agency Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Kim Riddle talks with Stuart about the issue of dating violence among teens.

87. A Conversation with Cindy Vargas and Melissa Russell with the Nac Can Coalition

The Nac Can Coalition's job is to raise awareness and to conduct prevention efforts when it comes to alcohol and substance abuse.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Cindy Vargas and Melissa Russell about Nac Can's mission and how they work to make our community a safer place.

86. A Conversations with Stephanie Hess on Blessing Bags for N.A.C. - Conversations and Connections

Homelessness is a problem that knows no boundaries, including right here in East Texas.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Stephanie Hess, founder of Blessing Bags for N.A.C.  This non-profit agency is reaching out to the homeless communities in Angelina and Nacogdoches counties in an effort to supply then with food, toiletries, and other needed items. 

85. A Conversation About Educating Motel Employees on Human Trafficking - Conversations and Connections

Stuart talks again with agency Human Trafficking Coordinator Maria Villarreal about Texas House Bill 390, which requires motel and hotel employees to be trained on Human Trafficking Prevention. 

84. A Conversation with Maria Villarreal About Human Trafficking Awareness Month - Conversations and Connections

We're kicking off 2023 with an episode on Human Trafficking.  January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Stuart talks with agency Human Trafficking Specialist Maria Villarreal.  Maria talks about the differences between labor and sex trafficking, as well as what tactics traffickers use to lure potential victims.  

83. A Conversation with Counselor Cynthia Ince - Conversations and Connections

Domestic Violence isn't just a problem in large metropolitan areas.  It also affects our rural communities.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Licensed Professional Counselor Cynthia Ince, who's practice in located in Hemphill.  Stuart and Cynthia talk about the perception of domestic violence in small, rural communities and the unique challenges that go along with that. 

82. A Conversations about Men’s Roles in Domestic Violence Prevention - Conversations and Connections

Domestic violence is not just a women's issue.  Men play a vital role in preventing domestic violence and promoting prevention.  In this episode, Stuart and BIPP Coordinator Will Windham have a discussion on what men can do in the prevention effort.