Conversations and Connections

In this episode, Stuart talks with Mosaic Center Executive Director Rebecca Reid.  Rebecca talks about the Mosaic Center's mission to help women make better lives for themselves, and their partnership with the Family Crisis Center.

Vape shops are everywhere in East Texas, and vaping is becoming increasingly more popular among teens.  In this episode, we talk with Melissa Russell and Kyla Skelton with the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Counsel about the dangers of vaping and what their organization is doing about this issue.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Kim Riddle, the agency's SANE nurse about what teen dating violence looks like, and how teens and parents can deal with it.

We talk with area Life Coach Michelle Cox about the upcoming Change Maker's Women's Resilience Summit!

Impact Lufkin has been an ongoing project in North Lufkin for several years now.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Lufkin City Councilman Robert Shankle about what Impact Lufkin is all about, and how the Family Crisis Center can play a part in that community.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  In this episode Stuart talks with Mallory Dotson with the Family Crisis Center about the issue of Human Trafficking in East Texas.

The Holidays are here.  And while for most of us it's a time to be happy and cheerful, for many others it's a time of worry and stress.  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency counselor Carrel King about dealing with stress over the holidays, especially if you're a survivor of relationship violence. 

'Tis the season for the agency's annual Adopt a Family program!  In this episode, Stuart talks with Development Director Melissa Wheeler about how you can make a family's Christmas brighter this year by supplying gifts for one of the agency's clients and their children!

Human trafficking doesn't just happen in large cities, and it sure doesn't happen like it's portrayed in movies or on TV.  In this episode Stuart talks with Maria Villarreal with Unbound Now, an agency dedicated to fighting human trafficking and helping it's victims get out of the human trafficking world. 

In this episode, we talk with Michelle Conner with Burke.  Michelle works with the veteran community in East Texas... helping them locate needed services.  

There's more to a student's college experience besides going to class.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Daisy Brumley and Gerardo Valladares about their role in Student Affairs at Angelina College.

Angel Gillispie with the Texas Family Care Network talks with Stuart about the services the non-profit agency provides to foster families in Texas.

In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Executive Director Whitney Burran about the upcoming Passion for Purple luncheon on October 1st, and the very special guest speaker who will be attending!

In this episode we visit once again with Lufkin ISD to talk with them about their successful ACE after school program that's now approaching it's fourth year!

The time is almost here!  Back to School!  In this episode, we talk with Child Advocate Sadaria Christian about the agency's back to school supply drive!

In this episode of our podcast, Stuart talks with DaVina Morris, the Regional Director of BCFS Health and Human Services.  DaVina talks about the vast array of services that are available to East Texans from BCFS!

June is Pride Month and in this episode Stuart talks to Oscar Ruiz, one of the organizers of Lufkin Pride.  Oscar talks about what it's like organizing a group like Lufkin Pride in Deep East Texas, and why he believes it's important for even rural areas to have organizations like this.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Darla Daigle with Buckner International about all the services that organization is involved with when it comes to kids in the foster care system.  

It's that time of the year once again!  The East Texas Blueberry Festival is taking place June 8th, and that means it's almost time for the Blueberry Cupcake Battle!  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about all you need to know concerning this annual baking event!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Emma Skinner, a Sexual Assault Client Services Advocate for the agency about why it's important to recognize this month.

Stuart once again talks with ADAC's Melissa Russell about the upcoming Veteran's Stand Down event taking place in Nacogdoches on April 20th.  This will be an event geared to ALL veterans, but especially the homeless.

Stuart talks with LISD licensed social worker Tonja Akridge about the issue of teen dating violence and what she sees in teens today.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Justin Holland, a recovery coach with the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Council's Recovery Support Services Program.  Justin describes how the RSS program works to help those who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Many Texas universities have their own police departments to help keep students, faculty, and visitors safe.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Lt. Amanda Kennedy with UPD about the services they provide to protect students and to educate them on campus safety, including sexual assault awareness programs.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Drew Crecente,  the founder of Jennifer Ann's Group... an organization who's mission is to raise awareness of teen dating violence through video games.  Drew lost his daughter Jennifer Ann to dating violence, and he has taken up the cause for awareness.

A look at the pressures young male teens face today and how it effects their attitude and relationships towards their romantic partners as well as sex. 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with SANE nurse Kim Riddle about this issue, what it looks like, and what can parents and educators do to help.

Need some help coping with the stresses in life?  Are you in need of help getting your home or office de-cluttered?  Maybe you need a life coach!  In this episode, Stuart talks with life coach Michelle Cox on how everyone, even kids can benefit!

Coming up on April 20th, the first Veterans Stand Down event will take place in Nacogdoches.  This is an event to assist the veterans in the East Texas area with various resources.  Stuart talks with organizers Josh Fleming and Melissa Russel about this important event.

Many East Texans have heard of Burke, but does everyone know exactly what services that agency provides?  In this episode, Stuart talks with Kinnie Reina about the multitude of services Burke has to offer and their upcoming Mission Possible event! Want to help survivors of relationship violence?  You can make a donation to the Family Crisis Center of East Texas here: https://familycrisiscenterofeasttexas.networkforgood.com 

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  In this episode, Stuart talks with the agency's Mallory Dotson on what Human Trafficking is, and why it's important to recognize this all-important topic.

In this episode, Stuart talks with agency intern Tess Rowland.  Tess isn't one of the typical interns the agency usually has.  Her major is in hospitality.  We'll take a look at how that has ties in to the work the Family Crisis Center has done this fall.

In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Operations Director Kelly Carver about employee behavior in the workplace, including sexual harassment and workplace romances.  

With the Holidays near, Stuart talks with agency counselor Matt Craven on how survivors of relationship violence can cope during this time of the year.

Stuart talks with agency Safe House Manager Greg Sims about something that is near and dear to his heart... Thanksgiving in the Park.  This event sets out to provide a sense of family during Thanksgiving for those who may not have family here locally.

Christmas is just around the corner and it's time for the agency's Adopt a Family program to get started!  In this episode, Stuart talks with Angela Turner about how you can make a difference in a family's live this Holiday Season!  We also talk about the agency's food drive!

In this episode, Stuart talks with Holly George, the Victims Assistance Coordinator with the Nacogdoches County Attorney's Office.  It's her job to see that crime victims see some relief after experiencing a traumatizing event. 

The Family Crisis Center of East Texas is planning a huge event in October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month!  The Passion for Purple luncheon will take place October 4th and Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about this big event!

Angelina County has numerous nonprofit organizations ready to help make our community a better, healthier place.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Dr. Sid Roberts about a new initiate known as Angelina Thrive, which will help bring area nonprofits together to work for the better good of Angelina County residents.

In this episode, we talk with Clarisa Venegas and Beth Malloy with the Angelina County WIC office about details regarding the WIC program and how it benefits new mothers and their children.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Evelyn Saudceda about the importance of the Bilingual and English as a Second Language programs at Nacogdoches ISD.

Seasons of Hope is a faith based program for women going through tough times.  In this episode, Stuart talks with the program's Executive Director Paige Pate about what Seasons of Hope is and their approach to helping women overcome obstacles in their lives.

Are you a civic-minded individual that wants to learn more about serving East Texas?  The Lufkin/Angelina Chamber of Commerce may have what you are looking for with one of it's leadership programs!

How do you make the 100th episode of Conversations and Connections a special occasion?  Have Family Crisis Center Executive Director Whitney Burran come on as your guest!  In our 100th episode, Stuart and Whitney talk about what's going on at agency in 2023 and what to look forward to in years to come!

In this episode, Stuart talks with Nancy Niehause... founder of the 21/7 Association in Nacogdoches.  Nancy talks about the help that the 21/7 Association wants to provide for Nacogdoches citizens and what inspired her to launch the effort.

Today's teens are faced with many challenges in living their lives.  East Texas community leader Gary Roberts wants to see that these teens are exposed to the education and learning they need to make their lives a little easier.  In this episode, Stuart talks with Gary about the upcoming Teen Summit set for August 12th at SFA.

In this episode, Stuart talks with Shawn Stewart, a Youth Recovery Coach the ADAC's YRC (Youth Recovery Communities) Program about their approach in helping East Texas youth combat drug addiction.

Summer is almost here... and that means it's almost Blueberry Festival time!  In this episode, Stuart talks with agency Marketing and Communications Coordinator Angela Turner about the Blueberry Cupcake Battle, a baking contest that the Family Crisis Center has sponsored every year for a while now.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  In this episode of Conversations and Connections, Stuart talks with agency counselor Matt Craven about how survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault deal with their mental health stresses.

In this episode, Stuart talks with San Augustine Legal Advocate Lizzet Mendoza about what her role is with the agency, as well as the unique aspect of working in a rural area.

Stuart sits down with two of the agency's spring interns to talk about their experience at the Family Crisis Center and what the future holds for them.