Spotlight with Gary Shipe

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)fb760fb0-5556-457a-8da3-7dbc56148e21Sun, 16 Feb 2020 01:00:00 PST00:28:00

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)46bf79af-413e-4a51-a903-d7aa85c96e0aSun, 12 Jan 2020 01:00:00 PST00:28:15

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)faff3208-a35d-438f-853a-201b78c65fcdSun, 22 Dec 2019 01:00:00 PST00:28:04

This week we hear from Sasha Hendricks, the Education Curator at The Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah. The Cougar Mountain Zoo will once again turn into Santa's home away from the North Pole during December as they hold their annual Reindeer Festival. Yes, there are real live reindeer at the Cougar Mountain Zoo, along with cougars, wolves, tigers, and, as Sasha tells us, many other endangered species. As the Education Curator, her mission is conservation through education" and she explains a number of ways the Cougar Mountain Zoo pursues that goal. Learn more online at www.cougarmountainzoo.org as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

This week we talk about finding a way to pay for college. Luke Minor is the WA529 Director. WA529 is the college savings plan for the State of Washington. It has two parts to it now; the Guaranteed Education Tuition, known as GET for over 20 years; and DreamAhead, a savings program with several options that the investor can choose from. With the cost of college tuition always on the rise, these innovative opportunities for Washington residents can make the difference in achieving the dream of a college education for your child. Learn more online at www.wastate529.wa.gov or www.get.wa.gov or call 1-800-955-2318

November 17th is World Prematurity day and The March of Dimes is on a crusade to drastically reduce the rate of premature births. Kasey Rivas is the Maternal & Child Health and Government Affairs Director for the March of Dimes - Washington. She discusses the launch of an innovative pilot program that will combine their highly successful Supportive Pregnancy Care program with Substance Treatment. This hybrid model will not only provide prenatal care in a group setting, but also support pregnant women recovering from substance use disorder during the prenatal and postpartum period. Learn more online at www.marchofdimes.org

November is Lung Cancer Awareness month and we speak with lung cancer survivor and advocate Janet Freeman-Daily. Lung Cancer kills more than the next three deadly cancers combined...more than colo-rectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Never a smoker, Janet tells her story of lung cancer diagnoses and treatment. There are new breakthroughs in identifying lung cancer types as well as treatments and with more research, much more can be done. Lots of resources are online to learn more about Lung Cancer: www.lcfamerica.org www.lungevity.org www.go2foundation.org

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)39af4556-22eb-4838-b56a-78f902cc1c8eSun, 10 Nov 2019 01:00:00 PST00:28:09

This week we speak with Christine Rose. Christine is a certified business and executive coach, and is the author of the upcoming book, Life Beyond #MeToo, a book for all men and women. It documents sexual discrimination, harassment, abuse, and violence in our society, as well as offers the possibilities for a cultural shift in how we view normal behavior. Learn more online at: https://www.facebook.com/LifeBeyondMeToo/ and http://www.christinerose.coach/

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)dc9fbf20-bd34-4abe-9714-a5c7fbdc1de5Sun, 03 Nov 2019 01:00:00 PDT00:28:47

This week we’ll hear from the Executive Director of Congregations For The Homeless, David Bowling. David explains the work they have done with local businesses and governments to offer more access to not only daytime shelters, but year-round as well. They have a permanent shelter in Bellevue in the works that will dramatically increase the number of beds for emergency shelter, as well as transitional and permanent housing. Learn more online at www.cfhomeless.org

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we’ll hear from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County. Vicci Hilty, the Executive Director and Debra Bordsen, the Deputy Director share the need of programs like theirs. They offer emergency shelter and comprehensive, confidential services to victims of domestic abuse including their children. DVS also provides individual and community awareness programs which can affect the social change necessary to eliminate domestic violence. Learn more online at https://dvs-snoco.org/

This week we meet Chaplain Debbie Maund, the founder of Veterans For Worship. When on active duty, military personnel have access to a chaplain and can find an outlet for their spiritual needs and pastoral care. Upon leaving the service, they often have no support for such needs. Veterans For Worship is focused on reaching veterans and their family members and connecting them to God and their spiritual needs. The discussion covers a recent VA report on suicide of veterans, PTSD, the tight-knit community of veterans, and much more. Learn more on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/veteransforworship

This week we’ll hear the inspiring words of Omari Amili. Omari is an author, community leader, and a speaker for Humanities Washington. He leads workshops and has developed curriculum to lead those being released from prison for their re-entry to society. Omari speaks with first-hand knowledge on the subject. He relates his own story of a troubled childhood, dropping out of school, running street scams and eventually getting 30 felony convictions and sent to prison. Upon his release and finding only dead end jobs in his future, he dedicated himself to higher education. Our short visit with him barely touches the surface of the talks he gives for Humanities Washington on the subject “From Crime to the Classroom: How Education Changes Lives.” Learn more about Omari Amili on his website www.omariamili.com and learn more about Humanities Washington online at www.humanities.org

Fresh off their annual Northwest Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference, we hear from Komen Puget Sound's Executive Director David Richart and Conference Co-Chair Teri Pollastro. Komen Puget Sound has been working to end Breast Cancer in the Northwest for 27 years and by hosting this annual conference they are focusing on when breast cancer metastasizes in other parts of a patient's body. The conference brings together the top local and national researchers and clinicians from organizations including Fred Hutch, SCCA, Swedish, Virginia Mason and NCI to speak to and help MBC patients. Learn more online at www.komenpugetsound.org and watch highlights from the conference on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KomenPugetSound/

This week we hear from Wonderland Child & Family Services. Executive Director Mary Kirchoff and Director of Programs & Services Michelle Stiller Bradley discuss the need for early intervention programs for children with developmental delays and disabilities. Wonderland has had success serving kids and their families with Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder and more for 50 years; and recently they have opened their Hope Rising Clinic that specializes in comprehensive support for children with prenatal exposure to substances such as alcohol and opioids. Learn more online at www.wonderlandkids.org and www.hoperisingclinic.org

This week we speak with Kathy Fleming, the Executive Director of Attain Housing. Attain Housing has been bringing our community together to partner with homeless families by providing affordable housing and empowering them with practical case management and hope. Besides owning their own transitional housing units, Kathy talks about one of the latest methods to help the homeless; Eviction Prevention. She also encourages the public to get involved in many ways, from advocating policy changes through our elected officials, to leasing an extra home or room to a non-profit that focuses on affordable housing. Learn more online at www.attainhousing.org and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

This week we hear about the necessity to listen to our body when it screams at us. Amy Bettesworth is the American Heart Association's Director of the Heart & Stroke Walk in Tacoma. Her husband Tom is a heart attack survivor, so they both have perspectives worth hearing. Tom ignored the symptoms of his heart attack and Amy, as a dutiful wife, went along with it, telling him "if you still feel this bad in the morning, let's go to urgent care." Well, luckily he survived until the morning. He shares his compelling story and they both tell us the need for people to learn more about their heart health. The American Heart Association is hosting Heart & Stroke Walks in Puget Sound; on October 5th in Tacoma and October 12th in Seattle. You can start your own team, join or support an existing team, or donate online at www.heart.org/pugetsound

This we welcome Food Lifeline's President & CEO Linda Nageotte and their Senior Marketing & Media Relations Officer Mark Coleman. Food Lifeline is celebrating 40 years of feeding the hungry in Western Washington. At Food Lifeline they are working to feed people who are experiencing hunger everyday by sourcing and distributing really large quantities of food, as well as the very important work of addressing the root causes to eliminate hunger forever. From farm to fork, virtually every aspect of the food industry from farm to fork has food waste and Food Lifeline has developed logistical processes to capture that leftover food and get it to those in need through their online platform. Food Lifeline has a fun day in the park with music and food Sunday, September 8, at 11:00 AM in north Seattle's Meridian Park called "Foodstock: The Summer to End Hunger" featuring 80's Ska band The English Beat. Learn more about Food Lifeline online at www.foodlifeline.org

Our guest this week is Lt. Genie Elton of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Department. Many people have occasion to run from the cops, but Lt. Elton is inviting everyone to "Run With The Cops" on Saturday, September 7th at Olympic College in Bremerton. It is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign that is the largest grassroots fundraising and awareness event for Special Olympics across the globe. In Washington State there are nearly 2000 law enforcement volunteers that support Special Olympics Washington. The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968....they strive to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Over 19,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics in Washington State and it is entirely supported by individual, corporate, and foundation contributions. The Run With The Cops 5K is easy to participate in. You can run or walk; be competitive or casual, but Lt. Elton guarantees you will have fun. Sign up to participate at www.runwiththecopswa.com and learn more about Special Olympics at www.specialolympicswashington.org

This week we’ll hear about Hand in Hand Kids and their Safe Place program from CEO Jay Priebe. They have an ongoing need for backpacks and supplies…The Soldiers of Destiny Scooter club helps out with that....Popular mid-day host on radio station Movin' 92.5 KQMV Justin Barnes is a member of the SOD and they are hosting their 7th annual Big Hearts & Backpacks fundraiser/party at Ballard's Pono Ranch on Thursday, August 22nd. Learn more online at www.handinhandkids.org and www.bigheartsandbackpacks.com/donate

This week we hear from the Communications & Outreach Manager at Pride Foundation, Katelen Kellogg. Since its formation in the 1980s, Pride Foundation has distributed over $70,000,000 through scholarships and grants to students and community organizations. Pride Foundation believes in building a better world by supporting students, supporting community organizations, engaging leaders and advancing equality. Deadline to apply for scholarships is October 11. (National Coming Out Day) Learn more about Pride Foundation online at www.pridefoundation.org

The first weekend of August in Seattle means Seafair reaches its zenith with the annual hydroplane race on Lake Washington. For 70 years Seattle has celebrated itself with an area wide party. David Williams, the Executive Director of the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum takes us on a 70 year trip down memory lane with Seafair winners of the past. Learn more about the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum in Kent online at www.thunderboats.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thunderboats

This week we speak with Sarah Slack, the founder and Executive Director of The Tears Foundation. The Tears Foundation supports grieving families both emotionally and financially after a pregnancy or infant death. Many young couples are not able to cope with a still birth or sudden infant death; then add to that the financial burden of funeral costs and you will find people who need support. Sarah shares that the origins of The Tears Foundation came from her own loss, as well as how it has spread across the country and now internationally because of people who empathize with others. Learn more online at www.thetearsfoundation.org

Children's Therapy Center is celebrating their 40th year of teaching life changing social and physical skills for children birth to three who have Autism, Down syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Recently they have expanded their mission to serve children up to 18. Learn more online at www.ctckids.org

Gina Haines and Nate Lanting from Recovery Beyond join us today to talk about a new paradigm for addiction recovery. Recovery Beyond works with current addiction treatment programs to provide the two additional, critical success factors for long-term sobriety: a new, enduring lifestyle of healthy behaviors and activities; and a long-term community filled with positive relationships and support. From fitness training all the way up to climbing the summit of Mt. Rainier, Recovery Beyond has new ways to reach stable sobriety. Learn more at www.recoverybeyondbp.org

seattledigital@hbi.com (Gary Shipe)f8851591-dd36-45c2-9727-0f5255a7f8b8Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 PDT00:29:21

This week we'll hear of a unique fundraising event coming to Seattle in September; the inaugural Tour de Pier.Lisa Manheim is the Executive Director of the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research as well as the Co-Founder of Tour de Pier.Lisa started the Tour de Pier in Los Angeles seven years ago and has raised millions of dollars for pancreatic cancer research, and now it moves to Seattle. Pancreatic cancer is, unfortunately, easily overlooked in its early stages. Over 50,000 people will be diagnosed in the US each year and 45,000 die of it each year.The Seattle Tour de Pier is a bike ride on stationary exercise bikes. Instead of a traditional cycling event where the participants get strung out on a course, everyone stays together as they are encouraged and entertained from a main-stage.The number of bikes is limited, so enter early for this September 14th event at Lake Union Park. www.seattletourdepier.com and you can learn more about pancreatic cancer at the Hirshberg Foundation www.pancreatic.org

This week we hear from the Friendship Circle of Washington's Development Manager, Andrea Stacy. Friendship Circle of Washington seeks to bring together special needs kids and teens with volunteer teens. Leveraging the positive impact of friendship, understanding, and shared experiences has the potential to transform the lives of children and teens with special needs as well as the volunteer teens. Andrea also speaks about a fun event July 18th that will act as a fundraiser for Friendship Circle they are calling FC Chopped: Grill Off. This will be a grilling competition along the lines of the popular TV show Chopped. Learn more online at www.friendshipcirclewa.org and www.fcchopped.com

This week we hear from The Mockingbird Society's Executive Director Annie Blackledge and Network Representative Orion Olsen. The Mockingbird Society is working to transform the foster care system and end youth homelessness. Orion works with the Mockingbird Youth Network to train young people who have experienced homelessness or foster care to be their own best advocates. They have learned how to participate in the legislative processes that slowly, but surely are changing the lives of foster care youths. We also hear about a support model for foster families that has proven very successful for both the kids and the foster parents. Learn more online at www.mockingbirdsociety.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mbsociety and on Twitter @mbsociety

This week we speak with Juan Cotto, the Director of Social Impact at Bloodworks Northwest about the continual need for blood. Bloodworks Northwest collects, tests and distributes lifesaving blood to more than 90 hospitals in the northwest. Juan details the need for diversity in our blood supply, not just by blood type, but by ethnicity as well. A challenge with getting new demographics to donate blood is to get people to donate regularly. A new App can help with that. Text the word Bloodapp to 91985 or visit their website www.bloodworksnw.org to find a donation center near you.

This week we speak with the Communications & Outreach Director at Washington Trails Association, Kindra Ramos.Washington Trails Association (WTA) is a non-profit community that has been protecting trails and outdoor spaces in Washington in some for or another for over 50 years. Kindra speaks to the instinctual boost we get from being on a trail in the woods, beside a waterfall or in a field of wildflowers.WTA offers a huge resource for hikers via their website and its countless list of hikes and trip reports. They are also committed to restoring trails through volunteer work parties.Learn more on their website: www.wta.org

13 year old Aoife Little has been living with Crohn’s Disease since she was diagnosed at 3 years of age. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are chronic diseases with no cure and no known cause. She shares her story with us this week and is joined by Cory Townsend, the Deputy Executive Director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s Northwest Chapter. Saturday, June 8th at Lincoln Park in West Seattle the CCFA will hold their annual Take Steps Walk to raise not only awareness of these diseases, but to raise money for programs for those living with Crohn’s or Colitis and money for research to find a cure. Learn more online at www.cctakesteps.org/westernwashington and www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org

Our guests this week provide week long summer camp experiences for kids with cancer - as well as their family. Camp Agape Northwest Board Member Christina Bradic, Program Director Jason Greer, and Counselor & Volunteer Sophia Gonzalez talk about the challenges, joys, and relationships that come from being a child with cancer and the Camp Agape Northwest experience. Learn more online at www.campagapenw.net

This week we welcome back to the show Komen Puget Sound and their Executive Director David Richart as well as Breast Cancer Survivor Heather Eggleston.Komen Puget Sound has been dedicated to ending Breast Cancer for over 25 years and this year are changing their annual Race For The Cure fundraising event to the More Than Pink Walk. Its location is new too, at Seattle's beautiful Seward Park. David discusses the four pillars of Komen, one of which is action, hence the "More Than Pink" emphasis. Heather shares her personal story and the need for more knowledge and awareness about Breast Cancer.The More Than Pink Walk is Sunday, June 2nd. Register a team or support someone who is walking online at www.komenpugetsound.org

This week we hear from the Muslim Community Resource Center in Redmond. Khizer Sheriff is the Executive Director, his wife Nikhath Sheriff is the Founder & CEO, and their daughter Nehath Sheriff is the Director of the Medical Clinic that MCRC operates. The Muslim Community Resource Center (MCRC) is led by a group of community volunteers passionate about helping the less fortunate in our community. Their focus is to connect those in need with relevant resources and service providers in our community. Among their many comprehensive services, once a month they operate a free medical clinic to provide culturally competent healthcare for individuals and families who lack access to basic health services. Through volunteer doctors and nurses they offer general health care, physical exams, screenings, heart health and referrals. Learn more online at www.mcrcseattle.org or call 1-888-404-6272.

This week we'll hear about Type 1 Diabetes from JDRF, or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Wilma Comenat is the Associate Executive Director at the Greater Northwest Chapter, 12 year old Sophia Glover is one of this year's Ambassadors for their Beat The Bridge event, and Delilah Sanabria is the Senior Promotions Coordinator for radio station Movin' 92.5 who is one of the sponsors for Beat The Bridge, which takes place on May 19th at Husky Stadium.Over 1.25 million Americans are living with Type 1 Diabetes. The hard facts are: no known cause, no cure, people who have T1D are on insulin therapy for life.Beat the Bridge raises money for more research to deal with those T1D facts as well as to provide programs for patients living with T1D.Learn more and form or support a team online at www.beatthebridge.org or www.jdrf.org

This week we hear from Pam Nolte and Shelby Parsons with The Taproot Theatre Company. Taproot has been around since 1976; started as a touring group by Co-Founder and Community Liaison Pam Nolte. Now with two permanent theaters, they not only entertain Seattle with engaging, often time thought provoking plays, but still tour…especially to schools. Shelby Parsons is the Director of Education and Outreach and she describes how theater productions in schools can teach kids of all ages lessons about bullying and cyber-bullying. Learn more about Taproot Theatre Company’s season and Education Outreach online at www.taproottheatre.org

This week we meet Teri Yoder and Melissa Powell to discuss the March for Babies, the annual fundraiser for the March of Dimes.Teri is the Executive Director for the Washington March of Dimes, and Melissa is the Co-Chair for this year's Seattle March For Babies as well as a mother of a prematurely born baby. Melissa shares his personal story to demonstrate the importance of the work that the March of Dimes does.The March of Dimes believes that every baby deserves the best possible start. Unfortunately, not all babies get one. More than 7200 babies are born preterm in Washington each year. Premature birth and birth defects are the leading causes of infant mortality.There are three March for Babies coming soon in Western Washington: April 27 in Snohomish County, May 4 in Seattle, and May 11 in the South Sound.To get involved with the March for Babies, start a team, donate to a team, or volunteer, go online to www.marchforbabies.org

This week we meet Cathi Rodgveller, the Founder and CEO of Ignite Worldwide. Cathi tells us of the sometimes 10 to 1 ratio of men to women in tech jobs and the need to shrink that disparity. Ignite Woldwide’s mission is to create opportunities to spark girls’ excitement about technology careers and inspire them to new possibilities. Girls in grades K-12, and college from all backgrounds interact with professional women in technology careers during the school day. The students are able to glimpse themselves as innovators and entrepreneurs through stories of successful women who work and live in their communities. Working with teachers, Ignite increases girls interest and participation in computer science and engineering classes. Learn more about Ignite Worldwide online at www.igniteworldwide.org

This week we meet the new Director of the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions Langston Collin Wilkins PhD. The Center for Washington Cultural Traditions is a program of Humanities Washington in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission. The Center is barely a year old, but they are already in the process of documenting, researching and archiving the diverse cultural traditions in our state. Not only do they want to collect data, but is just as important to them to distribute it.Dr. Wilkins explains two programs the Center is running; a cultural traditions survey, and an apprenticeship program.Learn more online at www.waculture.org

This week we speak with the Executive Director of Washington's National Park Fund, Laurie Ward.Washington has three National Parks and the work of WNPF is to supplement their budgets with monetary gifts raised as a private non-profit. Laurie describes the close relationship between Washington's National Park Fund and the Superintendents at Olympic, Mt. Rainier, and North Cascades National Parks to determine the "to do list" and many projects to support that would otherwise go un-funded.Learn more about Washington's National Park Fund online at www.wnpf.org

This week we meet Ronald Lim from Bloodworks Northwest and Bill Harper with Degree 37.Degree 37 is a software developer that works with non-profits like Bloodworks NW to engage millennials and young people and to make it easy to donate blood.Bill tells us that his own need of 33 surgeries and use of 267 units of blood made it personal for him as he worked on the Bloodworks App. He tells us that donating blood is the best and easiest as well as most effective way to save a life in an afternoon.You can download the App at Google Play or the Apple App store or by texting blood to 91985Learn more online at www.bloodworksnw.org

This week we’ll hear from a local grass-roots organization that serves as an emergency response unit to the homeless among us with babies. Star Lalario is the President and founder of Babies of Homelessness and Angela Harmon is the Vice-President. Babies of Homelessness work the streets in our community seeking out babies that are homeless. Delivering diapers, formula and food can be life saving for the youngest and most fragile of the homeless. Homeless mothers are almost desperate to keep their babies hidden for fear of losing them to the system. Star and Angela tell us that Babies of Homelessness does not judge, but instead offers hope along with those diapers. Learn more online at www.babiesofhomelessness.org as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BabiesOfHomelessness/

This week we’ll hear the inspiring words of Omari Amili. Omari is an author, community leader, and a speaker for Humanities Washington. He leads workshops and has developed curriculum to lead those being released from prison for their re-entry to society. Omari speaks with first-hand knowledge on the subject. He relates his own story of a troubled childhood, dropping out of school, running street scams and eventually getting 30 felony convictions and sent to prison. Upon his release and finding only dead end jobs in his future, he dedicated himself to higher education. Our short visit with him barely touches the surface of the talks he gives for Humanities Washington on the subject “From Crime to the Classroom: How Education Changes Lives.” Learn more about Omari Amili on his website www.omariamili.com and learn more about Humanities Washington online at www.humanities.org

This week we speak with Rev. Rick Reynolds, the Executive Director of Operation Nightwatch. Operation Nightwatch has been supporting the homeless in Seattle and King County for over 50 years. With three primary programs; Food & Shelter, Housing, and Street Ministry, they have touched individuals on the edge and have been able to change lives one at a time. Every night they open up their dispatch center and feed over 100 people and then find them shelter around town. This is staffed primarily by volunteer groups. In addressing the big picture of homelessness and poverty, Rick tells us that if we just acknowledge the humanity in another person, we can figure out the rest of it. To learn more or to volunteer at Operation Nightwatch go online: www.seattlenightwatch.org or email info@seattlenightwatch.org

This being American Heart Month, we take the opportunity to speak with a cardiologist. Dr. Ameet Parikh is a cardiologist with Pacific Medical Centers and discusses the number one killer among adults in the country: Heart Disease. Different strategies can be employed to prevent heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives. Knowing your numbers and family history is just the start. Find healthy heart resources online at www.heart.org or www.pacificmedicalcenters.org

This week we speak with Chrys Bertolotto, the Natural Resources Manager of the WSU Snohomish County Extension. Washington State University runs extension programs in nearly every county in the state, and Snohomish County has a Natural Resources program called Beach Watchers. Beach Watchers is made up of fully trained volunteers who are dedicated to the protection of the Salish Sea waters, particularly Puget Sound, through education, research, and stewardship programs. Chrys tells us that after formal training, each Beach Watcher gets to craft their own volunteer experience to meet their interests and schedules. It is fun and the enthusiasm is contagious. Enrollment for the 2019 program is open now through Friday, March 8th. Training begins March 15th. Learn more online, email or phone: https://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/beachwatchers-2/ chrys@wsu.edu 425-357-6020

This week we hear from Book-It Theatre and their unique way of producing for the stage. Co-founding Artistic Director Myra Platt tells of Book-Its 30 year mission of transforming great literature into great theatre through simple and sensitive production and to inspiring its audiences to read. Literacy is a multi-dimensional enhancement to life, yet illiteracy is a fundamental obstacle for one-third of King County. In a nation where many adults read so poorly that they earn significantly below the threshold poverty level for an individual, Book-It’s mission to inspire people to read becomes increasingly more important. American Junkie by Tom Hanson runs February 16 - March 10. A fast-paced ride through Seattle’s grunge-era music scene, American Junkie looks at the man behind the addiction and the power heroin can have on people’s lives. Learn more and buy tickets online at www.book-it.org

This week we speak with Sarah Slack, the founder and Executive Director of The Tears Foundation. The Tears Foundation supports grieving families both emotionally and financially after a pregnancy or infant death. Many young couples are not able to cope with a still birth or sudden infant death; then add to that the financial burden of funeral costs and you will find people who need support. Sarah shares that the origins of The Tears Foundation came from her own loss, as well as how it has spread across the country and now internationally because of people who empathize with others. Learn more online at www.thetearsfoundation.org

This week we speak with Tracey Sorenson, the Community Engagement Manager with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat For Humanity. With the price of housing continuing to escalate, not to mention its availability, many people are finding out that Habitat For Humanity has a real path toward home ownership. Tracey talks about not only the nuts and bolts of getting Pierce County residents into home ownership, but the rewards that come with the ‘Sweat Equity’ involved. Tracey also talks about the need for money to continue to expand and the need for not only volunteers, but financial donations in the name of affordable housing and in support of Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Learn more online at www.tpc-habitat.org