Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

THIS ISN'T ABOUT VIEWS. IT'S ABOUT SURVIVAL. Let's get one thing straight: the videos we're producing on SNAP & EBT benefits and the pitfalls of abusing the system — we're paying for them out of our own pockets.No grants. No sponsors. Just us. Big props to all the community members that support Feed Halifax, Hitachi Energy South Boston and Ryland Clark for there phenomenal efforts and successes providing community support in so many ways...the food pantries need all the support they can get. Ask them how you can help!Because kids can't eat politics. And parents can't swipe “good intentions” at the grocery store. We are launching a 4-part video series on how the government shutdown is putting everyday families at risk — and we didn't wait for permission.Why? Because:Mothers are praying their balance doesn't hit $0 at checkoutChildren shouldn't go to bed hungry because “Washington can't figure it out”And the people running the food pantries, stocking the shelves, and donating their time and energy — they're exhausted.We're stepping in because this is OUR community.And we refuse to watch it crumble. If you need food, there ARE resources.We've got the list. We've got the links. We've done the work. Share this.Tag somebody who needs it.And remember: one voice can spark change, but WE need a chorus.— Shawn A. BarksdaleTen Minutes of Truth Podcast

Listen to Pastor Justin Goodman talk about how Hope City Church welcomes all just as they are.Email: info@hopecitychurchva.com540 East Constance RoadSuffolk, Virginia 23434757-439-6755 www.hopecityva.com

Workshop Facilitator Spotlight We are honored to feature Cheryl DeHaven, CPRS, CPC, as one of our inspiring facilitators for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30th at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.“Cheryl DeHaven, CPRS, CPC is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Professional Coach with over 40 years of lived experience navigating recovery, resilience, and wellness. Her personal journey has shaped her commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that honor autonomy, connection, and hope.As founder of Wondrous Ways, Cheryl develops and facilitates engaging professional development experiences that support the growth of the peer support workforce. While not a clinical expert in Motivational Interviewing, she brings a deep appreciation for its principles and a passion for exploring how its spirit aligns with the values of peer support. Cheryl invites others to learn alongside her in discovering how conversations grounded in respect and curiosity can inspire meaningful change.”

"Your Story, Your Voice" Keira Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For More information go to region-five.org

Join us on October 4, 2025, for the 4th Annual Quarter Place Tribute at Patrick Henry's Red Hill in Brookneal, Virginia — the final home and burial site of the famed orator and Founding Father. This moving event brings together members of the descendant community, historians, genealogists, and archaeologists to honor the lives and legacies of the enslaved individuals laid to rest at the Quarter Place Cemetery, where 147 enslaved and free African Americans are buried  . Doors open at 10:00 AM for guests to explore exhibits and connect with partner museums and organizations tabling on the grounds; the formal presentations begin at 11:00 AM  . Attendees can expect a rich and educational experience featuring genealogical updates, archaeology insights, a heartfelt keynote, and a complimentary catered lunch— all as part of Red Hill's ongoing commitment to preserving and illuminating African American history. #QuarterPlaceTribute #PatrickHenrysRedHill #RedHillVA #HonoringHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #DescendantVoices #HeritageAndHope #PreservingLegacy #LivingHistory #VirginiaEvents

Start  11:00 AM Opening Ceremony begins at the Quarter Place CemeteryDateOctober 4 @ 11:00 am - 3:30 pmTime:10:30 am - 12:30 pmEvent Category:GeneralVENUERed Hill1250 Red Hill RdBrookneal, VA 24528 United StatesPhone434-376-2044Website: Redhill.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Raymond T. Barnes - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Lauren Kern - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Kattrell Lewis - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Jessica Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Daniel Srebro - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series For more information go to region-five.org

Basi Affia Episode 2 When Passion and Desire to Be Great Collide

"Your Story, Your Voice" Crystal Thompson - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series - For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Brandon Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

Our last episode, titled “Fight for Your Children,” had a tremendous impact on our communities. It sparked a flood of questions, making it clear that the conversation had to continue. That brings us to this powerful new follow-up episode, titled “Save Our Children.”We sat down with Mrs. Roxanne Richardson, B.A., M.S. Ed., J.D.—a former licensed attorney and seasoned educator who has taught in both New York and Virginia. Her legal work included serving with Legal Aid and the United States Coast Guard.This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our school systems and the stigmas that continue to plague them. We delve into the core problems—and explore some of the real solutions. Thank you Roxanne for lending your voice to this important topic.Buckle up, and welcome to the truth.

Fight For Your Children, featuring Co-Parents Shawn A. Barksdale & Monique Barksdale.

Business with Purpose & Feeding Halifax: Featuring Ryland Clark of Hitachi Energy In our latest segment of Ten Minutes of Truth, we had the privilege of sitting down with Ryland Clark, Community Relations & Engagement Manager at Hitachi Energy, South Boston, VA, and a member of the Halifax County Industrial Development Board.We had no idea just how deeply Ryland—and Hitachi as a whole—were touching lives across Halifax County. From supporting recovery and re-entry efforts to feeding food-insecure families through Feeding Halifax, their quiet but powerful impact runs deep.In this short segment, Ryland shares what he's learned from the Engaging Halifax Study and speaks to the vital role businesses can play in helping individuals rebuild their lives after substance use or incarceration. He also explains how the Industrial Development Board is creating job pathways for returning citizens, turning compassion into economic opportunity.And here's the thing: Ryland stayed an extra 30 minutes after our official interview—because there was more to say. More stories. More heart. More hope. Shawn felt it was too important to miss and recorded a second segment that will move you and challenge you to see the power of partnership.Shawn shared, “This is exactly how Ten Minutes of Truth can stand beside leaders like Ryland and organizations like Hitachi—by lending our platform to help feed Halifax and support second chances.” Want to get involved? Reach out to Ryland Clark at Hitachi Energy or contact the Halifax County Industrial Development Board to see how your business can make a real impact. Listen to this short segment today on Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale, available on all major podcast platforms and on Facebook at Ten Minutes of Truth and Boots On The Ground.Let's stand together—for recovery, for second chances, and for a Halifax where no one is forgotten.#TenMinutesOfTruth #RylandClark #HitachiEnergy #FeedingHalifax #HalifaxCounty #RecoveryAndReentry #CommunityLeadership #BootsOnTheGround #EngagingHalifax #BusinessWithHeart #SecondChances #PodcastWithPurpose

EPISODE: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson, VT Extension – Halifax County Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It MattersSEL, or Social Emotional Learning, is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. It's not just for schools—these are life skills we all need to navigate trauma, conflict, grief, addiction, and daily challenges. That's why Virginia Tech, through its Cooperative Extension arm, is prioritizing SEL in places like Halifax County—where the opioid crisis has deeply impacted families. VT is equipping educators, parents, and community members with free, research-backed tools; collecting real-time data to inform better programs; and building resilience from the ground up—not just treating symptoms, but shifting systems.Shawn A. Barksdale credits his progress in community and reentry spaces to the one-on-one training and mentorship he's received from Shannon Rogers Simpson. Her guidance in SEL, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and Botvin Parenting skills has allowed Shawn to implement evidence-based programs in correctional institutions—building trust, capturing powerful data, and helping returning citizens gain the emotional tools they need to succeed. That impact is growing—and so is the COPE Project's reach.We know many of you won't “like” or “share” this post—but you are reading. You are watching. And you are listening. Shawn's podcast, Ten Minutes of Truth, is made for people like you: parents trying to hold it together, friends trying to understand addiction, families trying to heal. You don't have to comment to be changed by what you hear—and that's the real mission. To learn more or get involved, contact Shannon Rogers Simpson at the Halifax County VT Extension Office: (434) 476‑2147 or email shannons67@vt.edu. Follow Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale—because your story, your healing, and your future matter.

EPISODE 9: Virginia Tech Is Tackling the Opioid Epidemic with Evidence-Based Practices | Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson, VT Extension – Halifax County Topic: What Is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Why It MattersSEL, or Social Emotional Learning, is the process through which individuals—especially children and youth—learn how to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, maintain healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions. It's not just for schools—these are life skills we all need to navigate trauma, conflict, grief, addiction, and daily challenges. That's why Virginia Tech, through its Cooperative Extension arm, is prioritizing SEL in places like Halifax County—where the opioid crisis has deeply impacted families. VT is equipping educators, parents, and community members with free, research-backed tools; collecting real-time data to inform better programs; and building resilience from the ground up—not just treating symptoms, but shifting systems.Shawn A. Barksdale credits his progress in community and reentry spaces to the one-on-one training and mentorship he's received from Shannon Rogers Simpson. Her guidance in SEL, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and Botvin Parenting skills has allowed Shawn to implement evidence-based programs in correctional institutions—building trust, capturing powerful data, and helping returning citizens gain the emotional tools they need to succeed. That impact is growing—and so is the COPE Project's reach.We know many of you won't “like” or “share” this post—but you are reading. You are watching. And you are listening. Shawn's podcast, Ten Minutes of Truth, is made for people like you: parents trying to hold it together, friends trying to understand addiction, families trying to heal. You don't have to comment to be changed by what you hear—and that's the real mission. To learn more or get involved, contact Shannon Rogers Simpson at the Halifax County VT Extension Office: (434) 476‑2147 or email shannons67@vt.edu. Follow Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale—because your story, your healing, and your future matter.

EPISODE 8: Why the COPE PROJECT Was Formed Featuring: Shannon Rogers Simpson, Halifax County VT Cooperative Extension Project Coordinator 1. What exactly is COPE, and why did VT choose their Cooperative Extension arm to run it?Shannon Rogers Simpson (Halifax Co. VT CE):“COPE” stands for Community Outreach and Prevention Education. It was created to support community well‑being through resilience-building, mental health awareness, and educational support. Shannon explains that VT chose the trusted Extension framework because it already has an established presence within local communities—like Halifax County—where residents know and rely on Extension agents for credible, non‑clinical guidance on health, safety, agriculture, youth services, and more. Leveraging that existing trust helps COPE reach deeper and faster. 2. What is the mission of COPE?Shannon outlines the mission:Strengthen community resilience through education, awareness, and proactive prevention.Support mental health and well-being in rural areas where services may be limited.Build local capacity by training volunteers and partnering with schools, faith groups, and county agencies.Facilitate equitable access to resources, ensuring everyone has the support they need to thrive. 3. What programs does COPE offer?Shannon highlighted several key initiatives underway in Halifax County and beyond:Peer Support Training: Equipping local volunteers, teachers, and community members with active listening skills and techniques for crisis de-escalation.Youth Resilience Workshops: School-based sessions covering stress management, healthy habits, and self-care.Community Resilience Events: Pop-up clinics and “COPE Fairs” that bring together mental health professionals, community organizations, and educational outreach in one space.Resource Hubs & Toolkits: Online directories curated by VT Extension offering toolkits, videos, and materials on topics like substance misuse, suicide prevention, stress relief, and parenting.Local Support Circles: Drop-in sessions hosted monthly—whether at the library, community center, or Extension office—designed to foster connection and reduce isolation. Shawn's Perspective:“As a community leader and advocate, I'm seeing COPE rapidly build a culture of openness around mental health—breaking stigmas by integrating prevention work into everyday spacesShawn credits Shannon Rogers Simpson for personally guiding him through the COPE Project's wide range of resources. Her one-on-one training in evidence-based models like Botvin LifeSkills, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) education, and parenting interventions has equipped him to be extremely effective in community and institutional settings.Because of that training, Shawn is now successfully implementing COPE-based programs inside correctional institutions, building trusted relationships, and collecting evidence-based data that is helping reshape how we support returning citizens. This effort is not only changing the narrative around incarceration and reentry—it's expanding the COPE Project's reach in powerful, measurable ways. Call to Action:Want to support COPE in Halifax County? Reach out to Shannon at shannons67@vt.edu or  434-476-2147. Whether you're looking to host a resilience workshop, join peer support training, or volunteer at pop-up events—COPE welcomes youLet me know if you'd like this adapted into a Canva layout, flyer, or short video script!