Podcasts about public social services

Social Worker Angie Cruz is with Riverside County Department of Public Social Services. As a guest on the department's podcast, The Service Station, Cruz dives into her career journey and explains how a life-changing experience from her childhood factored into choosing social work as her profession.Want to watch/listen to other podcasts from The Service Station? Find us on all major podcast platforms and at RivCoDPSS.org/podcastDon't forget to follow us on social media! We're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @RivCoDPSS! Have an idea for an episode? We're all ears! Email us at DPSSInfo@rivco.org.

Episode 169: Food insecurity and Obesity in Kern CountyFuture Dr. Kim presents the problem of food insecurity in Kern County and how it is linked to obesity and liver disease. She shared several resources available to address food insecurity. Dr. Arreaza reminds us of the importance of improving access to fresh and healthy foods.  Written by Judy Kim, OMS3; Mira Patel, OMS3; and Vy Nguyen, OMS3. Western University of Health Sciences. Editing and comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.Arreaza: Why did you pick this topic?Judy: While Kern County is known as one of the top-producing agricultural counties in the country, food insecurity is a major health disparity within this county. In order to dissect the problem of food insecurity in Kern County, we must first discuss the demographics and significance of this current topic. Among residents of Kern County, 23.1% are at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and 47.7% are low-income (200% of FPL or below), which is higher than that of California.  Arreaza: What is food insecurity? In February 2023, we discussed the definition in Episode 128, but it is important to remember what it is. “Food insecurity is having limited, uncertain, or inconsistent access to the food necessary for a healthy life.” Another interesting fact is that it is estimated that 45% of undocumented immigrants in California are affected by food insecurity, including 64% of undocumented children (Source: 2021 CHIS).Judy: Food insecurity is strongly tied to numerous conditions such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hepatitis, stroke, cancer, asthma, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease. Thus, this problem must be explored and discussed to find ways to improve health outcomes. However, the first steps must focus on bridging gaps in accessing healthy and affordable foods. For example, consumers have consistently noted that reliable transportation is a barrier when even applying for assistance before accessing their benefits. Oftentimes, families experiencing poverty, a large number of residents in Kern County, are part of the migrant community, move frequently, and experience difficulties even completing the necessary paperwork for programs such as the Migrant Childcare Alternative Payment program. Arreaza: It may be off-topic, but I had to search what MCAP is. The Migrant Childcare Alternative Payment (MCAP) Program provides childcare services to migrant farm worker families in Kern and other counties in California, such as Merced and Fresno. MCAP allows parents to work while children are taken care of by licensed childcare centers, licensed family childcare homes, license-exempt (relatives), and in-home providers. I think many families may not be aware of this program. This is a reminder for our residents and students that this is available for your patients. Judy: Going back to food insecurity, when looking at the distribution and locations of large supermarkets in the greater Bakersfield area, such as Albertsons, Smart & Final, and Vallarta, the northwest area has many large stores and without a high density of households in poverty. In contrast, Oildale, the southwest and southeast areas do not have many large markets nearby. Thus, it is also important to examine how and where our patients can access healthy and affordable food.Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease in Kern County.Judy: I would like to describe the relationship between food insecurity with liver disease. The food insecurity that is prevalent in Kern County contributes to the increasing number of overweight and obese populations we see here. Almost 78% of adults in Kern County are considered either overweight or obese. This is concerning because increased rates of obesity are correlated with higher rates of liver disease. As we know, the liver is responsible for breaking down fats, creating new small and medium-chain fatty acids, and transporting fats. With obesity, fat tends to accumulate in the liver since it is unable to properly break down the fat. This leads to steatosis. Short-term fatty liver disease does not have many clinical findings associated with it, but long term if left uncontrolled it can lead to cirrhosis and death. Arreaza: According to a review of the liver transplant list done in 2022, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is currently the second leading cause of liver transplant overall, and in females, it is the number-one cause. In California, we see about 13.8 deaths per 100,000 persons from liver-related disease, but Kern County has a high 15.9 deaths per 100,000 persons, which exceeded the Healthy People 2020 objective for liver disease deaths of 8.2 per 100,000 persons. Judy: This was found in Kern Medical Community Needs assessments so these deaths could be correlated to NAFLD, NASH, fatty liver, autoimmune hepatitis, etc. but it is still concerning that the number of deaths from liver disease is about 2x the goal of maximum deaths we would want. Arreaza: So, you are linking food insecurity to obesity, and obesity to fatty liver disease, I see the correlation. Tell us about the local resources to address the problem of food insecurity. Local Resources Judy: As patients walk through our doors, we recognize the social determinants for health and quality of life of our patients. Besides providing affirmations and words of encouragement, it's helpful for the physician and medical staff to offer specific local resources that one can refer to. We collected a list of available resources, please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of the support available in Kern County. Rely on resources around you such as local organizations like Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) and social workers in conjunction with your research to have a comprehensive understanding of what's available for your patients. Arreaza: The first notable resource you guys found is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, for our unique population– the elderly. It's a USDA-sponsored program that provides a 30-lb monthly food box for seniors 60 years and older who also fall below the federal income guidelines. Judy: The Golden Empire Gleaners also offer support to eligible seniors via a program called  Senior Sack, which has established over 20 sites throughout Kern County. Twice a month, each registered  senior will pick up 10-12 items of fresh fruits, vegetables, canned food, bread, and boxed staples at a local site. Upon arrival, they also engage in interactive activities with the staff and learn more about other local services available.Arreaza: Another resource is the Food Bank, provided by several nonprofit organizations such as Community Action Partnership of Kern, Golden Empire Gleaners,  where individuals of any age can come and receive nutritious food every month. Home delivery and emergency food boxes for seniors are also available. Judy: There are also farmers markets such as F Street Farmers Market, which operates year-round every Saturday from 7:45 am to noon. What's unique about F Street is they offer Market Match which matches program assistance's benefits such as that of CalFresh and eWIC to the farmers' markets and other farm-directed sites. How it works is when individuals use their benefits, Market Match will match that fund so the person can buy even more fruits and vegetables. For example, if I use $10 of CalFresh benefits at the farmers' market, I will also receive another $10 for a total of $20 to spend on any fresh produce. F Street Farmers Market will match up to $20 per visit year-round which increases access to fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as provides an incentive for the locals to support family farms and their businesses. To find other farmers' markets that offer other benefits, please visit Farmers Market Finder by Ecology Center or call CAPK for other free food distribution sites. Arreaza: I have to mention this wonderful initiative which I have participated in many times. It is called the bishop's storehouse, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a place where those in need can go to obtain food and other supplies at the recommendation of their bishop. So, it requires a “ticket” from a bishop, who is the leader of a congregation, to receive goods for free. People of any faith can request this help by going to any church location. So, we mentioned the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Golden Empire Gleaners, Food Bank, F Street Farmers Market, and the bishop's storehouse. Judy, thanks for sharing this relevant information. Please give us a conclusion to wrap up this episode.Judy: As primary care doctors we are in a special position to prevent and treat many diseases. By addressing food insecurity, you may have a significant impact on your community. By providing appropriate nutrition, we can fight and prevent many diseases, such as fatty liver disease among others. We should share these resources with patients to improve their access to healthy food.___________________________Conclusion: Now we conclude episode number 169, “Food Insecurity and Obesity in Kern County.” Future Dr. Kim explained that food insecurity is linked to multiple chronic conditions, and she mentioned particularly obesity and fatty liver disease. Food insecurity can be partially addressed by sharing with our patients the resources in our community, and today you heard some of them, but we encourage you to keep looking for many others and share them with your patients. This week we thank Hector Arreaza, Judy Kim, Vy Nguyen, and Mira Patel. Audio editing by Adrianne Silva.Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week! _____________________References:Food Bank - CAPK: Community Action Partnership of Kern. CAPK. (2024, February 27). https://www.capk.org/seniorfood/Kern Food Insecurity Needs Assessment. CAPK. (2023, August). https://feedingkern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/CAPK-Food-Insecurity-Needs-Assessment-Report-revised-with-copyedits-9-11-2023.pdfMarket Match Program Helps Residents Double Their CalFresh Dollars. Department of Public Social Services. (n.d.)https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/news/2021/05/calfresh-market-match.htmlSenior Sack. Golden Empire Gleaners. (n.d.). https://www.goldenempiregleaners.com/programsSenior food program - CAPK: Community Action Partnership of Kern. CAPK. (2024, February 27). https://www.capk.org/seniorfood/Fabbrini E, Sullivan S, Klein S. Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: biochemical, metabolic, and clinical implications. Hepatology. 2010 Feb;51(2):679-89. doi: 10.1002/hep.23280. PMID: 20041406; PMCID: PMC3575093.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3575093/Know your numbers. Kern County Public Health. (2024, April 1). https://kernpublichealth.com/knowyournumbers/CAPK feeding Kern - feeding Kern. CAPK Food Assessment Report. (2024, March 15). https://feedingkern.org/Community Health Needs Assessment. (n.d.). https://www.kernmedical.com/documents/Kern-Medical-2019-CHNA-Report-Final.pdfDepartment of Health & Human Services. (2007, November 28). Liver - fatty liver disease. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/liver-fatty-liver-disease#Noureddin M, Vipani A, Bresee C, et al. NASH Leading Cause of Liver Transplant in Women: Updated Analysis of Indications For Liver Transplant and Ethnic and Gender Variances. Am J Gastroenterol. 2018;113(11):1649-1659. doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0088-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9083888/The Bishops' Storehouse, Provident Living, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/bishops-storehouse?lang=eng.Royalty-free music used for this episode: Good Vibes by Simon Pettersson, downloaded on July 20, 2023, from  https://www.videvo.net/royalty-free-music

Millions of dollars in food and cash benefits are stolen from Californians, including in Riverside County, every month. Listen as the Chief from the Department of Public Social Services and his welfare fraud investigators describe how customers can protect themselves from a crime known as “skimming” and how Riverside County DPSS is taking an aggressive, proactive approach to reduce this crime and protect customers. Don't forget to follow us on social media! We're on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @RivCoDPSS! Have an idea for an episode? We're all ears! Email us at DPSSInfo@rivco.org.

Adoptive mother Chandra Concannon and Ida Roath, an adoptions supervisor with the Children's Services Division at Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, discuss Adoption Finalization Day. 

Ken Sandefur, a social services planner with the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County, discusses the Valley Wide Employment Expo in Indio.

On any given day, there are more than 3,000 children and teens in need of safe and loving homes in Riverside County. Faith in Motion contracts with the county's Department of Public Social Services and works with more than 200 faith-based communities to guide and support families interested in fostering and adoption. On this episode, Faith in Motion Manager Irene Capen discusses how the partnership works to support children and families. Capen also shares her story of what inspired her to foster and adopt children. 

In this episode of “The Service Station,” two experts from Barbara Sinatra Children's Center explain the link between child abuse and human trafficking in eastern Riverside County and how traffickers ensnare and deceive their victims. Guests provide prevention tips and services available to children, youth and families in the Coachella Valley. They also discuss the close collaboration between the Center and Children's Services, a branch of the Department of Public Social Services, to care for children victimized by abuse or maltreatment. Know someone who needs help? Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline anytime at 1-888-373-7888.

Vanessa Johnson, a Social Services Supervisor in Adult Services at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, discusses job opportunities as a social worker. 

Dear Life Warriors, Dynasty is a service-focused Social Worker and Program Director with a strong commitment to serving the needs of disadvantaged youth and adults, including homeless, emancipated youth, and special needs populations. Dynasty is a  locally known African American Social Worker (ACSW) born and raised in South Los Angeles in a notorious neighborhood called the "Jungles," which was mentioned in the crime backdrop film "Training Day." She was born by two teenage parents and raised by my grandparents, who were affected by prevalent social issues, including domestic violence, gang activity, substance abuse, gun violence, and the criminal justice system. Dynasty graduated from Dorsey Miller High School, Cal State Northridge with a Bachelors in Sociology minor in Criminal Justice, and the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work concentrating in families and children. Dynasty is currently in the process of obtaining her clinical social worker license (LCSW). At the age of 23, she became the CEO and Founder of a (501c3) community-based non-profit organization called Dynasty's United Youth Association that provides free educational, career, and mental health programming to at-risk youth ages 5-18 for the past eight years. Additionally, she is on the Empowerment Congress South East Neighborhood Council board as the Vice President for District 8 region. Also, she has been nominated for appointment to the Commission for Public Social Services for District 2- Holly Mitchell's office. Dynasty is not only a leader in her community but has been nominated for the Inspiration Women's Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility by the LA Times, Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll, and the Daily Point of Light Awards. Purchase Char's journal: https://www.amazon.com/30-DAYS-NEW-YOU-JOURNAL/dp/0578726572ABOUT DEAR LIFE WARRIORS (DLW): Dear Life Warrior's mission is to empower people of color with unyielding tenacity to hang on until destiny is fulfilled. Our vision is that everyone that watches Dear Life Warriors will have a great understanding that the Journey of Life is a process, and if a process is to be fruitful it will take determination to reach completion.#dearlifewarriors #lifecoachingtips #blackentrepreneurs #womenentrepreneurs #womenempowerment

With disruption a near constant, project leaders must be able to solve complex problems in uncertain situations. We discuss this with: Raquel Selem Moreira, design and innovation project manager at Pierre Fabre Group, Rio de Janeiro: Selem Moreira talks about breaking down complexity on projects and using design thinking to deliver innovative solutions.Marianna Sarmiento, assistant director of administration at Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Riverside, California, USA: Sarmiento shares how she's using PMI's Wicked Problem Solving framework to take her team virtual. 

Season 3 Episode 10 Welcome to Season 3 Episode 10 of Riverside County Department of Child Support Services Coffee Break Podcast with our Host Nathan Hartel, Deputy Director of Programs and Operations season finality. (0.50) a review of episode 1. (1.41) Nathan discusses the theme, Intersections and what does this mean. (2.21) Review of Season 3 and review of our Community Partners and the resources they offer. ( 3:35) Nathan reviews our new web page, and career and job resources. (4:17) Nathan shares about his interview with First5 Riverside, and the services they provide including the Family Resource Centers and the youth programs. (5:25) Nathan hopes that as you listen to the recap of these interviews you can go back and listen to them again or if you missed one to pick up a nugget of information. (5:38) Nathan also interviewed DPSS ( Department of Public Social Services) and they shared some resources for self-sufficiency, also that Child Support Participants are not exempt from their services. (6:37) Episode 5 is covered and the practical aspects of the child support program talking about visitation, custody, and timeshare and how these impact the child support obligation. Stipulations and modifications were also covered. (7:53) Episode 6 with Sahar Andrade and learning regarding the topic of Diversity, Unconscious Bias and Inclusion, how we treat our customers, and the importance of respecting one another. (8:26) Episode 7 and Supervisor Chuck Washington, and the role Supervisors play and his passion for public service, also covering new library openings. (9:43) Episode 8 Riverside County Office of Education, and the importance of literacy by 5th-grade initiative and reading to learn. Dr. Molly shared many examples of what parents can do to get kids excited about reading. (10:20) Most recent episode on Child Support Awareness Month, and highlighting the importance of the services we provide. Nathan announces season 4 coming this Fall.

In our first episode, we're chatting with Marivel Castaneda with the Community Outreach Branch at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services. She's discussing how to sign up for CalFresh, the state's largest food assistance program, and how the program positively impacts individuals and families struggling to afford necessities. 

On today's Inland Edition, Benjamin Purper, now News Director at KCBX in San Luis Obispo, has a conversation with Crystal Shackleford, Regional Manager at Riverside County Department of Public Social Services. Crystal works in the Children's Services Division and talks about child abuse and neglect. Child Abuse Hotlines: Riverside County - 1 800 442 4918 San Bernardino County - 1 800 827 8724

As we continue our Coffee Break with our host Nathan Hartel, Deputy Director of Programs and Operations of Riverside County Child Support Services. Episode 3 with (0:13) Introducing Tammi Graham the Executive Director of our community partner First 5 Riverside. (1:01) Tammi Graham the Executive Director of First 5 Riverside introduces herself and gives a brief summary of her time with First 5. (1:33) Nathan goes into discussing the number of families we serve at Riverside County Child Support Services and services provided by the department (1:51). Services include establishing court orders for child and medical support, services helping our families be self-sufficient, and the roles other agencies can play in helping with that. (2:30) Tammi gives insight on what to expect on First 5’s website. (3:15) Even though COVID impacted many individuals, Riverside County Child Support Services continues to offer services virtually. We are here for our customers. (4:06) Tammi explains how COVID impacted the services provided at First 5 Riverside. Tammi discusses how First 5 partners with other community-based organizations and how funding is still available for these resources. (5:08) Tammi gives an example of a community-based provider that First 5 helps fund jointly with Prop-10 and CalWorks. (6:55) First 5 is anticipating a return to in-home services they provide. (7:27) Nathan discusses how child support customers can obtain an appointment virtually. (8:06) Tammi discusses the history of First 5 and how she started out, and what her mission and vision are. (9:08) Information about 58 other First 5 agency’s state and local levels (11:03) Understanding First 5 and going to website First5Riverside.org. (11:54) Type of First 5 services that are available to you parents with children ages 0-5. (12:10) Do you need Medi-Cal or help feeling out the application, First 5 can help at their Mecca Valley location. (12: 40) Another resource offered through First 5 is mental health counseling, legal services, and much more. (12:56) Enhanced partnerships provide expanded resources for customers over the age of 5. (14:15). Knowing where to go and what to ask with connecting partners from other agencies such as Riverside County’s First 5, Public Social Services, and Child Support Service. (15:04) Tammi discusses the different family resources offered at their Mead Valley location. (16:10) Resources for parents and how to obtain a parenting kit. (18:27) What can a customer expect from First 5? (19:34) The role of First 5 and its relation to childcare. (20:49) Early childhood education and development. (21:08) Tammi talks about the relationship with Riverside County’s Behavioral Health and the Set for School program. (25:15) First 5 contact information. (25:43) If you see something, say something the slogan for Child Abuse Awareness month.

In this episode, Director of Public Social Services in Riverside County, Sayori Baldwin, talks with students from the UC Riverside School of Public Policy about the many programs considered social services and their role in society both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. About Sayori Baldwin: Sayori Baldwin is the Director of the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS); consisting of over 4,200 employees who are responsible for administering the following programs: Children's and Adult Services, Medi-Cal, Cal Fresh, CalWORKs, Employment Services, Homeless and General Assistance. Sayori comes with a wealth of experience within the Health and Human Services field having spent the last 30 years in a wide variety of programmatic and administrative roles that serves the most vulnerable children and adults in our communities. Sayori holds a master's degree in Public Administration. Podcast Highlights: “The Department of Social Services employs approximately 4,200 employees and serves over 750,000 customers throughout the year.” - Sayori Baldwin on the scope and reach of the Department of Public Social Services in Riverside County. “In social services, if money were reallocated, what we've been looking at is preventative and supportive services programs...” - Sayori Baldwin on the topic of what the future would look like if counties reallocated part of the budget to increase funding for social services. “I really do think that community service and preventative services should always be key in order to alleviate the problems of society.” - Sayori Baldwin on the topic of how to help citizens and build a better society in the United States. Guest: Sayori Baldwin (Director, Department of Public Social Services, Riverside County) Interviewer: Maddie Bunting (UCR Public Policy Major, Dean's Chief Ambassador) Music by: C Codaine https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Minimal_1625 https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Xylo-Ziko/Phase Commercial Links: UCR Water Seminar Series - Maura Allaire Registration Page https://spp.ucr.edu/mpp Resources: http://dpss.co.riverside.ca.us https://c4yourself.com/c4yourself/index.jsp Apply for Social Services Programs: (877) 410-8827 Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: (800) 442-4918 Elder/Dependent Abuse Hotline: (800) 491-7123 This is a production of the UCR School of Public Policy: https://spp.ucr.edu/ Subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode. Learn more about the series and other episodes via https://spp.ucr.edu/podcast.

Charity Douglas with the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services is an interim assistant director in the Department’s Children’s Services Division. She came on the program to remind everyone that because kids are out of school and families are isolated at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, children’s advocates are raising awareness about child abuse and ways to prevent it.

Welcome to Episode 146 with Kelvin Driscoll, a Democratic candidate to represent the 38th District in the California Assembly Kelvin Driscoll is someone who understands what it takes to commit to serving the public. He has spent the majority of his adult life working in public service. Originally from Lakewood, California Kelvin says he was encouraged by his parents to always work hard and give back to others. He studied both at the University of Southern California and the American University in Washington, D.C. and eventually earned his Master's in Public Administration as well as a Master's in Social Work. Kelvin's career in public service began as a staff liason on behalf of then-California Assembly Speaker, Karen Bass. He then moved on to working in the non-profit sector assisting the homeless. Later he became part of the staff of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Currently, Kelvin works as the Program Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services where he helps server more than 10 million residents in 88 cities. He currently lives in Santa Clarita with his wife, daughter and dog. Kelvin is fun to talk to. He is enthusiastic about public service and it shows when you speak to him about it. When I met with him, we talked a lot about the homeless situation in this state and what can be done to rectify the problem. I found him to be extremely articulate and knowledgeable about the issues which will face the next representative for the 38th District. Click on the link below to watch a video of the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45js_doThrw

Episode 8: Academic Advising - Partnering for Student Success This week we’re going to be discussing the College’s advising model.   In the September President’s Update, Susan Hawkins-Wilding discussed the new advising model as well as a brief evolution of advising at Ivy Tech. You can watch that update at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31rsfdL3Dd8.   Ivy Tech employees can download slides from and view recordings of all past Virtual Updates by logging into MyIvy, clicking the Employee tab and going to the Employee Dashboard. We’re going to dig a little deeper into the advising model today and hear from a faculty member and an advisor about the new model.   Call To Action Advising is a core element of how we at Ivy Tech help students reach their completion goals. Our first call to action - update your profile in IvyAdvising with a photo.   The second - check out the additional resources the panel discussed. Ivy Advising resources can be found on the employee and faculty tabs in MyIvy under Academic Advising and Resources.   Get In Touch! Today’s guests are: Rebecca Zauel is Academic Advisor at Ivy Tech Indianapolis. You can connect with Rebecca on linked in.  Her Profile address is www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-zauel-06603894 Justin Suer is Dean of Business, Public & Social Services at Ivy Tech Sellersburg.  You can connect with Justin on social media @Suer_Rat and with Ivy Tech Sellersburg @ivysellersburg Susan Hawkins-Wilding is Assistant Vice President for Academic Advising You can connect with Kara Monroe on twitter @KNMTweets You can connect with our Producer, Anne Penny Valentine on twitter @indypenny Reach out with show ideas, comments, or questions via twitter or at our email address - ourcollegeyourvoices@ivytech.edu. Check out show notes, listen to past episodes, and get instructions on how to access the podcast on our website at http://www.ivytech.edu/podcast. Thanks as always to Jen Edds at The Brassy Broadcasting Company. Jen provides our theme music, recording, and post production services.

Kongit is a licensed Marriage, Family, and Sex Therapist and The Founder of the Inspired Journey Counseling Center in Downtown Los Angeles. She specializes in helping women and couples get the healthy lives, lasting love and satisfying sex that they deserve.  In this episode Kongit talks about - What Sex therapy is about and why is it important What stands in the way of a healthy intimate life for most women What stands in the way of a healthy intimate life for most couples What someof the things that women and couples can do get a more satisfying intimate life How sex therapy  can really help PROFESSIONAL BIO Kongit is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA – 97773) and her therapeutic approach is eclectic, but firmly rooted in CBT, Narrative and Solution-Focused methodologies. She is an EMDR therapist and is completing advanced course work in Sex Therapy at The Buehler Institute of Orange County. Kongit is the Founder of the Inspired Journey Counseling Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Kongit earned her B.S. in Communication at the University of Southern California and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She’s been in private practice for 6 years and has worked as a coach and therapist for 9 years. Before establishing a career in mental health, Kongit worked in the First Lady’s Office of Communication in the White House, the Marketing Department at DreamWorks Films, as a Street DJ at KPWR Power 106 FM in Los Angeles, and won numerous Film, Television, and Commercial roles as an actress. She’s given her skills and unique clinical perspective to organizations including Pacific Clinics, Telecare Corporation, Chrysalis Social Service Agency, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, California State University, Long Beach, Morehouse University, and Howard University. As a leader in her field, Kongit was elected as the Membership Chair of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists in Los Angeles for a 2 year term. She has also consulted at all levels of government ranging from Presidential to local elected officials, and served as Commissioner to the Department of Public Social Services for the County of Los Angeles. She is a paneled mental health provider with Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna and Magellan in the state of California. As a published author and playwright, Kongit’s first book “She’s Worth the Chase” lead to appearances on Lifetime’s Morning Show “The Balancing Act”, The Huffington Post, The Associated Press, Ebony Magazine, and CBS Los Angeles. Kongit has also been featured in The Los Angeles Times, The Los Angeles Sentinel, University of Southern California’s magazine “The Daily Trojan” and Pepperdine University’s Magazine “Colleague”. She devotes her professional time to helping good people build great lives, and creating products they adore. CONTACT DETAILS / LINKS Website  -www.KongitFarrell.com Instagram - @KongitFarrell Twitter - @KongitFarrell Facebook  -https://www.facebook.com/KongitFarrell   If you have enjoyed this show then please leave a review.  How to leave an iTunes rating or review for a podcast from your iPhone or iPad Itunes link - http://apple.co/2xj5yud Launch Apple's Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the album art for the podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom.  Connect with Wendy Here...... Facebook - CLICK HERE LinkedIn - CLICK HERE Twitter Account - CLICK HERE Website – www.yourrelationshipspecialist.co.uk Book –‘From Surviving to Thriving in a Romantic Relationship’- Link to Amazon Email – wendy@yourrelationshipspecialist.co.uk Email me if you would like to receive my newsletter. which contains my latest news, articles and special offers.

On this finale installment of our four part series, #MujeresLead, we hear from Dolores Arredondo, Commissioner for LA County Department of Public Social Services, leader at a fortune 100 company, and long-time volunteer leader on numerous nonprofit boards. Ms. Arredondo tells us the power of harnessing your inner fire, or #chispita, for leadership. She shares with us what #faith #family and #fitness mean to her and how these three core values drive her. A mentor for Brenda, Ms. Arredondo, is also a long time volunteer of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, or HOPE, an organization she once chaired. Ms. Arredondo has a Bachelors of Arts from Wellesley College and MBA from Pepperdine University. She is a mother, wife, sister, aunt, and mentor to many, many amazing #mujeres. Please rate and review #tamarindopodcast and share this great story with a friend.

• Eleven Pond • Chemicals Made From Dirt • Glorious Din • Iggy Pop • Charlie • Mr. Flagio • Ken Laszlo • Kano • Fox the Fox • Topo & Roby • Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

Loyal listeners of The Uncertain Hour podcast may have had motivational work songs stuck in their heads (our apologies!). As you know, this season we dug deep into the story of what the heck welfare is today. Episode one featured music produced by a county welfare department in Riverside, California. We also annotated the lyrics to the first track. The album, “Work Makes the Difference,” was created to play in waiting rooms, over PA systems and as the hold music for incoming calls. After that episode, we received many requests for the entire welfare-to-work, synth-pop CD. And now, finally, after many emails with the Riverside Department of Public Social Services, we are releasing what we hope will be your summer soundtrack. Enjoy.

Department of Public Social Services facility. Talk with Doug