Welcome to the Riverside Project podcast! We are mobilizing Houston to empower families and transform generations. We hope these conversations give you a greater understanding of the issues facing our community and inspire you to find your place along the River. Learn more about our work by visiting riversideproject.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
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The Johnny Martin Sotelo Youth Opportunity Center is a teen Center under the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department that works with teens, ages 12-22. Outreach workers guide these teens to become the best humans they can be through connecting them to local resources that are willing to impact these youths lives. This podcast is was first created during COVID, but has continued to become an outlet and voice for many staff, volunteers, and youth to participate an ...
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There’s a story behind every structure in our world. Meet the engineers and architects who are changing communities through imagination and innovation. Speaking of Design makes you part of the experience as they transform the world, one project at a time.
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Coachella Valley Storytellers Project is a series of live storytelling nights from The Desert Sun. The Coachella Valley Storytellers Project will coordinate nights of true stories, told live, in which artists, community leaders and everyday desert residents prepare a brief, first-person story on a theme, addressing it literally or metaphorically. In partnership with University of California Riverside - Palm Desert's graduate school for creative writing and writing for the performing arts, we ...
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Uncovering the Sacred Mission in Any Vocation (feat. Doug Meikle, Star of Hope)
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46:58We often use the analogy of the River to describe how each and every one of us has a unique role to play in supporting the vulnerable children and families of Houston. One of the reasons why we need hands both upstream and downstream, helping from all sides, is because the foster care system does not exist in isolation. It’s shaped by—and deeply co…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Todd Archbold, PrairieCare
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29:57In the eighth episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, speaks with Todd Archbold, CEO of PrairieCare, a physician-led organization in Minnesota that provides specialized mental health services. Their discussion covers the challenges and successes of a private mental health organiza…
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Protecting the Vulnerable at All Ages (feat. Julie Dumalet, Archdiocese Office of Pro-Life Activities)
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51:30The term “pro-life” can be a politically charged topic. While the most common understanding of being pro-life is in regard to protecting life before birth, we had the opportunity to talk with someone who has a broader understanding of what it means to take up the charge of the vulnerable and protect life at all ages. Our guest for this conversation…
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Send us a text Hear todays guests as they share insightful and powerful tips, experiences and tools on navigating through their lives as teens. Thank you to Ana our UCRiverside PHD Candidate, friend and youth advocate for joining the podcast and always supporting the teens at the YOC.By Youth Opportunity Center
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Send us a text Our host, Terence Stewart, Tnutty the Nutty Professor as he opens up with "Turn the TV Off" in this episode with our guest speakers. What activities would you do if you turned your T.V off? Stay tuned!By Youth Opportunity Center
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Mobilizing Community Resources in Houston (feat. Alysa Elliott-Wilson, DFPS)
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47:23The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) may be most commonly associated with the act of “taking children away” from unsafe home environments. Unfortunately, this small snapshot of what DFPS does is often portrayed in a negative light in media and movies. But while the removal of children—whether it be temporary or permanent—is one o…
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Send us a text Join us this episode, as we introduce our guest and talk about life, hacks, every day activities for teens.By Youth Opportunity Center
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Nick Juliano, RADIUS
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34:55In the seventh episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, speaks with Nick Juliano, president and CEO of RADIUS, a nonprofit organization providing trauma-informed education, social and behavioral health services for youth in Omaha, Nebraska. The conversation explores how RADIUS has …
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Reflections on Raising Children in Foster Care (feat. Christian & Morgan Nichols)
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39:47When you first become a foster parent, you are likely to get a lot of advice. Some of it is extremely helpful, while some may not apply to your specific situation. When you combine the uncertainty of stepping into a new role with the fact that every child brings a completely different story to the table, it can be difficult to know exactly what to …
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How to Support Children Who Age Out (feat. Nicole Davis, Operation: Achieve Independence)
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41:07For many young adults, turning 18 is an exciting milestone—a step toward independence while still having the support of family. But for children in foster care, this birthday marks the date you age out of the system. Sometimes, these individuals don’t feel fully prepared to navigate the adult world. Often, an 18-year-old aging out of foster care ha…
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Send us a text What is Grow Academy? Let's hear from the Raincross Chronicles crew, who are hosting, and explore the opportunities available for teens in Riverside.By Youth Opportunity Center
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Send us a text What are teens interested in now of days?By Youth Opportunity Center
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A Heart of Hospitality (feat. Fr. Drew Knowles, Oak Forest Anglican Church)
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20:05During the holiday season, the concept of hospitality is at the front of our minds. However, hospitality can mean so much more than inviting family and friends to your dinner table to share a nice meal once a year. Biblical hospitality can be practiced every day of our lives—and it can be extended to our neighbors who we may not know personally. He…
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How We Come Alongside Families (feat. Kathleen Cowie & Caitlin Simpson)
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1:06:03We are passionate about not only transforming the foster care system in and around Houston but about helping others find their place along The River. This means providing key trainings, rallying community members together, and bringing awareness to how we can all be better equipped to make Houston a place where families heal and children thrive. Fo…
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Send us a text Youth Opportunity Staff Ron, Sam, Brittney, and Isaiah bring in guest speakers to discuss the teen perspective. Programs are offered via in-person registration or online at Rivreg.org - Teens in Action - Riverside County Food Handlers Card - Step Up - Basics Of Ceramics - Woodshop - Young Money Makers - Success Stories - Neighborhood…
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The Challenges of Parenting in a Transracial Adoption (feat. Julie Etter)
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58:41Transracial adoption is not a new topic to The Riverside Project Podcast. We had the honor of speaking with Isaac Etter in a past episode on this topic and today we are talking with his adoptive mother, Julie. Julie Etter is an adoptive mom along with her husband. They have five children—two through adoption and three biologically. Julie is a belov…
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Send us a text Host Bruce Hooks and guest speaker Edith Martinez delve into the practical applications of sports psychology, highlighting its ability to enhance both mental performance and athletic skills. They also explore how these psychological tools can be leveraged for personal growth and broader life improvement. This knowledge empowers indiv…
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Send us a text Ron Delcid, along with guest speaker David Stewart, delve into the transformative role mentors play in shaping success. David shares his personal journey, from dropping out of school to ultimately achieving his dream of becoming a teacher. Their powerful message: "Chase your passion, not just a paycheck." Find what you love, and let …
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Send us a text In this podcast, Natalie Contreras-Urita and Isaiah Carter offer valuable insights into fostering open communication, practicing active listening, and cultivating emotional awareness. They emphasize that both teens and parents can benefit from understanding that effective communication hinges on key elements to ensure messages are co…
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Send us a text Outreach worker Isaiah Carter brings Guest speaker Maria Rebecca Alvarado to share her experience as an immigrant learning to adapt from a third-world to a first-world country. Alvarado touches on the opportunities that are brought in the United states such as education and many more.By Youth Opportunity Center
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Send us a text Want to learn how to manage work and school? Though it can be tough, balancing life, work, and school, listen to these to speakers talk about their trials and tribulations they've encountered on their journey to finishing higher education.By Youth Opportunity Center
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You may have heard of the term Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) or trauma-informed care before, but you may not know what it is or how it can help transform how we care for children in foster care. To help us dive deeper into this topic is Mitzi McBride. Mitzi is not only well-versed in TBRI® but is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Justin Olsen and Jen Katzenstein, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
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32:21In the sixth episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, speaks with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Director of Psychology, Neuropsychology and Social Work Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein and Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Justin Olsen. Their discussion explores the importance of p…
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The Extraordinary Power of Belonging (feat. Gaelin Elmore)
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56:16“Despite all the bad circumstances that I dealt with and navigated, there were people who were meeting my belonging needs in a way that allowed me to continue to grow, learn, and thrive in spite of the things I was experiencing.” Children in foster care are often deeply longing for connection, intimacy, and relationships. How can we offer children …
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How Any Church Can Serve Those Involved in Foster Care (feat. Mireya Scholes, Atascocita Community Church)
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39:42This episode of The Riverside Project Podcast is hosted by Chandler James, our Director of Church Mobilization. We are so excited to have him in this seat today! Collaboration is a big part of what we do at The Riverside Project. It’s how we connect, share resources, communicate about the needs of families and children in foster care, and more. For…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Don Parker, Hackensack Meridian Health – Carrier Clinic
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34:33In the fifth episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, speaks with Don Parker, recently retired president of behavioral healthcare transformation services for Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. From schools to group homes to care facilities, Parker describes strategies for bo…
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The Impact of Long-Term Mentorship (feat. Brandon Denton, Friends of the Children Houston)
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44:30Do you know what the single most important factor in overcoming childhood adversity is? Research found that it is a long-term, nurturing relationship with a consistent and caring adult. Today, we are talking with Brandon Denton who has an impressive resume full of experiences and passion. Brandon was the Founding Executive Director of Friends of th…
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From the Vault: What is the River? (feat. Jason Johnson, CAFO)
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35:53May is National Foster Care Awareness Month! During this month, we’re not only raising awareness about foster care, but we are also celebrating the beautiful work of collaboration in this space. (Watch our new “As One” documentary series here for some incredible stories about the work happening in our city.) With this focus, we are revisiting the v…
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Unlocking Purpose for the Vulnerable (feat. Brian Meza, Petra Cares)
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36:28For young adults who faced significant challenges growing up, it can be very hard to successfully transition into the workforce. They may not have the resources or self-confidence to strive for a fulfilling career. As a result, they may end up unemployed or stuck in a cycle of jobs that don’t offer upward mobility. Today’s guest, Brian Meza, is tac…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: James Corbett, Initium Health
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20:52In the fourth episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, speaks with James Corbett, founder and principal at Initium Health in Denver. Their unguarded conversation dives into the top challenges and opportunities that communities face regarding behavioral and mental health — and why l…
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Navigating Transracial Adoption: A Personal Journey (feat. Isaac Etter, Identity)
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50:31Adopting children who are of a different race than your own can be a beautiful thing. But many parents who do so make one crucial mistake—they try to disregard the topic of race altogether. They may feel uncomfortable addressing this subject or think that it’s better just to ignore it. But the truth is, in order to set children up for success, you …
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Showing Up For Children in the Way They Deserve (feat. Chelsea Floro, Moses Closet of The Woodlands)
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46:48
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46:48Life as a foster parent is a constant learning process. You complete extensive training, but quickly realize that there's always more to learn. As you figure out the best ways to meet the needs of the children in your care, one thing continues to become clear—every child comes with their own unique needs. The best way to grow in how you're supporti…
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Helping Birth Parents Make Positive Changes (feat. Catherine Vannatta & Tiffany Maggret)
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50:13The foster care system’s primary goal is to serve the best interests of the families within it. Whenever possible, that means reuniting biological parents with their children. To help a family heal, birth parents need intentional support. But all too often, they aren’t given the resources they need to overcome their challenging life circumstances a…
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From Foster Youth to Social Worker (feat. Travis Hand, Texas Children’s Hospital)
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36:17It’s a joy to have Travis Hand, a Licensed Master Social Worker who currently serves as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, on our latest episode of the podcast. Once a teen struggling to navigate the challenges of growing up in the foster care system, Travis gained a strong passion for social work in college. This conversa…
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Improving the System Together (feat. Shaundricka Easley, Texas Department of Family Protective Services)
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28:56We are delighted to have the Deputy Regional Director at the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, Shaundricka Easley, on the podcast. She has been with the department for over 15 years and had various roles during that time as well as served all 13 counties across the Houston area. Shaundricka gives us unique insight from her vast experi…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Shannon Sale and Anne Hernandez, Grady Health System
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25:42In the third episode of “Listen, Mental Health Matters,” Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, talks with Grady Health System’s Shannon Sale, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and Anne Hernandez, vice president of behavioral health. Their discussion explores strategies they’ve implemented to improve acc…
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Walking with Families for the Long Haul (feat. Jenni Lord)
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42:43“Who is with them long term?” This is the question that Jenni Lord started asking after her organization helped fund hundreds of adoptions. What she realized is that the breakdown of these adoptive families often stemmed from the parents not being equipped to handle the behaviors and challenges that came along with trauma. Today, Jenni Lord is a re…
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A Dedication to Child and Family Well-Being (feat. Jesse Booher, DePelchin Children's Center)
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44:17DePelchin Children’s Center has existed for over 130 years and has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community. Their mission is to strengthen the lives of children by enhancing their mental health and physical well-being in Houston and central Texas. Jesse Booher is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of DePelchin Chi…
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Creating Safe Spaces for the Next Generation (feat. Chandler James)
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32:42It all started with a simple napkin exercise. Chandler James was asked to write his dream on a napkin. Initially, it seemed like a silly exercise but when he was finished his napkin read: creating safe spaces for the next generation. Chandler James is our Director of Church Mobilization here at The Riverside Project. He has worked in a number of lo…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Tom Kozaczynski, Compass Health
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36:42In the second episode of "Listen, Mental Health Matters," Brian Giebink, HDR’s behavioral and mental health practice lead, has an in-depth discussion with Tom Kozaczynski, chief advancement officer at Compass Health. Their dialogue covers the evolving post-pandemic landscape of mental health care and the challenges faced by Compass Health's diverse…
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Finding Success in Education for Foster Youth (feat. Dr. Danisha Keating)
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49:31Foster youth face many challenges, and education can be one of them. In fact, studies show that just 4% of children who have experienced foster care will go on to obtain a four-year college degree. Children who are involved within the foster care system also experience a higher number of school transitions, lower academic achievement, heightened ex…
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Listen, Mental Health Matters: Stacey Johnson, Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center
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25:59"Listen, Mental Health Matters" is a special Speaking of Design podcast series. Brian Giebink, behavioral and mental health practice leader at HDR, visits some of the world’s leading healthcare providers for candid conversations about the challenges they face and the opportunities to transform the patient and caregiver experience. The importance of…
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What Is International Foster Care? (feat. Krista Kesseler)
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28:29Anytime there is news related to the border or a refugee crisis, we frequently hear this question: “How does our city serve unaccompanied minors and refugees that come to our country without their parents? Does this affect the foster care community?” You may never have heard the term “international foster care” before, but this is a unique and impo…
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Offering Your Family to a Child in Foster Care (feat. Jennifer Clifford)
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40:17This is not working. What do we do next? After several infertility treatments, Jennifer Clifford and her husband, Ryan, asked themselves this question. After a discussion and an informational meeting about foster care, they came to the conclusion that God was closing the door to biological children and opening the door to foster care, specifically …
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Learning to Listen to One Another (feat. Luevenia Chapman)
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29:18There's a place for everyone in supporting children and families here in Houston. That's something we believe firmly here at The Riverside Project. Today, we have the opportunity to share our conversation with Luevenia Chapman, co-founder and Program Director for Hearts with Hope Foundation, a local general residential operation (GRO) that provides…
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Houston PEARLS (feat. Judge Susan Brown & Judge Dena Fisher)
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30:04Healing happens in the context of relationship. As Dr. Bruce Perry says, “Relationships matter: the currency for systemic change is trust, and trust comes through forming healthy, working relationships. People, not programs, change people.” Programs and services for children in foster care are helpful, but when it comes to producing long term heali…
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Keeping Families Together: Addressing Needs of Relative Caregivers (feat. Dr. Valerie Jackson)
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27:36Extended relatives, such as grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and even close friends (referred to as “fictive kin”) have always been a stabilizing force in the family system. These relationships have historically been, and are still today, a vital source of safety and permanency for children. In this episode, Dr. Valerie Jackson shares how Monar…
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Navigating Healthcare Challenges of Children in Foster Care (feat. Texas Children's Hospital)
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30:04We know from ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research that child abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction are linked to increased risk for poor social, emotional, and physical health outcomes. The Division of Public Health Pediatrics at Texas Children's Hospital was established in 2015 to prevent and mitigate childhood adversities and to prov…
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Proximity Matters (feat. Kingwood Methodist Church)
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33:00"Hope is found near the ground, in close proximity to the struggle." In this episode, Nanette Lynch and Clint Wylie with Kingwood Methodist Church tell the story of how their church began serving kids and families involved with the foster care system, and how their ministry has evolved over time. We also discuss the joy of saying "yes" to hard thin…
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Expert Roundtable on Improving the Airport Experience
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22:37As airport operators contemplate modernization and development of major programs, they face the challenge of improving the experience for travelers. How can airports create an environment that enhances travel for passengers, while still meeting their core needs? In this expert roundtable discussion led by transportation industry leader Rick Pilgrim…
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