…and WE BREATHE, A Conversation For and About Caregivers and Self-Care with Loren Gelberg-Goff, LCSW, Author and Speaker EP: 15
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According to Loren Gelberg-Goff, LCSW, ask any caregiver how they’re doing, and they’ll tell you they are “fine.” But, if you take a moment, she suggests, and really ask them how they’re feeling, you’ll discover they may be stressed, full of guilt, anger or resentment---altogether not fine.
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THIS IS GRIEF, A Conversation About Love and Loss with author Tanya Detrik EP 14
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For author Tanya Detrik it was a sudden heart attack on New Year’s Eve 2018 that took the life of Wade, her partner, lover and soulmate of 26 years. With Wade’s passing everything in her life changed. Intense emotions following the death of a spouse or partner are not surprising, still she was struck by the kaleidoscope of feelings and emotions she experienced. As a gifted author and blogger, she turned to what she knows best—writing, and began capturing her observations of loss, hurt and anger.
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DIFFICULT MOTHER? DIFFICULT DAUGHTER? Or Both? A Conversation with Karen C. L. Anderson EP: 13
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Have you ever wished for a better relationship with your “difficult” mom? If you’re a daughter, like me, it’s quite likely that you’ve experienced (or maybe continue to experience) some “tension” - such a polite word - with your mom.
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Depression is Like a Cancer of the Soul A Conversation with Author Martha Rhodes EP: 12
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In 2009, Martha E. Rhodes sought what she thought would be the easy way out---36 Xanax and three shots of vodka later---she attempted to take her own life. “Suicide was the easiest decision I even made,” she told me in our candid conversation about suicide, depression and her struggle to find an alternative to the six doctor-prescribed antidepressants that failed to relieve the symptoms or her treatment-resistant depression. Today's conversation is about her journey and the help she wants others to acc
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What’s Love Got to Do With It? A Conversation with Arlene Washburn Dating and Relationship Coach EP: 11
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What’s love got to do with it, you ask. According to my latest guest, Arlene Washburn, a heck of a lot. But, it’s not the kind of love you might think. It’s not the love you find with another; it’s the love you have for yourself. As Arlene describes in our conversation, when you fall in love with yourself first, it will be easier to find the romantic love you seek.
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“Hello God, It’s Me” -- Perspectives on the Infinite Ways We Embrace Religion and Practice our Faith EP 10
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The Talking with God Project is a research project into lived religion among followers of the Abrahamic religions––Judaism, Christianity and Islam. With so much distrust of the “other” wouldn’t it be beneficial for us to better understand the nature of the similarities and differences amongst peoples--especially religious and cultural differences. My most recent guest, Méli Solomon, is an inter-religious leader who seeks to understand the range of practices amongst people walking diverse
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I’M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP, ARE YOU? -- A Conversation with Photographer, Karianne Munstedt EP 9
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Why do so many women cringe at the sight of a camera? It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s for a snapshot at the beach, a family photo or the business headshot. Very few women seem to love how they look in pictures. Why is that?
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Fighting Hate One Muslim Woman and One Jewish Woman at a Time EP: 8
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Through the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom’s growing number of chapters worldwide, Jewish and Muslim women are meeting together to build strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect with the goal of ending anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment. The idea is so simple, yet so profound: better relationships among individuals lead to better inter-group attitudes.
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Feeding Your Passion to Give Back---a Conversation with Diana Polack, Founder & Chief Change Officer at ArtWare For Good & Mission Driven Success EP 7
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Do you want to make a positive impact in the world? You’ve discovered a need and know exactly whom you want to help. How do you make that happen? Do you work with an existing organization OR do you establish an organization that feeds your passion? Where can you go for the resources and strategies to get clear on your goals and stay focused on your mission to help those you aim to serve?
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We’re in it for the Long Haul: Electing Women to Public Office---a Conversation with Sarah Preston, Executive Director, Lillian’s List.org EP 6
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Are you a progressive-minded woman from North Carolina considering a run for public office-- from town council to the United States Senate or anywhere in between? Or, do you know someone whom you believe would make a good political leader?
info_outlineTheir stories will break your heart. Jason’s is all too typical:
He was removed from his birth mother right before his 5th birthday. It was determined that Jason was at substantial risk of harm due to inadequate parental supervision and homelessness, as well as his mother’s serious mental health issues and substance abuse.
Jason was placed into a foster home. Unfortunately, Jason exhibited violent tantrums, and he was diagnosed as suffering from mental illness. He often needed to be hospitalized due to his violent outbursts which resulted in the foster parents’ inability to keep Jason in their home.
A cycle of being placed in a foster home, and then removed because of disruptive behaviors and threats to other children, was sadly repeated 14 times during the course of his case.
Fortunately for Jason, Evelyn, a CASA volunteer (Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children), was appointed by the court to advocate for him throughout his difficult journey. As a CASA, Evelyn was steadfast in advocating for his medical and mental health needs, and the in-home services that enabled Jason to settle into a permanent home.
This story has a happy ending: At the age of 10 Jason was adopted by his foster parents. Within months the foster parents relayed the good news that Jason was awarded a trophy for the “Most Improved Student” during the school year.
Evelyn’s work on Jason’s behalf is typical of a CASA volunteer.
In this episode I speak with Lisa Barsky-Firkser, Ph.d., the executive director of CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties in New Jersey. Under Lisa’s leadership, CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties has become a model for other CASA and similar organizations around the country. In our conversation, we discuss the foster care system, the CASAs’ role in the system and the ongoing work involved in finding state and private support to continue CASA’s mission.
We also chat about:
CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties’ mission to be a strong voice for the best interests of vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes for abuse, neglect or abandonment.
What it means to advocate for children in the foster care system.
Why CASAs are needed to do this work.
The difficulties in finding safe, permanent and nurturing homes for children in the system.
Working toward permanent placements for children.
What it means to “age out” of the system, the daunting challenges these adolescents face as they navigate on their own, and the efforts of CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties to support their needs.
"CASA understands that it is vital for every child to have a voice--and that every child is an individual with unique needs,” says Lisa.” “CASAs are trained and supported to be that voice for vulnerable children,” she continues. “Although public funds for this work are limited, with the generous support of private individuals and organizations, we will continue to provide the resources, programs and mentoring needed to enable the success of the children and youth we serve.”
Would you like to help a child like Jason?
Find out more about Lisa, CASA of Morris and Sussex Counties, and find out how to get involved.
Here’s where you can reach Lisa: