Houston P. A. hosted by Laurent

Lisa Tynan is the marketing and special events specialist for Houston PetSet. We celebrate their 20 years of service to Texans by discussing the great success they have had lobbying our city and state government to enact more humane laws. They also offer free chip and vaccine services and we explain how important it is to do this with our pets. And we always talk about their pet transports. They have sent opver 10,000 cats and dogs to states up north so they could be adopted. Their websites have great videos you should check out. They’ll fill your heart with hope and joy! Go to www.houstonpetset.org and also consider donating a few bucks. They’re doing great work.

Sylvia Villalpando is the Homeowner Services Associate Director for Houston Habitat for Humanity. Their success is in large part due to their “Sweat Equity” program, which requires potential homeowners to take financial management classes and to put in some work in helping others with their home needs. We also discuss how Houston Habitat chooses applicants and how they buy land to build houses. They need volunteers and we also discuss the great help they’re getting from big companies in Houston. Go to: www.houstonhabitat.org

Jacque Daughtry is the CEO of Literacy Now and Jacklyn Wilson is their chief Operating officer. Only about 30% of Houston Area 3rd graders can read at their 3rd grade level when they are pushed into 4th grade. This condemns these kids to a life of poverty and, probably, petty crime or worse. That’s what the data tells us. Literacy Now helps those kids catch up to their reading level and it works because there is nothing wrong with the kids! It’s how we allow our public education system to fail them that is wrong. Other programs Literacy Now operates help them achieve this goal: Reading Intervention, The Reading Express and the crucial Parent Partnership because without the parents participating, it’s harder to get the kids to learn. You can volunteer and donate here:www.literacynowhouston.org

Anne Marie Blacketer is the CEO of Lupus Texas Gulf Coast. Lupus is still a relatively unknown disease to most and raising awareness is how we can create more research opportunities. The disease affects black women disproportionately and we still don’t know the cause, nor is there any cure. Lupus Texas Gulf Coast offers support to those living with Lupus, including a summer camp for children that is held at Camp For All in Burton, TX. It’s designed to engage kids between the ages of 5-15 who have lupus. Check out their website: https://www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast

Sonja Gee is the President & CEO of Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM). They never dropped the ball during the pandemic. They kept their doors as open as legally possible and continuing their services uninterrupted. They are launching a new program: the Innova Community Business Academy, designed to to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses in poor communities. Their first graduating class was a great success and they are already expanding which means over twice as many graduates in 2024! MAM also has a great Literacy Advance program and that is on top of all their services supporting in need of long term support. Go to: www.mamhouston.org

Neha Agrawal is a clinical pharmacist at Legacy Community Health and Jose Romero is their Director of Therapy Services. Legacy Health Community Health provides mental health assistance from prescriptions to psychotherapy. Patients are followed and connected to the right providers. We also discuss the misuse diabetes drugs like Ozempic, which people are taking to loose weight. We also discuss the great risk of buying prescription drugs online. Go to www.legacycommunityhealth.org for more information on their holistic programs available to all.

DeJuana Jernigan is the CEO of Arms Wide and this time, she brought some friends. Laura and John Preble are foster parents for Arms Wide and they are living examples of how rewarding fostering can be. They also explain that with the help of Arms Wide, becoming a foster parents is doable for any couple. You just need to want to do it and Arms Wide will help you. The Prebles share their moving stories of loving foster babies and how they get help from Arms Wide. (They choose to care for very little kids but you can choose to foster older kids it’s that’s what you have in mind.) From the terrific training Arms Wide offers to the constant support of case-workers, foster parents are actually the head of a team. They are never alone in dealing with the children, no matter their needs. It’s an incredible organization. There is a great need for foster parents so if it’s something you’ve thought of, listen to the Prebles explain in the simplest terms how to get involved. Go to ArmsWide.org

Samantha Anchia is the Development Director for Northwest Assistance Ministries, one of our non-profits that never stopped serving the community, even at the height of COVID lockdowns. They kept their Meals on Wheels rolling for our seniors – they deliver over 900 meals every day!. They are currently helping people with the rent and mortgage assistance program, programs for our veterans and helping women escape domestic violence. They’re also doing a massive toy drive to provide a Christmas to children that would otherwise go without and they’ll be delivering Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, too.
Help them do all this by going to their website and donating what you can: www.namonline.org

Kaitlyn Dougherty is the Exhibits Development Coordinator for the Children's Museum of Houston and Keith Ostfeld (aka Mr. O), is their director of educational technology and exhibit development. As they do every year, the museum installs their Season of Sharing exhibit, a series of little houses you can visit to learn about the Holiday traditions around the world. They’re also doing an awesome grown-ups only night at the museum. Secret Night Out adults only adult night Friday the 17th and it’s your opportunity to climb their awesome tower with a margarita in your hand. Doesn’t that sound like a good time! Check out their website for info and to see all the other awesome exhibits they have: www.cmhouston.org

Erin Mills is the Education Manager for Houston Botanic Garden and Justin Lacey is their director of communications. Houston Botanic Garden is a beautiful and diverse series of biomes created to take visitors on a journey through our local flora but also take a look at plants from around the world. We discuss the right way of planting and caring for non-native species but we emphasis that for most backyards, going with native plants is the way to go. Especially if one wants to help Monarch Butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico and attract all the millions of migrating bids and pollinators that make nature so awesome to watch.
Another exhibit is “Glass in Flight” by Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri. There is a lot more going on. so check out their website to see the ever-transforming Houston Botanical Garden: www.hbg.org.

Elizabeth Elder is the founder of Steel Magnolia Moms, Tiffanie Williams is serving on then board of directors and Kate Peden is one of the founding board members and a vendor at their upcoming Magnolia Moms Holiday Market. She is a master baker and I know because I got to try her macaroons and so can you, just by going to the event on November 2nd from 11-6 pm at The Powder Keg. There will be vendors who specialize in hiring people with disabilities – or special abilities, as we like to say – and raffle baskets, great, fun people and even a signature cocktail. Magnolia Moms provides group support for parents raising children with special needs. They are a spectacular start-up in Houston’s Non-profit scene and when you hear about how successful their programs are, you’ll understand why. Go to Www.Steelmagnoliamoms.com for all info!

Rachel Poysky is Joel’s mother. Joel is living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and she is raising awareness about this rare genetic disease which affects boys. There has been some progress in the past decade but a lack of awareness of the disease means there is great need for funds and new research. Current progress show that with research, a cure could be found and we talk about the quality of life for those living with the debilitating disease that weakens muscles, including the heart. While you listen to this compelling conversation, go to www.coachtocuremd.org and consider giving a few bucks. It makes a difference.

Retired Lieutenant General Doug Owens is the CEO of the Lone Star Flight Museum, one of the most fun museums in town. Their regular exhibits are beautiful Warbirds and machines from the Space age (in the new Space Gallery) and they’ve acquired a new MaxFlight flight simulator you can “ride.” It’s on a Gimbal and will twist and flip you around as you control an airplane or ride a roller coaster. On September 23 they are celebrating girls in aviation and they’re having the Hanger Bash on Saturday Sept 30. We talk about how important aviation has been to Houston and have fun relating experiences flying in old planes – which is also something you can do. Check out their Warbird Rides on: www.lonestarflight.org

Dr. Paul Gerson is the founder of the Periwinkle Foundation and Doug Suggitt is their executive director. They are celebrating 40 years of serving children who are fighting cancer. They’ve built an amazing camp for these special kids and their families. It’s a full-fledged medical facility as well, allowing campers to continue their chemo or receive whatever care they may need while enjoying a most American pastime: summer camp. They are also behind the iron Sommelier event, their big fundraiser which is on November 9th. While you listen to Dr. Gerson tell us how he founded this Org, go their website and see their life-changing work: www.periwinklefoundation.org

Dr. Robert Hilliard is the CEO of Legacy Community Health and Chinelo Nweke is their operations director for senior care. Senior care is one of the expanding areas of services Legacy Community Health has been deploying lately. Expansion is in fact the name of the game as they will also open 3 new clinics in schools. Dr. Hillard also explains how they are implementing value-based healthcare which includes keeping up with patients and helping them stay on their therapies. You can help them reach even more people by donating here: www.legacycommunityhealth.org

Keith Ostfeld, aka Mr. O, is the director of educational technology and exhibit development for the Children's Museum of Houston… at least officially. He’s really their resident mad scientist and he’s hellbent on thinking up of fun ways of teaching kids. That’s the best thing about the Children’s Museum of Houston: it’s a ton of fun, it’s the biggest, most awesome playground in town but it’s first and foremost an educational institution. It’s basically the coolest school in town. The kids won’t even notice they’re leaning useful concepts! Check out their website and see if your kids aren’t interested in visiting: www.cmhouston.org

Walter Ulrich is the CEO of Medical Bridges (and a US Marine) and Akinyi Adoyo is their marketing manager. Medical Bridges has clinics built inside of shipping containers! These awesome portable clinics have plumbing, beds, and the tech necessary to perform all sorts of medical exams and procedures. Built by Texas A&M students, they are then shipped to poor communities to serve people who would otherwise have little to no access to healthcare. Medical Bridges also ships tons of surplus medical equipment and Akinyi explains how this process takes place. They have the complicity of our medical centers which are very generous. You can help them do more by going to: www.medicalbridges.org. You can donate, volunteer and just spread the word.

Oli Mohammed is the founder and executive director of The Houston Furniture Bank. You should visit their second hand store where you can buy furniture from major brands at unbeatable prices. It helps to fund their programs. 300,000 kids in the Houston area don’t have their own bend and countless are literally sleeping on the floor. The Houston Furniture Bank helps to bring a little comfort and dignity to their lives. After expanding into Montgomery County, they are now serving Fort Bend County and we talk about the inception of that program. They also operate a matters recycling business that donates thousands of brand new mattresses every year. It also employs ex-convicts. It’s a successful program giving men worthy of a second chance their crucial fist job out of prison. Go to www.HoustonFurnitureBank.org and check out their Adopt a Family program!

DeJuana Jernigan is the CEO of Arms Wide. They provide adoption, post adoption and fostering support to families in the Houston area. We discuss the long processes of adoption and foster care and the consequences to the children in the system. Open Arms helps to protect the children by supporting them and their family and that include partnering with other Organizations. We discuss post-Adoption and post-Permanency programs and the need for new foster families. They have a lot great resources online:www.armswide.org

Kenyetta McGowens is the Program Administrator for Civic Hearts and Marcus Brewer is their development director. Previously known as Change Happens, they help at-risk youth excel in school, stay out of jail and get into great jobs. They also help families deal with hardships like HIV treatment (and prevention) and connecting folks with mental health professionals. They have been successful at helping people break the cycle of homelessness. They placed over 5,800 youth in after-school and summer enrichment and prevention programs and you can help them reach even more by going to their website: www.civicheart.org. They need volunteers – especially males to mentor boys and young men.

Brian Carr is the chief advancement officer for Northwest Assistance Ministries. They currently have a record number of people in need of their services. Homelessness and hunger have become much bigger problems in the past few years. They help people with rent and mortgage assistance and offer learning and vocational training. They also serve over 900 meals a day to our elderly neighbors through their Meals on Wheels program. You can help them serve even more people by donating and volunteering: www.NAMonline.org

Kevin Hattery is the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. They are gearing up for the best summer camps available to Houstonians. Not only is it just $25 for the whole summer, it’s convenient because of all their locations and you’re free to drop in and out of the programs. Going to visit Grandma for a few weeks? Drop back into the program when you get back! We also discuss literacy & math and helping children to keep up with their learning during the summer lull. Their workforce readiness programs help older students obtain valuable on-the-job experiences. They’re one of the best Orgs in town to support: www.bgcgh.org

Dirk Van Tuerenhout is the Curator of Anthropology for the Houston Museum of Natural Science where they have re-opened the John P. McGovern Hall of The Americas. This ever-evolving exposition explores the history of all America’s people and we discuss how we know that they walked to the Artic over coastline which don’t exist anymore. We also talk about how much of our indigenous history is lost when languages aren’t passed down and how the museum is currently recording people to preserve their ancient cultures. It’s a growing collection of oral history. Go to www.HMNS.org to discover this exceptional museum.

Allison Rosen is the director of project Echo at the American Cancer Society. She is also a survivor of colorectal cancer and she is a member of the Colon Cancer Coalition and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. She is spearheading Project Echo which collects evidence-based strategies to improve cancer outcomes. All their resources are available to free online and they will even help you connect to doctors and support groups, no matter where you are in the world. They advocate early detection and now, colonoscopies are available through insurance for people 45 and up. We discuss why the age was lowered from 50 and how Project Echo helps to raise awareness and therefore, helps to save lives. Go to www.Echo.cancer.org

Jacque Daughtry is the CEO of Literacy Now and we talk about how we are hopeful that great teachers and increasing awareness will solve the monumental problem of illiteracy in Houston. Only 3 out of 10 3rd grade students can read at their grade level. Those who are already behind (70%) are not likely to ever catch up and far more likely to end up as dropouts and convicted criminals. Literacy Now sends paid teachers into school to tutor kids and bring them up to speed and guess what? Their success rate is absolute. There’s nothing wrong with the kids, we have the great teachers we need but when it comes to literacy, our society is simply blind to the problem and you can help by donating and volunteering: www.literacynowhouston.org

Lisa Tynan is the marketing and special events specialist for Houston PetSet. They lobbied our state government to improve the lives of pets but changing the minimal legal requirements for care. We discuss what those changes are. They also organize “pet transports” to northern cities that have empty animals shelters, thereby giving Houston strays a new life with good families. Go to www.houstonpetset.org to watch some of their animal transport videos. They will fill you with joy! They also help organize reduced-cost pet adoptions, spay / neuter / microchipping clinics. All info is on their website.

Claudia Gee Vassar is the president & general counsel for Houston Botanic Garden. They opened during the pandemic and are still one of the best kept secrets in Houston. You can walk around the beautifully designed biomes of The Global Collection Garden. Discover 3 acres of themed tropical, subtropical, and arid zones where you can admire plants from around the world that flourish in Houston’s climate. They also have a cool downloadable (or printable) scavenger hunt. Go to: www.hbg.org They are currently showing Steve Tobin’s Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks, a beautiful sculpture garden.

Scott Arthur is the director of public relations for the Star of Hope Mission. We talk about their many successful services helping homeless people get back into productive lives free of substance abuse and violence. They're holding their annual banquet: "Believe" on February 10 and one of the world's greatest gospel singers is performing. We explain why we won't say her name on the air and it's a fun way to encourage you to discover who it is by going to: www.sohmission.org. There are still tickets available for this exceptional private concert.

Dirk Van Tuerenhout is the curator of Anthropology for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. In this wide ranging interview, Dirk tells us about how tombs are uncovered around the world, how people figured out how to embalm the dead, how artists help scientists reveal what our ancestors look like and how the museum is home to some of the most beautiful fossils in the world, including a full-sized T-Rex and a Pterodactyl. Dirk also shares his opinion about all constant fascination behind the legends of Atlantis and demonstrates that the archeology we can explore and learn from is far more interesting. Go to www.HMNS.org.

Kathleen Havens is the director of curriculum & content for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. They have created a new exhibit: King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience which will allow you to experience what archeologists found when they opened the tomb 100 years ago. You'll get to see what it looked like with some of the burial chambers reproduced at full scale and you'll be able to touch meticulously created replicas of the masks and tombs. HMNS is also showing
Trains Over Texas, a miniature o-gauge train exhibit the size of a tennis court! Go to www.HMNS.org

Scott Arthur is the director of public relations for the Star of Hope Mission. They have been serving Houston's homeless for over 115 years and if you donate just $2.80, you give them the power to serve a full meal. They have great power with our help! They have a Christmas catalogue to make donations easy and these acts of generosity are wonderful Christmas gifts you should consider.
Scott also shares examples of success like the homeless veteran who – before becoming homeless - had had tea with the Queen of England. Star Of Hope's programs helped him out of poverty. Go to www.sohmission.org as you listen along to read more about this great Houston institution.

Sonja Gee is the President & CEO of Memorial Assistance Ministries. They help families obtain what they need with long term support. Starting with basic needs and benefit enrolment help and being there through employment services, financial empowerment and more. They also help with mental and physical health and Sonja explains how COVID changed their operations and how volunteers are harder to keep around. They're going to be busy this holiday season so if you want to donate or volunteer, go to: www.mamhouston.org

Dr. Hanh Trinh is a Team Physician and the Education Liaison for Houston Hospice. Houston Hospice is the only non-profit Hospice in the Houston area. They offer compassionate, end-of-life care for families across 13 counties. We discuss how to talk about our loved ones and how to be compassionate with people who are experiencing recent loss during the holidays.
On December 1st they are holding The Trees of Light Annual Event. They have arranged 100,000 lights in their beautiful garden and all are welcome. Visit www.houstonhospice.org

Felicia Broussard is the Chief Development Officer for Covenant House Texas and Sean Maher is the chair for Sleep Out: Executive Edition. He is also a partner RCH Energy. The Covenant House Sleep Out is an international movement of folks who sleep outside for one night to raise awareness about youth homelessness. Felicia details the powerful programs which are helping youth get and stay out of homelessness. They have also raised over $36 million for a new facility which will double the number of clients they can house. They also a free clinic offering help to youth – no questions asked. Got to www.covenanthousetx.org

Walter Ulrich is the CEO of Medical Bridges and Akinyi Adoyo is their marketing manager. They describe how Medical Bridges is able to distribute donated medical supplies (most are from our medical center) to impoverished regions all over the world. Their mission is even larger than that as they are able to assist in times of crisis. They have sent help to the US when it was necessary and there was an awesome and surprising mask exchange between them and a city in China. People helping people always produces great results.
Akinyi also tells us how she became a Texan which is a cool story unto itself.
Go to www.medicalbridges.org

Devon Anderson is the CEO of Justice Forward. They help people recover their lives while they work through Specialty Courts programs. They help to break the cycle of incarceration by supporting them through these programs: overcoming addiction, securing housing and employment and staying away from past criminal relationships. These programs are very successful in helping individuals re-integrate into working society. Over75 % of them do not go back to prison and remain gainfully employed. We are talking about true rehabilitation and Houstonians can help fund these program here: www.justiceforwardtx.org

Our friend Steve Lufburrow is president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Houston and with him is Barbie Parker, their vice president of Fund Development and Public Relations. The pandemic hasn't slowed Goodwill down as much as you might fear. They moved all their services online, making them even easier to access. In person or online, Goodwill's services are free. They implemented Employability 12 week program – paid !- training program for people with employment barriers. The 2022 Moreton Achievement Awards Luncheon. Honored Rebecca Johnson, an extraordinary woman with a incredible story to share.
Go to www.goodwillhouston.org and consider making a donation. Their services are among the best in the world.

Dave Moss is a McDonald's Owner and Operator and founder of Hire Houston Youth. Juliet Stipeche was the Director of Education for the City of Houston when we talked about the inception of this very successful program which was born out of tragedy, Dave explains how a friend's legacy turned into one of the major job events of the year for young Houstonians. They next big job fair is at the George R Brown Convention Center on June 11th from 10AM to 2PM. All you have to do is show up!
Hundreds of companies are participating in the year-round programs and there are currently well over 13,000 job and internship opportunities on their job board.
Go to www.hirehoustonyouth.org for more information.

Anne Marie Blacketer is the CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. Lupus is a rare and currently incurable disease that is not benefitting from much media exposure nor is it receiving enough research funding. The Lupus Foundation is changing this by creating support groups and sharing advice on how to alleviate Lupus symptoms. Staying active, taking medicine (although there are currently very few options), staying out of the sun and diet are all important considerations. We also discuss the cruel nature of Lupus which is difficult to diagnose. Often, people suffer for years before being properly diagnosed.
The Lupus Foundation online: www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast

Christine Holland is the CEO of Rebuilding Together Houston. They are Disaster Recovery Experts they celebrating serving the Houston area for 40 years. They help the most vulnerable among us (the elderly, veterans and others fallen on hard times), with repairs to their homes. Making homes safer, more comfortable and more prideful is their mission. We discuss the importance of homeowner's pride and how their army of volunteers are making enormous improvements to the lives of the people they serve. Volunteering is simple and fun and you don't need any construction experience. Anyone can help out. Go to www.rebuildinghouston.org to get involved.

Jacque (Jacky) Daughtry is the executive director of Literacy Now. Since the pandemic has accelerated the decline in reading abilities among children, Literacy Now has created programs to help kids keep up with their reading levels. From Lunch Brunch Mentoring, Parent Partnerships and the Reading Express Mobile Classroom, these highly successful programs are powered by volunteers. Literacy Now is also sharing their curriculum with other organizations. They keep evolving their programs as the need changes. Go to www.literacynowhouston.org if you'd like to volunteer or donate.

John Huckaby is the CEO of AIDS Foundation Houston. We discuss the beginning of his tenure which coincided with the beginning of the pandemic and how they kept their programs going during lockdowns. There is great news about treatments, including the free B.E.S.T. Box, an at-home HIV Testing kit, STI treatment, the PrEP program which is a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis treatment that comes in a daily pill that help at-risk patients avoid infections. Finally, the amazing Camp Hope which gives a normal camp experience to kids living with HIV. Go to
www.afhouston.org for more info.

Rana McClelland is the President and CEO of Houston Hospice, and Dr. Elizabeth Strauch is their medical director and vice-president medical affairs. They offer a beautiful and hopeful picture of what it is like to work in hospice care. Houston Hospice is a nonprofit organization that provides uncompromising, compassionate, end-of-life care to patients and families across 13 counties in Texas. Since 1980, they have served patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, with or without insurance. They follow a Nonprofit Hospice Model which includes a Pediatrics program, grief support and Veterans care. Go to www.houstonhospice.org

Barry Ward is the executive director of Trees For Houston. They will plant 1 million trees in Houston in the next decade and we discuss how this is made possible in one of the most philanthropic cities in the world. Houston's can-do attitude is like a superpower.
We also discuss how planting trees restore some natural habitat for the billions of migratory birds who stop over in our area every year and how green spaces improve well-being. Houstonians can also get a tree to plant on their property for free. The application process is very easy. Go to: www.treesforhouston.org

Adam Farris is the founder and President of Younique Abilities and an autism advocate. He lives with Tourette syndrome and autism and he talks about how his company gives opportunities to people living with special abilities and how his dad helped him overcome Tourette by taking him out in public when he was young.
With Adam is his dad, Anthony Farris, who is a case manager for Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos. He is also certified in metal health first-aid and a peer-recovery support specialist. Anthony discusses how Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos helps parents break the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive residential and family support programs for the long term. The goal is to help them thrive for good.
Got to www.casahope.org for more info and for Adam's company: www.youniqueabilities.com

Walter Ulrich is the CEO of Medical Bridges and he has vivid stories to tell of operating a non-profit dedicated to exporting medical care to the poorest corners of our planet during a pandemic. He starkly contrasts the challenges of operating in a pandemic versus in normal times. The troubles in our shipping supply chain is literally preventing Medical Bridges from saving lives.
Because the USA's medical community generates nearly $9 billion in surplus product every year (much of it makes sense, as we discuss) but with the help of Medical Bridges, Houston Hospitals can save the surplus and help it save lives in places where there aren't any clinics. In fact, one of the coolest actions Medical Bridges can take involves sending a "Clinic in a Box" built by A&M student. www.medicalbridges.org

Sean Maher is the co-chair for Sleep Out: Executive Edition for Covenant House Texas. He is also a Partner RCH Energy and is the demonstration of how citizens can help their community. The Covenant House Sleep Out Executive Edition is an international movement of individuals sleep outside in the same conditions as the homeless so participants can raise funds and awareness for homeless youths. Sean tells us how his first experience was eye-opening, even if he knew he would be going home after the event. He got a strong impression of the despair the youths experience.
Covenant House is a network of shelters that provides safety and support to homeless young people in more than 30 cities across the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Sleep Out: Executive Edition is on November 18th. Go to ww.covenanthousetx.org for more info.

Maisha Colter is the CEO for Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA). She brings a message of hope during the immense surge in crime that has come with the pandemic and the lock downs (domestic abuse is up %40 in the Houston area) but help is available. No one deserves to be abused and we can know the signs – especially isolation. Through education we are able to help each other. However, it will come down to the victim to decide to actually leave the violent relationship and a survivor is at the greatest risk of death at the time of leaving or right after leaving. We discuss how AVDA can help them make a plan to leave as safely as possible and remain safe.
Call 713-224-9911 for immediate help or visit www.avda.org.

Sargent David Miller of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office tells us about the 5th Annual Sharing is Caring Food Drive on October 30th. He founded this food drive which has been a great success. It benefits Mission Northeast which offers job training, adult GED and ESL classes onsite, Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions, monthly home delivery of food and other assistance for senior and disabled persons and much more.
Go to www.missionne.org for info on their programs and check out www.mctxsheriff.org for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office website which has information on how the event is unfolding.

Every day, hundreds of inmates are released from prison in Houston. They often have no place to go, only the clothes on their backs, and $100 to their names. The pandemic made this re-entry into free life even more challenging, which is when services like CrossWalk Center step in to help. They help returning citizens rebuild their lives by giving them the tools to break the cycle of recidivism. They get help finding a home and job and how to keep them. It's also a supporting community where they can make some good friends, away from their past lives and crimes. Go to: www.crosswalkcenter.org to help their mission.

Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust are co-presidents of Houston Petset. They advocate for Animals and their right to live free from cruelty. It's a big problem in Houston where stray dogs are the number one cause for people to call the police. There are so many neighborhoods in our city where people can't get to the bus station, kids can't play in the street, all because stray dogs make it too dangerous. We are not being responsible about keeping the population of strays under control and all it takes is responsible pet owners to spay and neuter their pets.
Strays are often living is squalid conditions. They are famished and in pain because they are also victims of cruelty. And while our shelters are so full that the city of Houston pays $500 to euthanize a healthy, adoptable animal taken into a shelter, up in the North East, shelters are empty. That's why Houston Petset has a program to bus healthy, spay / neutered animals to forever homes in states like Wyoming. The cost of screening, spaying and neutering these animals and then driving a bus load of them to good homes across the country: $100 per animal. That's $400 less than killing it here in Houston.
If it keeps happening, it's because the issue is not well known nor discussed openly. Let's change that. Go to: www.houstonpetset.org

There are over 1 billion people who need eye care and OneSight is building vision centers around the world to help them. They have built permanent, sustainable clinics which train and employ locals in countries like The Gambia, Rwanda, South Africa, China, Vietnam and many more . The result is that the solution becomes locals helping their own neighbors. OneSight also sends technicians and doctors all over the world with all the tech they need to help and they call these "pop-up missions" Charitable Clinics. They're online at www.OneSight.org.
I also talk about the new tech at the Gulf Coast Regional Center which makes the old hemoglobin test obsolete. Gone is the needle prick on the finger!
Additionally, hear about Houston Arboretum's ArBOOretum event for kids and grownups. They're going to have pony rides, a train and a climbing wall on top of their annual Halloween market. Got to www.HoustonArboretum.org
Finally, I explain how you can enjoy audiobooks at no additional cost by borrowing them from the Houston library. And you really should! www.HoustonLibrary.org

The Gary Sinise Foundation, founded by the famous actor, helps our veterans and first responders with a variety of great programs that will give you hope! As America remembers its heroes of 9/11, I tell you how one of them was Betty Ong. Before she died, Betty Ong showed uncommon courage. She helped authorities identify the terrorists who murdered her and the rest of the passengers on her plane. She is a representation of the very best of the USA. I also pay homage to the great Jean-Paul Belmondo, the legendary French actor known internationally for kick-starting the French New Wave in "Breathless". You'll hear how he was the original Tom Cruise, a daredevil stuntman-actor-comedian.

Tom Hardwick is a consulting curator of Egyptology for the Houston Museum of Natural Science where they're world-premiering "Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs" opening on November 20, along with a newly renovated Hall of Ancient Egypt. Tom spends a lot of his time in Cairo and we talk about what it's like arranging big installations like this one. This is a major new event from the HMNS since after premiering in Houston, the exhibit will tour the world. Go to www.HMNS.org for info and tickets.

The Galveston Bay Foundation started an oyster shell recycling program to repair and preserve Galveston Island's oyster shell reef. They've harnessed the help of seafood restaurants to pick up their used oyster shell and clean them up (in the sun). Then, once they are clean, oyster shells are returned to the bay to replenish the reef. www.galvbay.org
Training service dogs and the amazing things they can do for their owners:
www.servicedogs.org
The Women's Fund is holding a fundraiser. Lara Bell, co-chair of 11th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon, tells us about the event planned for October 24. Get tickets here: www.thewomensfund.org

Jeffrey Campbell is the chief program officer for AIDS Foundation Houston. They just launched START Now, their rapid start anti-retroviral treatment project. It's designed to link people diagnosed with HIV to the right care and treatment medication within 7 days of diagnosis. It's an ambitious program they launched in the middle of the pandemic and their goal is none other than ending the HIV epidemic in greater Houston. With our help, they'll achieve this goal. www.aidshelp.org

Oli Mohammed is the founder and executive director of The Houston Furniture Bank. They are celebrating 29 years of service and despite the pandemic, they opened a new store in the Woodlands. It is estimated that 300,000 children in Houston are sleeping on the floor or sharing a bed. We feel the main problem is awareness, even amongst our political class. Oli explains how their program Adopt a Family is a way to help the poorest among us to at least sleep in a bed. They are also recycling tens of thousands of mattresses, using the material sales to fund more programs. You can volunteer or donate or just frequent one of their 2 high quality furniture store. They sell new items, too. ww.HoustonFurnitureBank.org

John Bartlett is The Children's Museum of Houston's science educator a.k.a. "Lead Geek” and he has a thing for meteorology. We therefore talk about the incredible weather system we live under and we talk about reopening the Children's Museum of Houston so kids can have some fun learning a ton of stuff at one of the safest and coolest places in town. Flow Works is flowing, the big tower can be climbed and all the science and technology stations are ready to wow and teach kids once again. There's also going to be a slew of live activities. The calendar is packed and you can see it here: www.cmhouston.org

Doug Suggitt is the executive director of the Periwinkle Foundation which supports children suffering from cancer. They organized medically responsible camps so children fighting cancer can get out, lift their moral and have a bit of a normal life. Periwinkle works with Texas Children's Hospital and they also support siblings and parents who are also going through a traumatic experience. We discuss the tremendous and positive emotional impact normal summer activities have for kids and families fighting cancer. You can find out how you can participate and donate to their mission here: www.periwinklefoundation.org

Barry Ward is the executive director of Trees For Houston. They've been giving trees away to Houstonians since 1983 – for free! All you have to do is go to their website and they'll help you get the right tree for your property and they'll even help you with planting and care. The idea is simple: native species of trees are resilient, shade-giving guardians. We discuss how they're great for water retention and absorption and how their root systems keep the ground solid and firm, even when it floods. Trees for Houston is about to open a new campus which will allow them to distribute even more trees – and they're already giving away over 20,000 a year. www.treesforhouston.org

Cissy Segall Davis is the managing director Miller Outdoor Theatre. They're online at www.milleroutdoortheatre.com and you need to see the list of awesome acts they're welcoming back to the stage. After being closed for the pandemic, The Miller is bringing back free shows (all Miller shows are always free) including: The Houston Symphony, Bobby Rush, The Ernest Walker Band, Fly Dance Company and the Houston Shakespeare Festival. All free! You can even get free tickets online a week before the show to sit in the covered area but you can also show up to sit on the lawn for any of these shows. They're been presenting world class entertainers for over 98 years. It's only in Houston that something this awesome – and free – is available to all.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is in need of blood donation and I explain why it's all right to give after getting the vaccine – it's safe for everyone and you should do it. If you've been sick, I explain why your plasma can be life-saving. www.giveblood.org
We have an animal population control problem in Houston and Houston PetSet has established Pet Transports to the Mid-West where animal shelters are empty. Our shelters are overflowing and the city of Houston has to destroy thousands of healthy animals every year. You can help them ship healthy animals to loving families. You're basically helping people adopt a pet from across the country. How great is that! www.houstonpetset.org
When was the last time you went outside in our city and you did not hear a leaf blower roaring from 15 blocks away? Cities around the country are restricting on the use of loud lawn equipment like leaf blowers. I'm in favor of such restrictions like forbidding their use after 5PM on weekends.

Walter Ulrich is the CEO of Medical Bridges, an organization which distributes medical surplus material to crisis-stricken places around the world – or in the US when a pandemic hits. They're like a strike team sending invaluable help in the form of medical equipment and supplies and sometimes, technicians and doctors. They also accept individual donations. You can donate wheelchairs, beds or dialysis machines. All equipment is checked by specialists and refurbished. They're also careful to ship equipment to places which can use them, looking for the facilities and personnel. www.medicalbridges.org

Jacque Daughtry is the executive director of Literacy Now. She explains that school closures have caused children to fall behind academically, especially very young children. It's like they've had a year-long "summer slide". Literacy Now helps little kids catch up on their reading level. They hire teachers to tutor very small groups so that each child can get personal attention. They also work with parents, recognizing how important it is for them to be involved. Parents are the ones who can surround their children with opportunities to read and learn. www.literacynowhouston.org

Becky Lao is the Executive Director at Archaeology Now. We discuss the connection between Egyptology and Agatha Christie (whose husband was an archaeologist). They are having a talk with an Egyptologist beamed in from Cairo in May and you can go to their website to watch it from any device for free. They also have tiny lectures on Youtube that make for quick bites of history. They also have real eats with their "Culinary Adventures!" which teach viewers the history behind traditional dishes like tamales while they watch how to prepare them. Go to: www.archaeologynow.org

Nelly Quijano is a McDonald's Houston owner and operator and one of the founders of the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship Program. HACER = Hispanic American commitment to education resources. We discuss the clever ideas Nelly and her colleagues used to raise funds (back in the mid-80's) and how the McDonald's corporation came in to match their fundraisers, turning it into a national success that has given away millions of dollars in scholarships. It's a great story of local citizens reaching out to their neighbors and having far more success then they thought was possible. Go to www.serasloquehaces.com.

Dirk Van Tuerenhout is the curator of Anthropology for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. They opened two new exhibits: Pompeii and Bodyworlds. They're scheduling safe-distanced ticket entries to keep capacity at safe levels. Dirk is a great storyteller and Pompeii is one of the best stories in human history. The city both destroyed and preserved by a volcano eruption is as crazy-interesting as history gets. Go to www.HMNS.org for tickets & info.

Allison Rosen is a survivor of colorectal cancer and a member of the Colon Cancer Coalition and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. She was diagnosed in her 30s and since recovering, she has been advocating for early detection. She stresses the importance of getting a colonoscopy at 50 but that people who have a history of cancer in their families should have it at 45. There are non-invasive take-at-home tests that are effective as well. By sharing her experience, Allison demonstrates the power of support groups. She now volunteers to help others fight cancer. All of those suffering from the disease - including family members - will find instant support by going to their website. It's an amazing community: www.coloncancercoalition.org\Houston

Kevin Hattery is the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston (aka BGCGH), one of our great non-profits that never let up helping the community. When the pandemic struck, they kicked into high gear so kids in Houston could keep up with their schoolwork and stay in contact with their peers – which was perhaps what was most important. With a remarkably small army of volunteers, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston distributed tens of thousands of meals to thankful families and they continue to help. We also discuss the great help they've been getting from our Houston corporations like Kroger, BP and Comcast. They made big grants to BGCGH and individuals like you and me can also sponsor a kid to attend their entire summer program by donating just $30. Go to www.bgcgh.org for more information on this awesome Org.

Becky Lao is the executive director of Archaeology Now so I get an opportunity I love: to talk about history, teaching history and experiencing history through their programs. They have a great series of micro-lessons and longer lectures on their YouTube channel. Educators should check out their Time Travelers Educator's Materials packets on subjects like Rome, the Maya and Egypt. There's also the Culinary Adventures which go into the history of everyone's favorite foods like Tamales.
www.archaeologynow.org

Emilee Whitehurst is the president and CEO of the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC). Their multi-lingual staff is about to decentralize its operations to bring help closer to those who need it most. Emilee explains how with the help of a huge grant from the City of Houston and matching donations and various reinvestments, HAWC will open locations strategically placed around Houston to help women get out of abusive situations and restart their lives with housing help. The goal is to help them become independent and their programs are very successful .
They are overwhelmed by the rise in violence due to the pandemic and now is a good time to give them our support. Small donations matter a great deal!
www.hawc.org
Domestic Violence Hotline: 713-528-2121
Sexual assault Hotline: 713-528-7273

Kelly Young is the CEO of Career and Recovery Resources, one of the non-profit that had to make a lot of changes to keep serving our community during the pandemic. They provide counseling for anyone transitioning to a new job like military veterans. They are able to help deaf and mute people communicate in order to find services and jobs. They also help people overcome substance addictions. With all these programs subject to new health regulations, Kelly discusses their "online conversion" which most organizations have had to implement. Go to www.careerandrecovery.org .

Timothy Williams is the chairman of the board of Because Education Matters, Inc. He is also the General counsel of the Pro Se Legal Studies Institute, a Paralegal Program which helps to fund Because Education Matters. They are going to launch a mobile legal clinic program. People may not even have to step out of their cars to get legal advice on questions such a drafting a will and other probate cases. Timothy ahs inspiring thoughts on how American citizens should reconsider their relationship with the justice system and consider it a useful tool they should interact with. We discuss the barriers to making this a reality. Go to www.takingbackourcourts.com

John Willis is MIAT College of Technology Houston campus president. They offer programs in Airframe & Powerplant Technician Program, Wind Energy and more. These skilled trade are for high-demand employment fields and MIAT Houston also helps its student find a job. They're having great success and riding a new wave of respect for these types of training programs. They're producing high quality candidates for highly skilled jobs. You can go to www.miat.edu for more information.

Steve Lufburrow is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Houston. They are celebrating 75 years of service to Houston which is a beautiful landmark. For 75 years, they have helped people prepare for a successful career. Whether they are transitioning out of the military, working their way out of a terrible situation or even needing a second or third chance coming out of prison, Goodwill can help with training and job placement. What's more, their stores are so successful that they guarantee the overwhelming majority of your donations will go to fund their services. They are one of the most reliable non-profits in town and we're proud of them. Go to www.GoodwillHouston.org

Theresa Piña is the vice president of operations for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, one of the coolest non-profit organizations in the USA. Their Commit For Life Program which encourages people to donate blood regularly is brilliant success. During the pandemic, they're making their mobile blood centers even safer and they're encouraging people to host virtual blood drives. So they keep adapting and serving the community. Hosting a mobile or virtual blood drive is as easy as going to their website: www.giveblood.org.

Mike Nichols is the president & CEO of Coalition for the Homeless. They've been helping homeless people get tested and treated for COVID and together with local non-profits and local governments, they've raised $65 dollars to permanently house 5000 individuals. Most of it is our federal tax dollars coming back to our area and working to help our neighbors. They are successfully "diverting" homeless people out of poverty by identifying and overcome their financial and healthcare problems. 85% of their clients are successful and exit the program – meaning they have a home and they're supporting themselves.
Mike illustrates what a powerful investment this is and the programs are being copied and other cities are fallowing in Houston's footsteps. Go to www.HomelessHouston.org and donate to this worthy cause or better yet: volunteer!

Brian Carr is the chief advancement officer for Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM). They are a community-based nonprofit, serving basic human needs to their neighbors. The pandemic has not slowed them down one bit. Their Meals On Wheels plan is going strong and in August and September, NAM served nearly 5,000 families during its 3 food distribution events. And they will be doing it again.
They are starting their annual Season of blessings during which they plan to serve over 5200 kids and their families. They will deliver turkey dinners on Thanksgiving and for Christmas, on top of the meal, NAM will give away some 15,000 gifts. All of this is coming from their volunteer and you can help.
www.NAMonline.org

Oli Mohammed is the Founder and Executive Director of The Houston Furniture Bank. On top of never closing down during the pandemic, they just opened a brand new facility in the Woodlands with a challenge for all who live there: let no kid sleep on the floor. This is a major expansion for this organization and they are able to open this facility thanks to the generosity of several other non-profits. Their mattress recycling program has now recycled 100,000 mattresses and they're just getting started. Oli mentions an awesome idea: take the tons and tons of wood used in the port of Houston to ship products and turn it all into furniture for those who have none. The materials could be shipped to prisons where prisoners would learn carpentry while serving the community they owe. It's an idea as of now but I bet Oli is going to make it happen.
Help him by checking out their programs: www.HoustonFurnitureBank.org

Becky Best is the community relations and grant manager for Houston PetSet, an organization that advocates for the safety of animals. They are also bussing and flying stray taken in by our shelters, sending them up to Northern states where there are waiting lists to adopt a pet. Houston has to put down over 200 healthy animals per week and up North, shelters are empty and people have to wait for an opportunity to adopt. Houston Petset is part of the solution. We also discuss the safety and health issues caused by stray dogs and how this is a major issue in some neighborhoods. You'll also hear how wonderful it is to become a foster home for pets. You can become a "temporary" pet owner even if you have a traveling lifestyle. Go to www.houstonpetset.org

Christine Mansfield is the marketing and development manager for the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, one of the coolest places to visit during a pandemic. Naturally full of UV and fresh air, they are about to welcome a bunch of goats who will graze the prairie. These "organic lawn mowers" like to chomp on weeds and other undesirable invasive plants so it's not just for looks or for the tourists. They also have moved their education course online and that includes great courses on how to plant native plants in your backyard to attract "super" birds like hummingbirds and owls. Their annual Fall plant sale is about to happen, too. Go to www.Houstonarboretum.org

Meredith-Leigh Pleasants is the manager of talent and school support for Good Reason Houston. They are encouraging people to become teachers by making training programs and other tools available online. They aim to reform schools in such a way that every school is high performing and full of great, talented educators. We discuss how attractive becoming a teacher can be even if you have another career going – no kidding, it's a great path. You can make the transition with ease and with the help of other educators. We also talk about the new dawn of online teaching. For more information, go to: www.goodreasonhouston.org

Mike McGuff is Alzheimer's Association's Ambassador for Texas' 7th Congressional District. Before the pandemic struck, he was supposed to go to Congress to speak with our representatives. He became an advocate after his mother died of early onset of Alzheimer's, a cruel affliction that killed her while Mike was still in his 20s. Since then, he has worked to raise awareness for the need for research (there is no cure yet) and the importance of support networks. The trip to Washington was delayed but the urgency of the need is still with us and we discuss how donations and volunteering are ways we can help.
Got to: www.alz.org/texas

Retired Lieutenant General Doug Owens is the CEO of the Lone Star Flight Museum. They have reopened with social distancing rules and their website now offers virtual tours and classes. They opened a new exhibit: Fight to the Finish, featuring WWII artifacts, pictures and personal stories of Americans who were there. They also welcomed a visitor: the only F4 Phantom II is now on display. They're about to welcome another rare bird: a restored Avenger TBM like the one George H.W. Bush flew in the Pacific. There is much to do (the simulators are re-opened!) and you can even buy Warbird Rides, one of the coolest experiences you can have, period.
www.lonestarflight.org

Lucy Coady is the campaign director for No Kid Hungry, an organization that helps provide meals to kids living in poverty. They also advocate for legislation like the federal food distribution programs implemented during the pandemic. They are also launching Dine, Shop or Share for No Kid Hungry with the help of big companies who will kick back funds to No Kids Hungry. Check out their website to see which stores participating in your area. www.nokidhungry.org

Maisha Colter is the CEO of AVDA - Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse. They are celebrating 40 years of serving Houston. They have helped over 100,000 survivors of domestic violence being new, successful lives by providing free legal representation through protective orders, divorce, child custody, child support and adoption cases. AVDA has also provided state-accredited, group counseling for more than 10,000 abusers focused on personal change to end the cycle of abuse. Maisha discusses serving their clients in a time of pandemic and how it has multiplied the need for their services.
Help is available at: 713-224-9911. This is an anonymous phone call. You can also go online: www.avda-tx.org

Gaye Jackson is Houston's Lemonade Day City Director. Lemonade Day is a youth entrepreneurship program available to all children for free. All parents and kids need to do is go to the website to take part in the program. They'll learn financial literacy with the basics of running a business: supply, demand, the cost of the first and the profit that can me made from the second, it's all designed to prime kids to think independently when it comes to finances. It helps to teach people how to run a household or a business. And they have a great philosophy about making a profit: save some, spend some and share some. Go to
www.lemonadeday.org/houston

Kevin Hattery is the president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston. They have been on the forefront of educating children and parents during this pandemic and their efforts are really impressive. They are helping to deliver meals to their kids, they're keeping in touch with all of them and they have reopened their clubs by following the CDC's rule. The rules are stringent. Kevin talks about how seriously all the kids have to follow the directives and how the system works. We also talk about the future and how much will keep changing. The silver lining is that a lot of their digital programs will scale in the future and allow them to serve even more youths in the area. Go to www.bgcgh.org to support their awesome programs.

Charles Rotramel is the CEO of ReVision, an organization that works to break the cycle of isolation among disconnected youth caught up in the juvenile justice system. They do it by matching youths with volunteers and these days, these volunteers are serving meals 5 days a week to keep in touch with their clients. They've served over 6000 meals since the start of the pandemic shut down. The program works. Youths matched with a ReVision mentor are far less likely to get into trouble again. They are getting what they need most: grown ups to show them the way and who don't give up on them.
Go to their website to learn more about this awesome program: www.houstonrevision.org

Bob Stokes is the president of the Galveston Bay Foundation and Haille Leija is their Habitat Restauration manager. The first Annual Houston Oyster Festival is on April 4. It'll be a day of great Texas seafood, and an opportunity to learn about restoring our oyster reefs and how crucial it is to good conservancy in the Galveston area. A single oyster will filter 50 GALLONS of water per day! They are crucial to keeping our gulf coast healthy and restaurants are joining in by recycling their oyster shells.
Traditionally, oyster shells are thrown into landfills. The Galveston Bay Foundation is recycling them instead and after a natural purification process, they put them back in the bay where they serve as a bed for new living oysters. It's so reasonable it's fun to join in. Go to: www.galvbay.org to participate.

Julius Young is the new chairman of the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and Will Leven is a member of the board of directors of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and he serves on the Executive Committee and Chairs the Development Committee. Their Org is extremely successful in providing after school programs for kids of all background. Their sporting and fun activities they are famous for (the major sport teams in town all help them with great freebies) are actually a hook to get kids into safe after school environments where they work on homework, social behavior and the future. Indeed, their internship program is a great success.
As a proof of concept, we discuss Julius' past since he was once a member of the program. Go to www.bgcgh.org for info and consider making a donation. Big or small, it will be helpful.

Lauren Bair is the marketing coordinator for Child Advocates and Kelly St. Mary is the sponsorship director for the 32nd McDonald's Houston Children’s Festival which is happening on April 4 & 5. They're closing down several blocks of Downtown Houston for the biggest festival of its kind in this country. It all benefits Child Advocates who train mentors to help youths going through our court system.
Child Advocates go to court with these children to inform the judge on how they're doing mentally and physically and to ask for whatever need they may have. We talk about the great training program volunteers go through and we go through the lsit of awesome activities going on at the festival, including an appearance by SpongeBob Squarepants and other child-TV celebrities.
Go to www.childadvocates.org to see how you can help to change a child's life.
Info on the festival is here: www.houstonchildrensfestival.com

Elizabeth Kennedy is the director of development for the University Libraries at the University of Houston. They are creating Open Educational Resources (OER), teaching and learning resources – aka textbooks – that are published in the public domain. This means that anyone can freely use and re-purpose them. When a single textbooks can cost more than $120 and amount to over $1000 of necessary purchases for college students, many are left without the books they need. UH is incentivizing the program to compel professors to create and use open textbooks in their courses. It's been a tremendous success thus far and they're just getting started. It also has the advantage of cutting out the greedy, corrupt academic publishing industry. What's not to love!
Go to www.libraries.uh.edu for info on how you can take advantage of their system and participate in creating textbooks.

Genevieve Keeney is the president of The National Museum of Funeral History. She used to be a medic in the US Army and she is now a licensed mortician specializing in education. The National Museum of Funeral History is opening a new exhibit honoring George H.W. Bush on President's Day. There's a lot that goes into organizing a series of national funerals and we learn about the army of people it takes and why we feel compelled to celebrate people's life the way we do. The museum also has a large collection of hearses used for famous people and their permanent collection: Icons in Ash, Life-Affirming Portraits Made From Cremated Remains is among the most unusual in Houston. Go to: www.nmfh.org

Christine Holland is the CEO & executive director of Rebuilding Together Houston. By repairing homes, they revitalize communities like the Second Ward where they are currently concentrating a lot of their efforts. Most of the work done on houses is by volunteers and you should sign up to help seal the outside of a house or help install safety features. They'll train volunteers and those are two of the kinds of easy-to learn repairs we can all help with. If you're in need of repairs, call them to find out if you qualify for help:
713-659-2511. You can also visit the website: www.rebuildinghouston.org

Cristina Cave is the community relations manager for BakerRipley and she's back to talk about FREE tax preparation services. They've helped over 320,000 households with this awesome program. People qualify if they declare less than $58,000 in yearly income and they'll get top-quality, professional tax preparation advice from certified tax preparers. Cristina also cautions against signing loans against future refunds. Those go from downright dishonest to pretty shady. These loans often "kill you with fees" and it's best to avoid them. Go to www.freetaxcenters.org. Remember that they speak your language! They will find an interpreter so anyone can get help.