Starting Right, Now

08/27/21 • 48 min

There are over half a million homeless unaccompanied youth in the U.S. and almost a fifth of that number are in Florida alone. On this episode, we're speaking with Vicki Sokolik, the founder of Starting Right, Now. She shares the story of what inspired her to create the organization, which is just as extraordinary as the tireless work she’s doing to end youth homelessness.

We also chat with her son, Cameron Sokolik, who has been working with Starting Right, Now for as long as he can remember. He’s a grant writer for SRN and co-hosts Raising Me, a podcast where these remarkable youths can share their stories on their own terms. You’ll hear a few emotional excerpts from SRN students Sergio, Aja, and Lincoln too.

To learn more about Starting Right, Now, go to startingrightnow.org

To learn more about Starting Right, Now, go to startingrightnow.org

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K9 Partners for Patriots

On this episode, we chat with Mary Peter, the founder of K9 Partners for Patriots. This nonprofit is on a mission to end veteran suicide, which claims over 6,000 lives in the U.S. every year. Mary seeks to transform the lives of vulnerable veterans with the help of some very skilled, very adorable, four-legged friends.

We’ll also hear from Jimmy Tatum, an Army veteran whose life was forever changed by the organization. Jimmy shares his story with beautiful honesty, making us laugh and cry in equal measure. We hear about his time in the service, his difficulty adjusting to civilian life, circumstances that lead to getting diagnosed with PTSD, being paired with a service dog through K9 Partners for Patriots, and coming out the other side feeling grateful. Sidenote: The handsome pup in our episode artwork is Jimmy's first service dog, Remi!

To learn more about K9 Partners for Patriots, go to k9partnersforpatriots.com

This podcast is produced by WEDU PBS in West Central Florida. For more information, please visit wedu.org/unstoppable.

For information about all our podcasts, please visit wedu.org/podcasts

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Save the Manatee Club

Manatees are Florida’s state marine mammal. They’re also one of the most peaceful creatures on earth and they are facing a dire situation right now. On this episode, we sit down with Patrick Rose, an aquatic biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. We’ll hear about what is killing these gentle giants, how this organization is fighting to protect them, and many simple ways everyone can help support their recovery.

For ways to help manatees and more information, please visit savethemanatee.org.

For free boater materials we discussed: savethemanatee.org/how-to-help/free-materials

Resources for boaters: savethemanatee.org/how-to-help/resources-for-boaters

To report an injured or distressed manatee, please call 1-888-404-FWCC.