The Gifts That Give Hope Podcast Jenn Knepper

In today’s episode we’re in the studio with Christina Duncan, the Executive Director at Milagro House, a group home for women and children that emphasizes educational advancement to achieve greater economic opportunities. Since its founding in 1998, Milagro House has helped nearly 2,000 women achieve their education, live independently in affordable homes and apartments, and become proud, contributing members of their community.

On today’s episode, we have Valentina Ross and Rachel Helwig from Church World Services in the studio to discuss the services CWS provides for newly arrived refugees, and why Lancaster has earned the title “America’s Refugee capital.” 

Today I’m talking with Lee and Marcy DeReemer from Lifecycles, an after-school cycling program that provides physical activity and life skills training for teens during their crucial years of development and opportunity. On today’s show we’ll discuss how mentorship and achievement in Lifecyles brings out the best in teens and their families.

Today we’re talking with Amy Thurston, founder of "Hope Inspire Love", a non-profit that fights sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through Outreach & Awareness, Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Mentorship.

Today we’re talking with Risa Paskoff, the executive director and one of the founders of Aaron’s Acres. Also joining us is Melissa Rasovich, whose son Matty has been a camper at Aaron’s Acres for eight years. 
For the parents of children and young adults with medical and developmental disabilities, sending them to summer camp is not easy. 
Depending on the nature of a disability, many camps cannot provide the care necessary for a child to be safely away from their parents or caregivers.
This scarcity of options is what motivated Risa Paskoff and a group of parents to create Aarons Acres, a summer camp staffed with medical and behavioral professionals which provide differently abled children with the socialization and fun every kid deserves to experience.

Today I’m talking with Kim McDevitt, the Executive Director of Mental Health America of Lancaster County. We’ll be discussing the services and support they provide to individuals and families in need across Lancaster, advancing MHA’s mission: promoting optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support.

Learn how MHA of Lancaster is working hard to provide services, especially during these difficult times.