WBGL Community Matters

Join us for a conversation today with Rush Record and Laura Brown. They work with CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. This organization recruits, trains and oversees volunteers who serve as powerful voices for abused and neglected children who are navigating through the court system. It's all about advocating for children in your community who need care.

Dr. Sharen Ford discusses how to recognize child abuse and what steps are necessary to prevent it from continuing to happen.

John Hecker, President of Champaign County Crime Stoppers is back with us today. He'll share stories of how tips have led to the apprehension of criminals and discuss the importance of Crime Stoppers in our communities.

John Hecker, President of the Champaign County Crime Stoppers Association discusses how folks can anonymously report criminal activity, which can be funneled to law enforcement, possibly leading to the arrest of a suspect. These individuals who share anonymous tips can be given a cash reward, if their information leads to an arrest. Mr. Hecker also talks about the importance of partnerships with local entities, in order to raise awareness and support, as Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization.

Join us as we delve into the world of meteorology with WBGL and WCIA TV Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty, as he shares his expertise on storms and weather conditions.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza as we delve into the intricacies of fraud awareness, particularly during tax season.

Many women and men suffer from the pain of abortion. Laurie Haynes is the Director of Post Abortion Support at Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center. She shares some of her personal journey and the freedom she discovered through caring community. Deeper Still is a retreat designed for women and men who may be dealing with pain of past abortion decisions. Find out how you can receive hope and support through this up-coming retreat.

Cassandra Happe, analyst and communications manager with Wallet Hub, delves into the recent report uncovering the states where employers are facing the toughest challenges in hiring. She highlights key occupations in need of employees and provides exclusive insights into the hiring landscape, with a special focus on the Midwestern states.

In recent years there has been a downward spiral of mental health, specifically in teens and around 49.5 percent have been affected. How do we identify this in our home? How do we help them and get the resources we need? Listen as we discuss this important issue with Dr. Joannie Debrito, a counselor with Focus on the Family.

Abby Rexine, Admission Counselor with the University of Northwestern - St. Paul, talks with parents and students about preparing for college. From opportunities for financial aid to campus visits, today's conversation hopes to encourage high school students who are thinking about the pathway to higher education.

Wes Rowlands is a recognized and successful author, businessman, speaker and entrepreneur. He shares his story of being raised by a single mother and the great gifts she gave to him as a single, lower income parent. Wes gives insight on how to create a path to avoid "wealth killers" while also making good decisions that help one to move forward financially.

Today we welcome back Mary Tiefenbrunn, Executive Director of the Champaign County Humane Society. In this episode, we shine a light on what Humane Societies are facing currently, with many being at full capacity for dogs. We explore the reasons behind this, the challenges that come with this issue and the great opportunities for those who may be looking to adopt a dog or cat.

We're thankful for the men and women of the Illinois Department of Transportation, who work many hours, clearing our roads of ice and snow. Paul Wappel, a Public Information Officer with IDOT shares how we can make their job easier and less stressful.

Melissa Courtwright and Cedar King discuss the important work of C-U at Home, as they equip people who have little to no support to find success and a new beginning. They also share about the exciting oppurtinity ahead to raise support for their important work through One Winter Night - an evening which will provide greater empathy and awareness for the needs in our communities.

In this episode, we talk with Emily Gulliford, Program Director for Merci's Refuge. We explore the journey of resilience that women find through healing, counselling care and supportive community, centered in God's Word. Listen as we uncover the strength that arises from vulnerability and the empowering embrace of God's love through Merci's Refuge.

In this festive episode, join Morton Arboretum's Plant Manager, Spencer Campbell as he shares expert insights on selecting the best Christmas tree and essential tips for maintaining its freshness throughout the holiday season.

Scott Clarkson has served in the Marines and has also operated a safety company. He shares practical ways we can think through our personal safety, from walking out into dark parking lots to climbing ladders to hang Christmas lights. He offers ideas to get us thinking more about how we can slow down, think through the process and better insure our personal safety and the safety of others we care for.

Kyle Karsten, Development Director with the Salvation Army of Decatur, Illinois talks about their mission, to Love Beyond. This is an important time of the year as friends, organizations, churches and ministries come together to support the work of the Salvation Army. Find out how to serve with the red kettle drive and hear about exciting events happening through the Salvation Army.

Mara Thompson is today's guest. She's the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois. She talks about the importance of having working smoke detectors in your living space, and how these devices save lives. She encourages maintenance and battery changing to be done around the Daylight Savings time change and encourages listeners to reach out to the Red Cross if they have questions or are in need of a smoke detector.

Join us as we sit down with Erika Brown, a remarkable woman who embarked on a journey, along with her husband and kids, to be part of a new church plant in a city far away from home. She shares how she left her career to pursue real estate. Her story is a testament of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of financial freedom. As a homeschool mom, Erika found herself seeking a better work-life balance and greater financial independence. Through real estate investment, she not only achieved these goals but also discovered a newfound passion - teaching women of color how to also find financial freedom through real estate investments. Tune in and prepare to be motivated and inspired as Erika answers important questions about home purchasing and gives encouragement to someone who might have interest in real estate investing.