Bridging Philly

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How tracking devices are used in domestic violence | A place of healing at Still Rise Farms Sep 07, 2024

Show notes

Domestic abusers want to have control over their victims, and often, that involves knowing where they are at all times. Tracking devices have made that easier, and devices that look like a phone charger or a child’s toy are readily available. Amanda L. Murray, Center for Hope & Safety's Domestic Violence Liaison to New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency, joins host Racquel Williams to discuss what to do if you think you or someone you love is being tracked.

If you need help with a domestic violence situation that involves technology, you can find resources at techsafety.org, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), or text “START” to 88788.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit Still Rise Farms, a retreat center started by a breast cancer surgeon to encourage healing and holistic well-being. Shara Dae Howard spends the day there fishing and learning with Camp Jill Scott.

College parents: it’s your time, too | Life on tour with the Village People Aug 31, 2024

Show notes

The transition to college can be tough for both students and parents. Whether it’s your first time moving a kid into a dorm or you find yourself with an empty nest after all your kids are out of the house, life is suddenly different. Racquel Williams hosts a panel of moms and advisors to learn how to parent differently at this stage of life, avoid being a helicopter parent, and embrace your “second act”. She's joined by Jodi Silverman, founder of Moms Who Dare, Beth Allen, a participant in Moms Who Dare and founder of DIY HIP Chicks, and Dr. Deanne DeCrescenzo, Associate Dean of Students in the Division of Student Affairs at Temple University.

Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard meets a disco legend: Russell Dabney, the drummer for the Village People. Sitting on a Philly stoop, they talk about his career, life on tour, and the unbeatable feeling of watching a crowd do the “YMCA” as he plays.

Exposing youth to career paths | Philly’s takes on Olympic breaking Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

Youth and young adults in Philadelphia can learn about career options and job skills while getting paid through C2L-PHL’s youth work programs, run by JEVS Human Services. Summer and school year job opportunities range from the medical field to government, even working with horses and people with disabilities at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy. Racquel Williams talks with representatives from JEVS, Pegasus, and LNESC - a nonprofit that works with JEVS to place students in meaningful work experiences - as well as a student who worked at Pegasus this summer.

Then, on Shara in the City, break dancing made its first appearance in the Olympics this year - and with questions over how the culture was represented on an international stage, it might not be back. Shara Dae Howard talks with some Philly OG breakers to get their takes and learn a few moves.

Rebuilding the city while learning a trade | Broad Street Love’s “radical hospitality” Aug 17, 2024

Show notes

At 55-years-old, Marie-Monique Marthol made a life-changing decision to change careers. She learned carpentry through Rebuild’s Workforce Development Program, where participants learn trade skills while revitalizing Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Marie-Monique joins host Racquel Williams to talk about her experience. We also hear from Rebuild’s Director of Workforce Development, Tiffany Smith, about how Rebuild is bringing more women and people of color into the trades.

Then, on Shara in the City, we visit Broad Street Love, where they provide stabilizing services to those experiencing deep poverty. Shara steps into the shoes of a volunteer, serving restaurant-style meals to folks who have found an affirming and supportive community in this space.

Food insecurity on the rise | Pizza with a purpose Aug 10, 2024

Show notes

We’ve seen a surge of people facing food insecurity since pandemic relief ended, and the numbers have not gone back down. It’s a particular issue in Philadelphia, where about 22% of people live in poverty - twice the national average. Share Food Program is the city’s leading hunger relief organization. Their executive director, George Matysik, and deputy chief program officer, Cat Bartoli, join host Racquel Williams to discuss the programs they offer - from pantries to delivery, school lunches to senior programs - and how widespread the issue of food insecurity is.

Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard visits Down North Pizza, where they hire formerly incarcerated people as employees. She joins the staff for a day to make a pizza and learn why their mission is so important.

PA Human Relations Commission | ABA Center for kids with autism Aug 03, 2024

Show notes

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is on tour! Their “Beloved Community” tour is stopping in towns across the state to host open discussions about civil rights issues in each community. Racquel Williams speaks with Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter to understand the purpose of this tour, the important work PHRC does, and how to reach out if you’re having an issue with any kind of prejudice or discrimination.

Then, on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard visits the ABA Centers of Pennsylvania in Wayne, a play and therapy center for children with autism, complete with everything from a climbing wall to a bubble machine.

Dr. Ala Stanford on unifying Philadelphia against COVID | The last living member of The Blue Notes Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

When COVID-19 hit, Dr. Ala Stanford stepped up to help Philadelphians get access to information, testing, care, and later, vaccines. She founded the Black Doctors Consortium, and after her work gained national media attention, President Biden appointed her Regional Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services. Now, Dr. Stanford has written a book, “Take Care of Them Like My Own”, coming out August 6 with a launch event at the Kimmel Center. It’s about her personal journey, her work, and the importance of equity and representation in medicine. She talks about all of that with our host, Racquel Williams.

And on Shara in the City, Lloyd Parks is the last living member of the famous Philly R&B group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes - and he can still hit those high notes in songs like “I Miss You” and “If You Don’t Know Me by Now”. Shara Dae Howard takes a journey through time to hear Lloyd’s story.

Friends Select School’s anti-racist mission | Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee Jul 20, 2024

Show notes

While many schools have faced fights over book bans and how they teach about racism, Friends Select School in Philadelphia is taking an actively anti-racist approach to education. As a Quaker school, they follow the same philosophies that the Quakers who fought in the abolitionist movement did, and they’re able to incorporate social justice into their curriculum, staff training, and how they interact with the greater Philadelphia community. Racquel Williams speaks with educators and staff from Friends Select to find out how they put their mission into action.

And on Shara in the City, as we get ready to kick off the 2024 Olympics, Shara Dae Howard remembers when Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee came through Philadelphia to inspire over 200 elementary students at Drexel University’s Vidas Field Day and give away copies of her children’s book, “Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams.” – This episode of Shara in the City originally ran on Nov 4, 2023.

Best of Bridging Philly: Focus on Fathers | New: Wissahickon’s doomsday cave Jul 13, 2024

Show notes

The Focus on Fathers parenting education program shows new fathers how to have positive relationships with their kids. The “fathers to the fathers” try to fill in the gaps for men raised without a strong father figure in their lives, through child development education, job readiness, and mental health awareness, with remote and in-person classes. --This interview originally ran on Nov 19, 2023.

Then, on Shara in the City, we explore a cave that’s said to be built by America’s first cult of mystics to predict the apocalypse, right in Wissahickon Park - the Cave of Kelpius.

Best of Bridging Philly: Finding the right therapist | The Awbury Arboretum Jul 06, 2024

Show notes

Navigating the mental health care system is a challenge for the most experienced of patients, but what about people looking to see a therapist for the first time? Where do you start? Do you go to someone who matches your demographic? Is telehealth a good option? Host Racquel Williams asks these questions and more with our panel of therapists.

Then on Shara in the City, Shara Dae Howard spends some time in nature and introduces us to the poets and musicians who are inspired by the historic Germantown Awbury Arboretum.

This episode originally ran on May 13, 2023.

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