Imagine spending a full day, as a volunteer, sitting right next to, or across from, a justice impacted person, except you’re behind the wall with them! You’re shaking their hand, sharing ideas, their ideas to transform their lives, maybe start a business when they get released, and at the end of the day, watching them put on a cap and gown, maybe the first they ever had, and walk across a stage to accept a graduation certificate for participating in a program that brings leadership, empowerment, self-care, healing, and entrepreneurial ideas to paper.  Well at Defy Ventures, you don’t have to imagine it.  Since its beginnings over a decade ago, Defy Ventures has connected 7,200 volunteers with almost as many justice impacted individuals behind the wall.  They’ve also connected many of those same individuals once they are released and have met reentry stability goals, with people and programs to move them forward with their business ideas.  None of what Defy Ventures accomplishes is easy, but with Executive Directors, like Melissa O’Dell of Defy Ventures Illinois, even providing opportunities to ONE individual, like Cordelia Spivey, is life changing!

The Hustler Files Ep. 64 - Defying the Odds, One State & One Justice Impacted Person At A Time

Join us as we hear from Robin Bialecki ED of the Easthampton Community Center about her dedicated approach to helping the community meet its needs. 

Under her leadership (since 2008) the ECC has grown to helping all four counties reach the gaps that they have in their respective needs. From food insecurity, housing, job loss, relocation, and more, the ECC has risen to the level that the clients demand (open 7 days). Robin and her team have a hard time saying no and as a result have steadily increased their capacity to serve more and more clients for over 46 years. As one of the only gluten and allergy free pantries in WMA they get many requests for food specific and sensitive care products. Robin gets this done through her over 200 volunteer staff that help throughout the year, including Pat Brough, Sales and Marketing Director for Finck & Perras Insurance. 10 years ago, he helped co-create the much beloved event Give Em the Bird 5K which is a benefit for the ECC. In 2015, they raised 10,000 and they now hope to raise more than 35,000 this year. With over 55 sponsors, I think they have a shot at having their best year ever.

WMBS Seg 3 -- Robin Bialecki & Pat Brough

WMBS Seg 1 -- Robin Bialecki & Pat Brough

WMBS Seg 4 -- Judith Fine

WMBS Seg 3 -- Judith Fine

WMBS Seg 2 -- Judith Fine

WMBS Seg 1 -- Judith Fine

1/22/24: Political Gold with Josh Silver: the White House, the Senate & the House. Steve Sanderson: the NEF Adult Spelling Bee. Duke Goldman—he’s front-page news: the World Series, the Negro Leagues & remembering Luis Tiant. Marissa Labozzetta: “The Men Who Walk in Dreams.”

Marissa Labozzetta: “The Men Who Walk in Dreams.”

Newman on the DEATH PENALTY

Duke Goldman—he’s front-page news: the World Series, the Negro Leagues & remembering Luis Tiant

Steve Sanderson: the NEF Adult Spelling Bee

Podcasts from all of the local show on WHMP Radio in Northampton, MA. including Talk the Talk with Bill Newman and Buz Eisenberg, The Hustler Files, The Western Mass Business Show, and Panorama.

The Hustler Files Ep. 64 - Defying the Odds, One State & One Justice Impacted Person At A Time

WHMP Radio

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