This episode continues some additional, and important storylines we explored during our recent visit behind the wall in Episode 79. Coincidentally, it also touched upon a recent Op-Ed article on BostonGlobe.com from Professor Susan Sered, a criminal justice specialist who wrote, ‘incarcerated women are being held in overly restrictive environments despite evidence that women pose little security risk, compared to their male counterparts.’ Based on what we heard and saw behind the wall, that article and ensuing soundbites we recorded, and now share in this episode created an interesting conversation that included The Hustler Files Producer Jess Tyler.  Of the six women we met, 1 was awaiting trial for an alleged murder, 1 for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 1 for carjacking and robbery.  The other 3 were sentenced; one for manslaughter (defending herself), one for multiple DUIs, and one for ‘being in the wrong place’.  To sit and chat with them, you could close your eyes and be anywhere but behind the wall. The sad common denominator between them was abusive childhoods, no parents or lack of parental boundaries, drugs, alcohol and/or, mental health challenges.  So the question to be asked is; Are these women as much the victims as they are the criminals?

The Hustler Files Ep. 80 - Are Many Incarcerated Women also the Victims?

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.