Send us a text

What happens when a youth in foster care turns 21? Far too often, the answer is devastatingly simple: they receive a garbage bag with their belongings and face immediate homelessness. Without family support or a safety net, these young adults find themselves in crisis with nowhere to turn.

Meet Clara Wilson and Sean Tull from New Vision Youth Services, a nonprofit organization celebrating 16 years of addressing this critical issue. Based in South Norfolk, Chesapeake, they provide comprehensive support to disadvantaged youth ages 13-21 (up to 24 for those in foster care) who lack the family connections most of us take for granted. Through their custom GED program and transitional housing services, they've helped approximately 500 young people since 2022 alone.

The conversation reveals the stark reality behind youth homelessness and the profound wisdom in Clara's powerful question: "Who was in your circle?" Before judging someone struggling to become self-sufficient, she challenges us to consider who helped us succeed—parents, siblings, teachers, mentors—and then imagine having absolutely no one. This perspective shift illuminates why New Vision's work is so crucial in providing that missing support system.

Recent funding cuts have created unprecedented challenges for organizations like New Vision. With the reversal of "Housing First" policies and substantial reductions in federal funding, they've had to adapt quickly while watching other nonprofits close their doors entirely. Despite these obstacles, they remain committed to their mission, emphasizing that even small contributions—like their "$5 Friday" initiative to provide bus passes—can make meaningful differences in young people's lives.

The preventative approach New Vision champions not only transforms individual lives but also prevents the much higher societal costs of incarceration and emergency services that often result when homeless youth turn to desperate measures to survive. Join them at their upcoming 7th Annual Gala in November or visit newvisionyouthservicesinc.org to discover how you can become part of their critical support circle for youth who have no one else.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Suzanne Richmond's doesn't just understand Virginia Beach—she embodies its spirit. As a native daughter who was raised in the heart of Kempsville, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her candidacy for Commonwealth Attorney, one shaped by deep community roots and professional expertise.

The daughter of a federal prosecutor, Suzanne grew up in a household where truth was non-negotiable and doing the right thing was expected. These values formed the foundation of her approach to both life and law. With 17 years of legal experience, including significant time as a prosecutor, she carries forward her father's legacy of public service while bringing her own compassionate perspective to the role.

What sets Suzanne apart is her balanced philosophy toward criminal justice. "We can walk and chew gum at the same time," she explains, advocating for tough approaches to violent crime while implementing thoughtful reforms for issues like addiction, mental health, and veterans' needs. Her proposal for a veterans docket reflects this nuanced understanding—recognizing that those who've served our country may need specialized support rather than traditional prosecution when they encounter the justice system.

As a mother of three boys, Suzanne views everything through the lens of parenthood. When she heard a Virginia Beach mother describe her eight-year-old daughter being afraid in their own home due to neighborhood violence, it struck a deep chord. This is precisely why she's running—to ensure every child in Virginia Beach feels safe and protected.

For the first time in twelve years, Virginia Beach voters have a choice for Commonwealth Attorney. Suzanne wants residents to understand that this crucial position isn't appointed or inherited—it's elected by the people. She envisions a prosecutor's office that's accessible, collaborative, and responsive to community needs across all districts of the city.

Ready to learn more? Visit suzanne4vb.com and join Suzanne Richman's campaign to bring a fresh perspective to Virginia Beach's justice system—one that honors our community's values while meeting today's challenges.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Virginia's housing crisis, education challenges, and tax burdens are crushing everyday families, and Tim Anderson has a plan to tackle them all. Running for delegate in the 97th District, Anderson draws from his previous experience in the General Assembly where he learned that effective governance demands reaching across the aisle.

During his earlier term, Anderson evolved from partisan legislator to becoming "the most bipartisan legislator in the entire General Assembly." This collaborative approach yielded significant victories, including extending the statute of limitations for sexual assault victims and environmental initiatives to improve the Chesapeake Bay. Now he's focused on practical solutions that directly impact Virginia families struggling with affordability.

The heart of Anderson's platform addresses what he's hearing at doorsteps throughout his district: people using credit cards for groceries and unable to afford basic necessities. His bold proposal to eliminate the car tax on vehicles valued under $40,000 would return approximately $1,000 annually to typical households. "Nobody ever has the money. It hits them right in summertime when they want to go on a family vacation," Anderson explains, noting Virginia's consistent budget surplus could fund this relief without cutting essential services.

On housing, Anderson identifies how regulatory burdens incentivize developers to build only high-end homes while creating barriers to affordable housing construction. His education plan focuses on giving parents options within the public school system, allowing children to attend better-performing schools regardless of zip code. For veterans, he champions both tax relief and innovative treatments for PTSD including therapeutic use of psilocybin in clinical settings.

Perhaps most refreshing is Anderson's call to move beyond political tribalization. "We've got to stop talking about each other like we're evil or bad," he insists, advocating for a focus on the 80% of issues where compromise is possible rather than the 20% where fundamental disagreements exist. Visit timforva.com to learn how people-focused politics can make Virginia more affordable and responsive to everyday citizens.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

The invisible aftermath of the pandemic lingers in our collective psyche, manifesting as road rage, workplace tensions, and an unprecedented reluctance to wait in line for anything. Patricia Heard, with three decades of clinical social work experience, unpacks these phenomena through the lens of unresolved trauma and adaptation.

Patricia takes us on a remarkable journey from her days at Mount Holyoke College during the early women's movement to her groundbreaking work in mental health. Having navigated environments where she was "often the only woman and the only minority," her perspective on DEI initiatives and their recent backlash carries profound weight. She draws compelling parallels between her experiences breaking barriers in the 1970s and the challenges faced by today's young professionals who, despite earning their credentials, still battle skepticism about their qualifications.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Patricia examines the evolution of mental health acceptance in the Black community. "When I first started in mental health, I had very few Black patients," she reveals, explaining how the stigma—"nobody in my family is crazy"—kept many from seeking help. Today's recognition of Black Mental Health Month signals progress, but the journey toward destigmatizing therapy continues.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Patricia's analysis of pandemic-era entrants to the workforce who missed crucial socialization experiences. Without organically developed workplace social skills, many struggle with professional interactions, contributing to a broader pattern of social disconnection. Combined with technology that reduces face-to-face communication practice, we're witnessing unprecedented levels of impatience and social friction.

Patricia leaves us with wisdom that feels especially vital today: "Be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot do" and "allow yourself to just experience life." In our productivity-obsessed culture, she reminds us that focusing solely on doing rather than experiencing means missing the richness life offers. When did we forget how to ask for help? Perhaps our renewed focus on mental health will remind us this fundamental human connection is strength, not weakness.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Dr. Karen Underwood opens a window into education's past, present, and uncertain future in this thought-provoking conversation. Drawing from three decades of teaching experience across multiple states, she offers rare and valuable insights into how our educational systems function—or dysfunction—across different cultural and geographical contexts.

The stark contrast between New York City's education system and those in southern states reveals how politics infiltrates classrooms. In New York, administrators could "move education forward without stumbling blocks," while southern school boards often include members who "have never been inside a school system," creating barriers to effective teaching and learning.

Her multicultural experience in New York—where she celebrated holidays with Jewish families, received homemade wine from Italian parents, and enjoyed meals prepared by Latino families—stands in stark contrast to the cultural limitations she's encountered in southern schools. "I feel culturally deprived in a sense being here," she admits, highlighting education's critical cultural dimension.

Most alarming is Dr. Underwood's assessment of today's students' mental health. Where classrooms once routinely held 30+ students without issue, today's generation struggles with unprecedented anxiety and social challenges. "It's unbelievable," she says, describing the dramatic increase in diagnoses from bipolar disorder to various social anxieties that weren't present when she began teaching.

Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Underwood points to technology's isolating effects, social media pressures, and the loss of community support systems. "You can't say anything to anyone nowadays because there's not that sense of community any longer," she explains, remembering when neighbors helped discipline neighborhood children.

Her parting wisdom carries urgency: "You can't depend on the education system to take care of your kids." Parents must invest more time and effort as educational systems face growing political pressure and curriculum restrictions. For anyone concerned about education's future, this conversation offers essential perspective from someone who's witnessed its evolution firsthand.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Behind every successful community support system stands someone who understands what it means to need help. For Sabrina Davis, founder of Reset Inc, this understanding comes from personal experience. As a child, she once attempted to steal a Lunchable because she wanted what other kids had—not because she was starving, but because her hardworking single mother couldn't afford extras. Seeing her mother's tears after being called from work left an impression that would eventually inspire a revolutionary approach to food insecurity.

Reset Inc (Restructuring Education, Social development, Economics Together) has transformed how community support functions with their 24/7 food pantry at the intersection of Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Unlike traditional pantries that provide pre-selected boxes during limited hours, Reset's pantry operates around the clock with a "people's choice" philosophy. Community members can select exactly what they need—name-brand cereals, fresh produce, meats, and even treats like popsicles—without restrictions or judgment. As Sabrina puts it, "You don't have to steal what we give for free."

The nonprofit's impact extends beyond food. They provide 50 diapers per child monthly to families, maintain a computer lab with internet access, offer tutoring services, and even have shower facilities where homeless individuals can clean up. Their outreach team, led by coordinator Honesty, delivers food to homeless encampments and families without transportation across Southeastern Virginia and into North Carolina.

What makes Reset truly special is the philosophy behind it. "Sometimes in life everyone needs a reset," Sabrina explains. The organization isn't just about giving handouts but providing hands up—helping people understand their situation doesn't define them. Despite receiving no government funding and relying entirely on grants, donations, and their own resources, Reset continues to expand their services. They're currently fundraising for a refrigerated truck to reach more communities in need.

Want to be part of this inspiring mission? Visit resetvirginia.org or find them at 1109 South Military Highway. Whether you can donate food, funds, or simply volunteer your time, Reset Inc shows that when compassionate people come together, positive transformation happens. Subscribe to hear more stories of community heroes making a difference where it matters most.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Patrick McKenna pulls back the curtain on America's hidden human trafficking epidemic, revealing how this modern form of slavery operates within our own communities. As an attorney with over 35 years of experience and the Director of the Virginian Coalition Against Human Trafficking, McKenna provides eye-opening insights into why Virginia has become what he calls "a perfect storm" for trafficking operations—with its international airports, large ports, military presence, and extensive tourism creating ideal conditions for exploitation.

The conversation shatters common misconceptions about who becomes trafficked. McKenna shares the story of a licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree who fell into trafficking through an abusive relationship, demonstrating that education and status offer no protection against sophisticated predators. While young people, LGBTQ+ youth, and foster care children face heightened vulnerability, McKenna emphasizes that traffickers are "master manipulators" who exploit any vulnerability they find—or create one where none exists.

Most powerful is McKenna's explanation of how survivors become trapped in a legal system that punishes them for crimes they were forced to commit. Criminal records for prostitution or other offenses effectively bar survivors from housing, education, employment, and even victim services. His coalition's legislative work to implement "vacatur" laws allows these convictions to be removed, giving survivors a genuine chance at freedom. McKenna also provides practical guidance for recognizing trafficking situations, from the online grooming of teens to labor exploitation in sales crews, construction, and hospitality.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's online safety, a professional working with vulnerable populations, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode equips you with the knowledge to recognize trafficking and take action. As McKenna powerfully states, "No one can do everything, but everybody can do something." Listen now to discover how your awareness could help break the chains of modern slavery.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

Send us a text

Cheryl Smith brings a refreshing perspective to politics after dedicating 38 years to educating Virginia's children. In this candid conversation, she shares what compelled her to run for Virginia's 98th District Delegate seat after decades in the classroom.

Growing up in a military family during the Vietnam War shaped Smith's worldview profoundly. While her father served overseas for nine months at a time, she was raised by what she calls "a community of women" who supported each other through difficult times. This early experience of solidarity forms the foundation of her political philosophy today—rebuilding community connections in an increasingly divided society.

Smith's decision to challenge incumbent Barry Knight came after learning about three critical constitutional amendments needing protection: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and restoration of voting rights. "No one was running," she explains, "so my family told me, 'Mom, you need to do it.'"

Throughout our discussion, Smith articulates her six-plank platform with passionate clarity. Her advocacy for veterans stems from her own family's military service, while her commitment to education addresses not just classroom issues but the family stability essential for learning. When discussing reproductive freedom, she moves beyond polarized abortion debates to highlight women's healthcare access as a fundamental right.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Smith reveals what she's learned from firefighters on the campaign trail—including inadequate cancer screenings despite constant exposure to carcinogens and limited mental health support despite high suicide rates. "They keep our cities alive," she says with visible emotion, "and we're not doing better by them."

Whether discussing affordable housing, environmental protection for flood-prone Virginia Beach, or her unequivocal support for marriage equality, Smith speaks with the practical wisdom of someone who's spent a lifetime helping others thrive. "A donation to my campaign," she concludes, "is not a gift to me—it's an investment in us."

Join us for this eye-opening conversation with a candidate who brings decades of community service to her first political campaign.

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes.

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
Instagram: ListenUp4U
Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz