Got a teen in your life that is showing interest in the world of STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and/or Math?  Well listen up!  The McCrorey YMCA is offers 2 free programs for teens that you should know about...The Best Buy Teen Tech Center and The Career Pathways Program.

Take a listen as I chat with TayTiana Bryant and Dr. Robert Johnson, from the McCrorey YMCA, about these programs and get all the details on how to get involved.  

Got a teen in your life that is showing interest in the world of STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and/or Math?  Well listen up!  The McCrorey YMCA is offers 2 free programs for teens that you should know about...The Best Buy Teen Tech Center and The Career Pathways Program.
Take a listen as I chat with TayTiana Bryant and Dr. Robert Johnson, from the McCrorey YMCA, about these programs and get all the details on how to get involved.

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.  


Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at janine.davis@bbgi.com.


Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

The Charlotte Community Connections podcast spotlights those who are making a difference in the greater Charlotte area. From area non-profits to healthcare initiatives and local leaders to startup entrepreneur, we'll learn the diverse ways we can work together to strengthen our community.  
 Interested in being featured on Charlotte Community Connections or have a suggestion?  Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:janine.davis@bbgi.com">janine.davis@bbgi.com</a>.
 Make sure to subscribe to the Charlotte Community Connections podcast.  New episodes drop each week.

Charlotte Community Connections

Program Teaches Teens About The World of STEAM & Provides Paid Internships

If you are a part of today’s society, there is a good chance you’re familiar with social media, especially if you’re a teen.  According to Pew Research Center, 90-95% of teens (ages 13-17) use social media. Of those teens, 51% visit a social media side every day. How long do they engage online? According to recent statistics, teens spend almost 9 hours online every day...that doesn’t include homework. 

There have been a number of cases of social media abuse, like teens capturing violent acts on camera phones, then post and that goes viral. That sets off another issue for teens – their mental health. It all can lead to anxiety and stress. But there is a movement in Charlotte that is aimed at educating and bringing awareness to the effects of social media trauma. It’s an organization called Social Light Stars. 

GUESTS:

Raenae Thompson, Founder & Creator Social Light Stars

Darius Johnson, Social worker

If you are a part of today’s society, there is a good chance you’re familiar with social media, especially if you’re a teen.  According to Pew Research Center, 90-95% of teens (ages 13-17) use social media. Of those teens, 51% visit a social media side every day. How long do they engage online? According to recent statistics, teens spend almost 9 hours online every day...that doesn’t include homework. 
There have been a number of cases of social media abuse, like teens capturing violent acts on camera phones, then post and that goes viral. That sets off another issue for teens – their mental health. It all can lead to anxiety and stress. But there is a movement in Charlotte that is aimed at educating and bringing awareness to the effects of social media trauma. It’s an organization called Social Light Stars. 
GUESTS:
Raenae Thompson, Founder &amp; Creator <a href="https://www.socialightstars.org/">Social Light Stars</a>
Darius Johnson, Social worker

Charlotte Cyberbullying Victim Starts Organization To Empower Others In Social Media World

The last week of September 2024 in North Carolina’s western Appalachian area will always be remembered. Not for the normal panoramic views of the mountains and changing of leaves, but for what North Carolina’s Governor says was the deadliest and costliest storm in the state’s history. Hurricane Helene caused some 53.6 billion dollars in damage, responsible for some 98 deaths, with dozens still missing. Besides the strong winds from the Hurricane, a significant amount of rainfall destroyed homes and infrastructure, cutting off power, transportation, and communications to many towns for prolonged periods.  

And that’s not all. Several dams were breached, and then there were the mudslides. Neighborhoods, businesses, and schools were destroyed and/or significantly damaged.

In the meantime, the work continues to heal Western NC. We have folks in the studio and on the phone today who know first-hand the effects of Hurricane Helene and they have been ‘boots on the ground’ has been and continues to be. 

GUESTS:

Lexee Zutz,Vice President of Carolinas Construction & Development at Stream Realty Partners,  a Small business owner and Community advocate

David  Katzenmaier, Senior at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC 

Kim Effler, President & CEO - McDowell Chamber of Commerce 

Jennifer Blanchard, Director of Community Relations, Food Lion

WAYS TO HELP Western NC:
Hope Mill https://hopemill.org/
Samaritans Purse https://www.samaritanspurse.org
Wild South https://wildsouth.org/
GoFundMe (funds to support Western NC neighbors)
https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-helene-support-for-mcdowell-county-nc

The last week of September 2024 in North Carolina’s western Appalachian area will always be remembered. Not for the normal panoramic views of the mountains and changing of leaves, but for what North Carolina’s Governor says was the deadliest and costliest storm in the state’s history. Hurricane Helene caused some 53.6 billion dollars in damage, responsible for some 98 deaths, with dozens still missing. Besides the strong winds from the Hurricane, a significant amount of rainfall destroyed homes and infrastructure, cutting off power, transportation, and communications to many towns for prolonged periods.  
And that’s not all. Several dams were breached, and then there were the mudslides. Neighborhoods, businesses, and schools were destroyed and/or significantly damaged.
In the meantime, the work continues to heal Western NC. We have folks in the studio and on the phone today who know first-hand the effects of Hurricane Helene and they have been ‘boots on the ground’ has been and continues to be. 
GUESTS:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexee-zutz-219b2011/">Lexee Zutz,</a> Vice President of Carolinas Construction &amp; Development at Stream Realty Partners,  a Small business owner and Community advocate
David  Katzenmaier, Senior at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-m-effler/">Kim Effler,</a> President &amp; CEO - McDowell Chamber of Commerce 
Jennifer Blanchard, Director of Community Relations, <a href="http://www.foodlion.com">Food Lion</a>
WAYS TO HELP Western NC:
<ul>
<li>Hope Mill <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/YFhECyPDX8TYmZ0phZfpFxzafo?domain=hopemill.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://hopemill.org/</a></li>
<li>Samaritans Purse <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/db92CER2xlIBoLgYHQuJF7AvdZ?domain=samaritanspurse.org" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://www.samaritanspurse.org</a></li>
<li>Wild South <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/S4KoCAD21nsjJ4n8F9i3FGkPqY?domain=wildsouth.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">https://wildsouth.org/</a></li>
<li>GoFundMe (funds to support Western NC neighbors)  <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8HhzCBB26ghvJjMyijsPF20zpa?domain=gofundme.com" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">https://www.gofundme.com/f/hurricane-helene-support-for-mcdowell-county-nc</a></li>
</ul>

Hurricane Helene Aftermath - What's Next For Western North Carolina?

Statistics say that more than half of American girls are not happy with their bodies (at 13) By the time they are 17, 78% are unhappy with their bodies. Anywhere between 40 – 60% of elementary school girl are concerned about their weight or fearful they are becoming too fat.  Which leads us to a girl’s overall self-confidence.  

A survey by Education Week, found girls' self-confidence has dropped in the last 7 years. Their confidence level has dropped. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Mental health is now a concern for most girls because more girls are feeling sad or depressed.  

Where am I going with all this doom-and-gloom talk about girls? To a place where girls can grow and thrive and feel self-assured and confident. This place is called Girls On The Run Greater Piedmont. It’s a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to build girls up; to inspire them through interactive lessons and physical activity. This organization has made running a part of life for these girls. By running, they gain confidence and the will & courage to create their own happiness. We are talking to these ‘girls’ today. 

GUESTS -

Emily Bird, Program Manager - Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont:

Camilla da Rosa (mother of participant)  

Olivia da Rosa - Girls On The Run participant

INFORMATION -

Girls On The Run Greater Piedmont 5K

Saturday, November 16 - 12:30-3:30 pm

Salisbury Community Park,

935 Hurley School Road

Salisbury, NC

Statistics say that more than half of American girls are not happy with their bodies (at 13) By the time they are 17, 78% are unhappy with their bodies. Anywhere between 40 – 60% of elementary school girl are concerned about their weight or fearful they are becoming too fat.  Which leads us to a girl’s overall self-confidence.  
A survey by Education Week, found girls' self-confidence has dropped in the last 7 years. Their confidence level has dropped. That’s only the tip of the iceberg. Mental health is now a concern for most girls because more girls are feeling sad or depressed.  
Where am I going with all this doom-and-gloom talk about girls? To a place where girls can grow and thrive and feel self-assured and confident. This place is called Girls On The Run Greater Piedmont. It’s a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to build girls up; to inspire them through interactive lessons and physical activity. This organization has made running a part of life for these girls. By running, they gain confidence and the will &amp; courage to create their own happiness. We are talking to these ‘girls’ today. 
GUESTS -
Emily Bird, Program Manager - <a href="https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/">Girls on the Run Greater Piedmont</a><a href="https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/">:</a> 
Camilla da Rosa (mother of participant)  
Olivia da Rosa - Girls On The Run participant
INFORMATION -
<a href="https://www.gotrgreaterpiedmont.org/5k">Girls On The Run Greater Piedmont 5K</a>
Saturday, November 16 - 12:30-3:30 pm
Salisbury Community Park,
935 Hurley School Road
Salisbury, NC

Program Teaches Teens About The World of STEAM & Provides Paid Internships

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