Rescuers

The inaugural Rescuers radio show features guest Henry Rojas, who was first known as the innovative "father" of sports mascots, as the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, where he built relationships with fans as an entertainer, an extension of the fans, and a game changer. Since then, Henry has changed lives in a deeper way, most recently as the founder of Community of the Wild Goose, a quirky churchish gathering that leaves the door of spirituality cracked open so just about anybody feels welcome to enter. And never fear - there remains the feel of a comedy club!

Original air date May 7, 2020.

Vince Ing is in sales by profession, but recently began creating items with his 3D printer as a hobby. At first it was just things for fun, like a collection of 3D Peanuts characters for his kids. But then came COVID-19, and Vince began hearing from his friends in the medical field about the horrible sores behind their ears they were getting from wearing face masks for 12 hours at a time, far long than was ever intended. 

Hobbyists into 3D printing across the country are a tight-knit group, and there were templates going around for printing "ear savers" - flexible bands that remove pressure and friction from the ears, making any mask more comfortable to wear. Vince put together a 24-hour operation in his basement, churning out over 1,000 bands in the first few weeks, all given away at no charge, including shipping.Vince is one of hundreds of rescuers across the country during COVID-19.

Original air date May 14, 2020.

Ginger Sykes Torres gained early notoriety in her life as a champion hoop dancer, at a time when it was a man's event. But weeks ago when she heard that her homeland in the Navajo Nation was ranked the highest in the U.S. for COVID-19 cases in the country; and that healthcare professionals and first responders had no personal protective equipment to protect them, her family gathered to create homemade face masks. 

She is a woman who gets things done. That simple effort grew to gathering donations of hand sanitizer, face makes and other vital supplies, shipped up to the Nation by the van-load and then the truckload. Listen to her story on this broadcast, and if you're moved to help consider looking up the Go Fund Me Site at https://tinyurl.com/y7b73tzl

Jacqui MacConnell was an officer with the Phoenix Police Department in 2003, when she was called out to a horrific scene. Two 5 year-old twins had lived caged their entire lives and their 8-year-old brother shared their room. Her reaction was to get involved with the boys' lives, and she continued to stay in touch as they were placed with a loving foster family.

From that, she founded Angels on Patrol, a nonprofit that provides police officer-initiated support to community members in times of crisis.

For more information about Angels on Patrol, go to https://angelsonpatrol.org/

When Ken Brissa started his new position as CEO of the Phoenix Rescue Mission in February, he knew he would have his hands full balancing all the programs the organization offers to the hurting and homeless, including a men’s shelter and training, the women’s Changing Lives Center, the Hope Coach and the Hope for Hunger Food Bank.

On top of that was one of the largest expansion projects in the rescue mission’s nearly 70-year history, a $21 million expansion project to build new facilities and add 200 long-term recovery beds at the Mission’s Transforming Lives Center.

He knew all that. But what he couldn’t know was that little over a month later, the city would be rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization would have to quickly develop a strategy to keep clients and staff safe, while continuing to provide services that were suddenly even more critical than before.

For more information about the Phoenix Rescue Mission, visit their website here: https://phoenixrescuemission.org/

Original air date June 4, 2020.

Join Art and guest Dr. Jeff McGee of Cross-Cultural Dynamics, as he seeks to narrow the gulf between disparate factions, building community and teaching people how to love one another. He challenges leaders to take an active role in changing culture to empower people of all races and backgrounds. 

Originally aired June 11, 2020.

To learn more about Cross-Cultural Dynamics, go to https://ccdynamics.org/ 

Julie Supplee, CEO of the House of Refuge Sunnyslope, talk about how COVID-19 and the dropping economy has impacted their clients. Their goal is to catch people before they become homeless on the street, bringing them to their 11 properties in North Phoenix in programs for men, for women, and for single women with children. Julie shares how their program to love, house and equip has actually grown during COVID-19, rather than been forced to shut down like many organizations.

Originally aired June 18, 2020.

To learn more about House of Refuge Sunnyslope, go to https://refugesunnyslope.com/

The Rescuers radio show is sponsored by RC Auto, where it’s not just an exchange of keys – it’s a relationship! www.meandmyrc.com

Melissa Elliott, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Area Agency on Aging, has a passion for helping seniors, and she is on the front line of answering the needs of elders that have been heightened by the pandemic and anxiety about world situations. One of the AAA's most utilized services is the 24-hour Senior Help Line, a one-stop resource staffed with professionals offering everything from food boxes to counseling and resolving housing issues. During the pandemic, they have also instituted telephone reassurance calls, and Project HOPE (Helping Older People Eat).

Original air date June 25, 2020.

To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging, go to https://www.aaaphx.org/

Kristen Merrifield, CEO of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, has led the organization through a challenge that none could have ever anticipated. The challenges of COVID-19 have hit the budgets and volunteer base of the thousands of nonprofits that serve the people of Arizona. Learn how the AAN has played a role in helping nonprofits survive, and because of that, touched the life of everyone in the state.

Tac Coluccio was adopted into a loving home as an infant, and today he has a real heart for kids who didn't have the good fortune he did -- kids in the foster system, and kids who need a family. As a filmmaker, he has been able to use his talents to help educate and inform people about the need that exists. He wants to make the world a better place for children in need.

Original air date was July 9, 2020.

To learn more about Tac's projects, go to https://dinosaurheart.org/

Kim and Michelle Humphrey worked hard to give their two boys a good life, but that life crumbled when both boys became addicted to heroin. The years that followed were full of heartache, fear and unbearable stress, and nearly cost the couple their marriage, their savings and their lives. In desperation, they attended a group called Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) and learned how to set loving boundaries and found support from other parents going through the same challenges. Not only did the Humphreys get their lives back, but both boys found ultimately found sobriety and success. Today, Kim is the CEO and Executive Director of PAL.

Original air date July 16, 2020.

To learn more about PAL, go to https://palgroup.org/

Vincent Piano served 32 years on the Phoenix Police Department, and retired to accept a primo position with the State Attorney General's office. But then he got a call to start a chaplain program for employees working in the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office jails.

And he said yes.

Original air date July 23, 2020.

Jacki Taylor has dedicated her career to helping the poor, the disenfranchised and the homeless. When the opportunity came to head Save the Family Foundation she jumped at the opportunity to provide services and housing to 700 families every year. They have a broad range of programs to support stable homes, safe children, and strong families.

Original air date July 30, 2020.

To learn more about Save the Family, go to https://savethefamily.org/.  

Cindy Scott-Janicik is a researcher and professor of justice studies at Northern Arizona University; Commander Tina Gonzales has been with the Phoenix Police Department more than 28 years and currently heads the Community Engagement Bureau. The story of their two careers, how they have intertwined and how they now work together to help nurture a new cadre of Phoenix police officer weaves together components like community engagement, exception college students and continuous improvement. This is a story filled with hope and promise for the future of the Phoenix Police Department.

Original air date August 6, 2020.

Frank Milstead, former head of DPS, and Andy Hill, a 26-year law enforcement veteran and consultant, gather to talk about the challenges facing policing today.

The two seasoned law enforcement professionals discuss issues of the day, including defunding, training and policing in the era of social media and cameras, and the evolution of policing and technology.

Original air date: August 13, 2020

Lisa Kingry has been an ICU nurse for 8 years, but since COVID-19 she’s been on the front lines in a way she could have never imagined. Come join her as she talks about what the days are like for her and her colleagues, and her assessment of the situation in Arizona.

Original air date August 20, 2020.

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Kevin McNichols has had an illustrious career in law enforcement, and when he retired in 2018, he wanted to make a difference by coaching football, serving as a substitute teacher and planning short-term mission trips.

His passion right now is partnering with Impact Teen Drivers, working with youth, encouraging them to choose the best practices and make wise decisions all while sharing the Impact Teen Drivers programs.

To learn more about the program, go to https://aztroopers.org/impact-teen-drivers

Original air date: August 20, 2020.

Jeff Armor has more than 30 years of leadership experience, which he has used to create successful businesses, nonprofits and collaborations. He was the creative developer of HERO Life Network – HERO stands for Helping Everyone Reach Opportunity. The organization is committed to inspiring all people – especially the under-served – to reach their real potential by helping remove obstacles that get in the way of success.

Original air date: September 3, 2020

To learn more about Hero Life Network, visit their website at https://herolifenetwork.com/

When Scott Fischer earned a degree in nursing from ASU, he knew he dedicated to helping others. He worked for years in nursing administration, nursing education, mental health and home health nursing. But he saw a need that would become his legacy.

Since 2000, his sole focus has been on the care and service of seniors, particularly in the area of senior mental health with an emphasis on seniors suffering from dementia.

Original air date: September 10, 2020

 To learn more about Options for Senior Living, click here: https://optionsforseniorliving.com/

Pastor Julius Keller knew early on that he was called to make a difference in people’s lives. For 25 years he worked as an attorney to help people through investigating fair housing complaints in six states. Then he received a call to the ministry, where he helped save people’s souls for nearly 20 years.

Original air date: September 17, 2020