In this powerful episode of the Strengthening Communities Podcast, we continue our two-part exploration of hunger, homelessness, and the lived experiences of our neighbors facing housing insecurity. This installment turns toward the reality of homelessness in our region, featuring a moving interview with Matt, a former resident of the Tent City encampment in Pottstown, and a first-hand account of what it takes to survive outdoors through brutal winters.

Joined by longtime volunteers John Niarhos and Rob Heayn from Pottstown Beacon of Hope, a seasonal winter warming center, we hear candid reflections on resilience, leadership, and the quiet acts of human connection that make survival possible. Matt’s story brings a deep personal perspective to the crisis of homelessness.

Resources:

Code Blue Shelters: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1L91TI7P9GUvMQEoM_9vwd1lvE2dach0&ll=40.20692792666611%2C-75.48862365000001&z=10

Amazon List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Q1W81282VZII/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Understanding Homelessness: https://www.accessservices.org/understanding-homelessness/

In today’s episode, Mark and Mike dive into one of the most pressing issues facing our communities: hunger. Listen as they explore what food insecurity really looks like, why it’s on the rise, and how organizations like Martha’s Choice Marketplace are not only feeding families but building connections that transform lives. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the statistics, and learn how each of us can play a role in creating stronger, more compassionate communities.

Resources:

Martha's Choice Marketplace: https://www.marthaschoicemarketplace.com/

HopeWorx: https://www.hopeworxinc.org/

In this episode of the Strengthening Community Podcast, we begin a two-part series called Reimagining Recovery. Guests Ivan Rosa, John Niarhos, and Ryan Schweiger share both professional insights and lived experiences with addiction and recovery. Together, with hosts Mark and Mike, they explore how substance use impacts families, workplaces, and neighborhoods, and highlight the importance of connection, compassion, and community support in breaking stigma and fostering healing.

Learn more about the resources mentioned:

St. Luke's Penn Foundation: https://www.pennfoundation.org/

MCORT: https://www.accessservices.org/services/mobile-crisis/#mcort

MontCo Department of Public Safety: https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/132/Public-Safety

This episode of the Strengthening the Community podcast continues the discussion on disability and belonging, featuring Bev Weinberg of Integrate for Good and Angela McFarland of Jake’s Baristas. Both share how their organizations create spaces for people with disabilities to connect, contribute, and thrive, whether through leadership programs, inclusive service projects, or a welcoming coffee shop & open mic nights. The conversation emphasizes that belonging is a human need, not a special one, and that true inclusion comes from proximity, safety, and opportunities to give back. Stories of individuals working in competitive employment, volunteering, and building confidence illustrate how communities become stronger when everyone is valued and celebrated.

Learn more about Bev and Angela's organizations:

https://integrateforgood.org/

https://www.jakesbaristas.com/

This episode introduces new co-host Mike McKenna and sets the tone for a podcast centered around building inclusive communities. The conversation is deeply personal, reflective, and rooted in the value of belonging—especially for people with disabilities. The episode includes interviews with community members with disabilities, centering their lives, insights, and the supports that help them thrive.

PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, typically occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, medical trauma, and so forth. Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the recovery road might be much longer. Join some of our Crisis Prevention and Intervention team members, individuals with lived experience and one of their partners in the Montgomery County Veterans Response Team (VRT) as they discuss PTSD and how to support those in our community who may be struggling. Trauma is part of human experience. Healing happens in connection to our community.

Resources:

Montgomery County Veterans Response Team: https://www.pafop14.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=916400

NAMI Montgomery County: https://namimontcopa.org/

Victim Service Center of Montgomery County (888-521-0983): https://www.victimservicescenter.org/

Montgomery County Mobile Crisis (1-855-634-4673): https://www.accessservices.org/services/mobile-crisis/

Peer Support Talk Line (Call 855-715-8255; Text 267-225-7785): https://www.accessservices.org/services/peer-support-and-teen-talk-line/