In this episode, Nichole sits down with Liz Read to discuss The Renewal Project, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating financial barriers to mental and behavioral health treatment for Alabama residents. Liz shares her journey to becoming the Executive Director, including her past experience leading Clearlee, a startup focused on creating new and innovative approaches to drug testing that were both dignified and encouraged accountability. They also talk about The Renewal Project’s upcoming soft launch this fall, the hard launch planned for January, and how the Addiction Prevention Coalition (APC) became a fiscal sponsor, aligning with APC’s mission to strengthen community well-being.

Liz and Nichole also explore what The Renewal Project is looking for in partner providers and encourage community members to stay connected. For anyone who may need this type of support—or wants to help expand access to care—this conversation is an opportunity to learn how to stay informed, get involved, and be part of the movement to make treatment more accessible in Alabama.

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This week on The Shield, Nichole sits down with Micah Andrews, Executive Director of The Foundry, as they celebrate 55 years of helping people rebuild their lives.

From its beginnings as a rescue mission to becoming a faith-based residential recovery program, The Foundry has evolved to meet people where they are. Micah opens up about his personal journey, the role faith has played in shaping his leadership, and what it takes to build and sustain a $10 million nonprofit. He also dives into how The Foundry helps people through counseling, education, employment readiness, and aftercare.

Tune in for honest stories about second chances, repairing burned bridges, and the hope that comes from a place like The Foundry.

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For today’s episode, Nichole sits down with Gaines Johnson, president and creator of The World Baseball League. Inspired by conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, Gaines developed the league as a way to combine baseball and entertainment at an affordable price. He shares his passion for the sport, his vision for creating a community-centered experience, and how he hopes to make the game more accessible and exciting for families.

Gaines also opens up about his diverse career paths and personal life experiences, including his decision to stop drinking for a clearer mind. He discusses the role alcohol plays in baseball culture, how he’s examined his own relationship with it, and how The World Baseball League is designed to be family-friendly while promoting a sober lifestyle.

For more content, make sure to check us out on Instagram and YouTube!

https://www.instagram.com/addictionpreventioncoalition/

https://www.youtube.com/@AddictionCoalition