When families are evicted from their homes, it can cause some serious ripple effects for the kids involved, including disruption of their education. There's a new pilot program in Boston that hopes to work with families to prevent evictions before they're carried out, and keep kids in their classes where they can continue to grow and thrive. Danielle Johnson, Boston's Director of Housing Stability, joins the show this week to share details about the "Access to Counsel" program, and explain the impacts of eviction on families with school-aged children.

The Holocaust is one of the darkest chapters in human history. Understanding the atrocities that were committed during that time is critical to ensure they are never repeated, but as the years go by, it appears the memory of the horrors of the Holocaust is fading to some, especially those in the younger generations. After a life-changing trip to Poland and the Auschwitz concentration camp, Jody Kipnis co-founded the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, and now, the Foundation's work has led to a new Holocaust museum right here in Boston. Jody joins the show to talk about her trip, the Foundation's work, and the plans for the museum that is already under construction in downtown Boston.

It's a perfect time of year to get snuggly and stay inside where it's warm - unless you're trying to raise money for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire! This year's Penguin Plunge at Hampton Beach is coming up in just a few days, and people are raising money to help SONH provide sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Mark Ericson, the Senior Manager of Multimedia for Special Olympics New Hampshire, returns to the show to share details about this year's event and the upcoming Winni Dip in Laconia.

For decades, people with substance abuse disorder, and their families, have come to Marlborough's Addiction Referral Center seeking help. The Center provides access to meetings, detox centers, sober housing, a friendly smile, and much more. Many people who keep the Center have their own stories to tell about recovery. As we enter a new year, there's a new concern for the Center, as they need a permanent address to keep their work going for another 50 years. Tracey Gustafson, President of the ARC Board, and Mitch Bannon, a member of the Board, talk with Nichole about what they have to offer those in need, and their efforts to find a place to call home.

It can be easier to take the first steps into therapy if you're doing it in a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and part of a community. For centuries, Black and Latino men have used barbershops as places to connect with their neighbors and friends. Black Brown Boston is taking that community tradition and channeling it into "The Barbershop Clinic", hoping to provide a space for Black and Latino men to open up and do some healing. Vania Arroyo, Founder and CEO of Black Brown Boston, and marriage and family therapist Rob Badgett join Nichole this week to talk about the program and their mission.

Get your bookmarks ready - it's time for the Boston Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge! This year, it's a global affair, with books and authors from all around the world in the spotlight. Anyone who takes on the challenge gets a special prize, too! Veronica Koven-Matasy, the BPL's Reader Services Supervisor, joins Nichole this week with details on the challenge and some recommendations to get started.

Demand for skilled workers in the trades continues to grow, but there simply aren't enough people who are trained to meet the call. A Billerica-based company was among the many feeling the strain of the ongoing worker shortage, so they decided to take matters into their own hands and start their own training program, which has become incredibly popular. CEO Mike Lacrosse and People and Culture Manager Keri Brewin are on the show this week to talk with Nichole about the program and all it has to offer aspiring members of the trades.

We have no shortage of talent here in the Greater Boston area, and for more than a decade, an organization called "Castle of our Skins" has been working to ensure the voices and stories of Black artists, performers, and musicians in our neighborhood are uplifted and appreciated. Recently, they were able to work with the city of Boston to secure a brand new home in Lower Roxbury, on Columbus Avenue. Co-Founder Ashleigh Gordon talks with Nichole about the group's history, mission, and plans for their new space, "Gold Hall".

It's time to stock up on all your favorite Girl Scout cookies, everything from the classic Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties to the newer offerings like Lemonades. Each year, Girl Scouts around the country sell these tasty treats to raise money for their troops, but the lessons they learn are far deeper than just shelling out shortbread. Monica Roberts, the new Executive Director of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, talks with Nichole about this season's sale, a flavor that's going away (so you'll want to stock up!), and her vision for the future of Girl Scouting here in Massachusetts.