Real People, Real Stories: The Brian Soucier Podca

HAVEN / Beat The Street Inc. is a non-profit organization that is designed to assist all categories of people in need ie. homeless families, singles, the impoverished. Focusing on solutions such as rental assistance and subsides, utility assistance (not cable), transportation, emergency shelter, nutritious food, information and referral (INR). We are the last option but often the first solution. Our faith is the reason for our existence Matthew 25:31-38 To remember that we can always do something for a person in need. We never run out of options because there is always a solution. It just may take time to find and/or create. To always seek God for help in our efforts and to treat those we serve as if they were our Lord Himself. We are working toward securing a site to work with people in Ocean and Atlantic County and to develop a shelter system. Ocean County at present has a total of 25 shelter beds with a census of over 500 homeless in need of shelter each and every day. Our hope is to overcome the public sentiment of, Not in my back yard, to a front yard experience in which the homeless are helped visibly, immediately and provided with a safe warm place with a roof and four walls. What We Need We need the cooperation of each locale’s citizenry, its government and its society. Once we establish our community connections the next major need is funding to be cultivated, secured, to create projects that become solutions to the homeless condition of every individual. No more than 12% of donations will be spent on non direct services of those we serve. Thank you for considering us to partner with you to be your homeless advocates and missionaries in Ocean County, Monmouth County and Atlantic County. Help us help the homeless take back their lives. Donations are tax deductible. No more than 10 percent will be used for overhead We are dedicated to helping the Least of our brothers and sisters. in and out of Christ. The bible says we are the salt of the earth what good is it if we lose our saltness? Can we be made salty again. Or are we good for nothing but to be trempled on by men.Matthew 5:13 Awards 2014 Humanitarian Of the Year. Martin Truex JR Foundation HAVEN/BEAT THE STREETS INC. 231 North New Road Absecon New Jersey 08201 www.havenstreets.org www.facebook.com/Havenstreets

Alexandra Elyse Conover Nunzi Founder/Teacher of Baptiste Yoga in Northfield NJ. Our mission at Grace & Glory Yoga is to disrupt business as usual. We are cause for community, developing leaders & elevating the world around us. We believe in the Baptiste Methodology. "I've got something to live for, I've got surplus to give more, and we're all welcome through His door, so I count my blessings." http://www.graceandgloryyoga.com info@graceandgloryyoga.com https://www.instagram.com/graceandgloryyoga https://www.facebook.com/GraceGloryYoga

Carolyn Coburn, along with her daughter Megan, started Spread the Love Foundation after losing Sami Coburn in 2014. Sami was 19 years old when she took her life. A year after her tragic and stunning death, Carolyn and Megan decided it was time to honor Sami's life by promoting character education and raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental illness as well as the warning signs for suicide. It is their goal to end the stigma of mental illness, so that more children can get the treatment they so desperately need, while spreading love, understanding, empathy and compassion in schools. info.spreadthelove@gmail.com www.spreadthelovefoundation.com

My name is Jeanette Suros, I’m 7 Years in Recovery from Anorexia Nervosa. I work as a Co-Leader for Project Heal NJ Chapter, National Advocate Speaker for The National Eating Disorders Association. An Author, A photographer, A Writer for NEDA, Training to be a Yoga Instructor/Therapist for kids through adults. As well as Recovery Yoga. Finishing school for Social Work to be a therapist specializing in Eating Disorders. I have always been a gymnast. We are put in pressure to be what society says we should be. I wanted to fit in more than anything because I know I was different and I didn’t want to be different. My real self was, A child who loved to be in nature and looked at nature as my home. I loved listening to The Beatles and Stevie Nicks. But that is not what was in as a kid in the 90’s and early 2000’s. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child because of how hyper I was and couldn’t focus. At five years old I was comparing myself to others. Age 10 I began looking up diets and took my gymnastics from a love to a job. I began over exercising and restricting food. I felt good doing this and told myself to be a better gymnast I had to be thin, to get people to like me I must be thin and have the perfect body because all those other girls have perfect bodies. I would be accepted from friends and family. So, I went full out on these restricting and over exercising behaviors. It wasn’t until I began passing out in high school, being diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa. I continued with the behaviors and my weight was what a little child would be that led me to a heart attack at 17. Eating disorders are not about the food and weight it is what we use to cope and numb ourselves. We feel we can’t control what’s happening around us but we can control food and weight. I am here to show others that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am NOT my eating disorder. I told myself that every day as I began my journey really into recovery. We are human, but no matter what happened in the past its time to let it go and we don’t know the future yet, so what we are left with is now. What we do today is what will contribute to how we shape our future. We have the answers deep within us but until we remove what no longer serves us we won’t be able to reach them. With eating disorders our issues only get worse because our bodies are not being taken care of. We miss out on so much and enough is enough. Let’s all stand together and support health bodies, love ourselves for who we are, treat our bodies right so we can enjoy all the great things in life and learn from all the struggles for they make us stronger. Too many lives have been taken from this terrible disease so let’s put an end to eating disorders together. It is amazing and free to be able count the number of years in recovery than the number of calories or the numbers on the scale. There is a light for each darkness and like a lotus flower we too can rise from the mud, bloom out of the darkness and radiate into the world. This is not saying that following what I am saying will bring you rainbows and sunshine’s every day or that no issues will arise, but what this will help you with, is to keep these words in mind and remember that you are strong enough to get through anything. You are here today and you are here for a reason. You matter and recovery is possible. It is not easy and some days will feel as if it is impossible but if you can remember one word or one sentence to take with you to help get through please do. We all are enough and have an importance in this world, there is only one you and that is powerful. jeanettemarie29@yahoo.com https://www.facebook.com/jeanette.marie.100 Instagram: jeanettemarie827

Hi my name Eve Cortes I am 40 years old I was born in Isabela Puerto Rico I am a Divorced mother of 4 children, I am also the owner of an accounting business, a NJ Realtor, & Founder and CEO of Crossroad for Angels, a nonprofit organization for survivors of incest and child sexual abuse. I am a survivor of childhood incest and I am sharing my personal journey to help others that have been through any type of sexual abuse to know that there is hope and healing in breaking their silence and seeking out for help If you would like additional information on different resources that have personally helped me overcome my past, you can reach me on my Facebook page Crossroad for Angels, or my website www.crossroadforangels.com

A very kind and generous young women who loves her family and gives her all. Darnley is a beautiful example of reaping what you sow. She has such a kind and giving heart and is willing to help out anyone in need. Growing up in a strict Haitian household, Darnley Biddle learned at a young age that she wanted more in life and being lazy would get her no where. Today, with two degrees, multiple jobs, as well as a business with her husband, she reflects on her journey, relationships, and what the future may bring. Check Darnley out at Twitter Instagram & Facebook: @heydarnley @royaltagus

Who is G Diesel? Greg Santarsiero is an artist, author and filmmaker. A husband, father and only son. Born in the working-class confines of Scranton, Pennsylvania and raised in Brigantine, New Jersey, Santarsiero was nurtured by two loving parents with a passion for the creative arts, athletics, history and politics. Falling in love with hip-hop music, fashion and training as a young man, Santarsiero turned an obsession with the practice and dedication necessary to becoming a standout ballplayer into a lifelong commitment to the weights—a permanent part of his daily lifestyle since the age of fifteen. Penning multiple feature lengths scripts before moving to short-format prose starting in his late teens while an English Literature major at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, his writing eventually garnered him an underground following under the pseudonym “G Diesel” where he has covered all topics from inspiration, aspiration, spirituality and social justice to the nuts and bolts details of weight training and bodybuilding nutrition. This ability afforded him an opportunity to get his foot in the door with one of the premier companies in the sports nutrition industry where he enjoyed a long and productive tenure as a marketing jack-of-all-trades, content creator, and eventually, brand director. Always finding time in his complicated life to pursue his dreams, Santarsiero combined his passions for rap music, street fashion, the written word and the iron into an anti-establishment lifestyle brand known to a select few as #GoHard. His exploits with #GoHard included dozens of limited-edition clothing drops, re-fashioning vintage garments and eventually yielded “The G Code” series of motivational books, sub-titled “Lessons for Living an Extraordinary Life in the Real World.” The ambition and vision behind #GoHard opened the doors for Santarsiero to pursue a lifelong dream, building from the ground up and being at the helm of his own lifestyle and supplement brand—GCode Nutrition. G is the father to four beautiful daughters and two dogs, and husband to his muse and confidante, Tara. They have been together for seventeen years and live a stone’s throw from the Garden State Parkway near the Central Jersey Shore.

**Watch the video live on here --> https://youtu.be/atpLeIIwfhs From birth Connor loved the water, it soothed him, drew him in and was always his happy place. At 10 months the instructor of his swim school said he had never seen a kid so comfortable underwater. At 5 years old a rare underwater encounter with an endangered Monk seal in Kauai lead him to start his extensive beach clean ups. He was invited to meet the only monk seal in captivity at University of California Santa Cruz for his efforts in helping to protect them. Connor has volunteered at countless ocean, beach and outdoor clean ups, gaining him the nickname 'The MicroActivist'. His deep love of the underwater world grew and he earned his Jr. Open Water Scuba Certification exactly 2 days after he turned 10 (yes 10 was the minimum age requirement). With his new certification card he set out to dive as much as possible and has dove in Southern California, Catalina island, Monterey Bay, Hawaii, Curacao and Florida. He as dreams of being the youngest to dive all 7 continents. At age 10 Connor started volunteering in underwater ocean clean ups and has participated in underwater clean ups in Dana Point and Catalina. In 2017 Connor fulfilled his dream of visiting the depths in a submarine. He went to 1000 ft in a submarine off of Curacao (South America) and was able to participate in ongoing shark research. Connor is actively producing and directing his own series of educational films, coined "micro-movies", aimed at inspiring other kids to join the movement to protect our oceans most valuable critters. Aquarium of the Pacific has awarded Connor with the "Youth Hero of the Year Award' and will present it to him in April 2017 for his ongoing efforts at ocean conservation. In March 2017 Connor organized his first all kids 'MicroActivist Team' beach clean up and it was a huge success. The kids did a massive beach clean up and all left inspired to do more! Connor is actively working on setting up numerous kids beach clean ups this year! Connor http://www.microactivist.org/ https://youtu.be/atpLeIIwfhs

The Rev. Dr. Wm. Blake Spencer currently serves Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church in Egg Harbor Township. Blake has served as an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA) for 29 years. He grew up in Conroe, Texas near Houston and has served churches in Kentucky, Arkansas, Texas and Tennessee. Blake is the father of Wayde and Madeleine and the grandfather of Damian, Nova Blake and Aiden. Blake also enjoys producing a YouTube show with his friend Jeannie called Murmuration Morning.

Rev. Jeanie Collins is a Presbyterian minister and performance artist who is currently serving as Director of Worship and Service for Rutgers Protestant Campus Ministries: RUSpiritual, as well as hosting the YouTube show "Murmuration Morning" Copy and paste https://youtu.be/tfUWLeEmtwI to follow the creative ministry Murmuration. Ministry, a "tavern" & "coffeehouse" based worshiping community forming in the Atlantic City area of South Jersey. YouTube Channel: Murmuration Morning https://www.facebook.com/jeanie.manson

My name is Leroy Edwards III. I was born and raised in Vineland, NJ and still reside there. I came from a good family and I never lacked anything. I got plenty of Love, nice clothes, roof over my head, and plenty of toys and friends. My mother was the center of my world, but I can't say the same for my father who wasn't around that frequent. It never really bothered me that I didn't see him much, because I knew he had a decent heart. It wasnt until I was 21 and watched him die of an overdose that i discovered he had a great heart. Both him and my grandfather had issues with drugs that I had no knowledge of until they were both dead. It's funny how I can stop the lineage of one addiction, but start up a whole new one. Even though drug addiction is a big deal, pornography addiction can be just as destructive in other parts of your life. Even though porn couldn't physically kill, it could kill relationships, it could kill the proper way to perceive women, it could kill tons of precious time to spend on other things and people, and it could even kill what love making should really be about. It was always a hard battle for me, and it wasn't until I found God that I started fighting back. I became a new man, on a new mission and havent stopped chasing after God since then. Leroy Edwards leroyeiii@gmail.com

My name is Jayson Wieder. I grew up in Southern NJ, and now live in Northern NJ. I’m a personal trainer, in school for nutrition, and have a culinary arts back ground. From a young age I struggled with addiction. I’ve been in and out of AA for years. Getting sober in LA I was blessed to get 3 years on sobriety. My message is for the real alcoholic and anyone effected by addiction. There is hope in recovery. It is possible to stop and stay stopped. Also to have an amazing, full life, with God and AA as the corner stone. Getting sober young I struggled and still struggle with sobriety, but God makes it possible to stay grateful and sober. I hope my message gives anyone struggling an idea of how amazing living sober a day at a time can be. Please reach out to me with any questions or just to say hello. wieder.jayson@gmail.com God bless!

My name is Jayson Wieder. I grew up in Southern NJ, and now live in Northern NJ. I’m a personal trainer, in school for nutrition, and have a culinary arts back ground. From a young age I struggled with addiction. I’ve been in and out of AA for years. Getting sober in LA I was blessed to get 3 years on sobriety. My message is for the real alcoholic and anyone effected by addiction. There is hope in recovery. It is possible to stop and stay stopped. Also to have an amazing, full life, with God and AA as the corner stone. Getting sober young I struggled and still struggle with sobriety, but God makes it possible to stay grateful and sober. I hope my message gives anyone struggling an idea of how amazing living sober a day at a time can be. Please reach out to me with any questions or just to say hello. wieder.jayson@gmail.com God bless!

I am just a regular human with irregular human ambitions. I believe we all can achieve a tremendous amount of happiness and live a truly meaning full life if we recognize the power we possess within along with our abilities to impact other people. I never had anything handed to me, therefore I have learned at a young age the value of working hard and exercising patience. My life's purpose has always and always will be to service those who are in want or need of a new perspective, a new vision, a new way of life. I look forward to working with any and everyone whom we attract through this message, and I am grateful for any and all opportunities to follow. Stay blessed. Born: Jersey City, NJ Raised: Hoboken, NJ Lived in Jacksonville / Wilmington NC for approx 6 years High School: Hoboken High College: Stockton University class of '05 Degree: Bachelor Of Arts in Criminal Justice Work: Juvenile Justice Commission of New Jersey 2005-present Facility: Southern Transitional Community Home Sponsored Athlete for 1st Phorm 2014-Present Here's my contact info: Instagram: @Big_Ty_Russ Facebook: Big Ty Russ YouTube: Big Ty Russ Email: AskBigTy@gmail.com

Robert specializes in working with individuals and their families navigate early recovery. Robert developed the Recovery Oriented Community for Malvern Institute helping over 3000 families and their loved ones establish and maintain long term and lasting sobriety. Robert is a National Certified Intervention Professional (CIP), a Certified ARISE interventionist, as well as a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) in the State of Pennsylvania. As a person in long term recovery himself, Robert recognizes the needs of individuals and their families suffering from substance use disorder. The need for a professional to help guide a family through a process of intervention, education and recovery can be very valuable by getting “ahead” of the addiction and helping the afflicted individual access treatment often times before they are actually “ready” or “hit bottom”. Robert has performed over 375 interventions to date. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree from University of Tennessee and he has completed over 350 hours of Pennsylvania Certification Board approved Education Hours. He is employed at Recovery Centers of America as an interventionist and is helping create their long-term family follow up program. Living in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Robert is married, has four children, actively involved in his church and various ministries. He also is an Advisory Board Officer with the Chester County Chapter of PRO-ACT and serves the Young People In Recovery (YPR) Philadelphia Chapter. 484-716-1435 rstrauber@gmail.com

Theo Gordon-Hardy is a recovered heroin addict. In his professional life, he is a cofounder of Healthy Habitats Recovery Living Community. He is also the Managing Director of Male Programing at Healthy Habitats where he oversees the day to day activities of men in the early stages of recovery. In his personal life, he enjoys working out, playing sports, drawing, and painting. Theo works tirelessly, not to help people to get their lives back, but rather to assist them in building new ones on the firm bedrock of the Spirit. He is always available to those reaching out for help. Theo Gordon-Hardy Tpgordonhardy@gmail.com Search Theo Gordon-Hardy on Facebook (484) 280-7517

In a world filled with self-centeredness we need people who are willing to be selfless and show the way. Enjoy the grand finale of 2016!

Robin is a Mediator, Conflict Consultant, experienced Educator, Life Coach and Public Speaker. She has been committed to working with community, youth, and families for her entire career and has practiced in wilderness, business, nonprofit and school settings to help guide groups and individual clients through difficult life challenges encountered during conflict. Robin has facilitated hundreds of mediation sessions and individual problem solving sessions. Robin also has presented for thousands of people on the opportunities that can be created from engaging intentionally in our conflicts. She the founder of Community Conflict Solutions, a business based on the idea that teaching conflict resolution skills can guide long term and positive transformation for individuals, our communities and the world. Robin is happily married and has a young son. In Robin's TEDx Tryon talk on September 10, 2016 she helps explore the 3 roots of conflict and how to respond in ways that create positive outcomes for conflicts in our daily lives. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdDQSHyyUic Robin Funsten Community Conflict Solutions Conflict Resolution Training, Conflict Consulting and Mediation Services 703-400-8082 www.communityconflictsolutions.com www.robinfunsten.com https://www.facebook.com/Robinfunstenconflictcoaching/ https://twitter.com/RobinFunsten https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-funsten-30b21349?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile https://www.instagram.com/robinfunsten/?hl=en

What an amazing volunteer event! The funny farm is the best place to bring you family to connect with the animals. There is so much love in this special animal refuge. It's so beautiful to see what is possible in this world when we just believe. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Volunteer and experience the true joy of being alive.

Every year millions of animals are euthanized throughout the United States. Majority of them are euthanized because of lack of homes, having special needs or old age. It is especially difficult to find homes for unwanted farm animals. There are very few places in the country that are able to take in and take care for these animals.Funny Farm Rescue an Animal Sanctuary has created a home for unwanted farm animals, domesticated animals and animals with special needs to live out their natural lives. The Funny Farm Rescue is a nonprofit, 501(c)( 3) charity. We are personally and professionally committed to the well being of abused and abandoned animals. We provide food, shelter, medical care, compassion and love for the rest of their natural lives in a permanent, safe and healthy environment. Laurie Zaleski is the owner and operator of this amazing organization. Listen as her story unfolds and the hearts of her desire come to fruition! https://www.facebook.com/FunnyFarmRescue http://funnyfarmrescue.org