Welcome, to Growing Up in America: The Way It Is.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Dr. Christopher Kulesza, better known as Dr. Data and Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, led a dynamic discussion centered around youth, health, and community well-being.

The show kicked off with our opening segment, Growing Pains, where Reagan shared thoughtful tips for college students spending the holidays away from home, offering advice on how to make the season feel special even when you’re celebrating solo.

Our first guest, Cristen Reat, Program Director at Easterseals Greater Houston, joined to discuss technology for households and how adaptive tools and digital resources are transforming accessibility for families and children with disabilities.

Next, Callie Bryant, Marketing Director at the YWCA of Lubbock, spoke about youth mentorship, highlighting the powerful impact of guiding young people toward confidence, education, and leadership.

After that, we turned to our Dr. Data of the Day, where Dr. Kulesza shared a revealing statistic: According to a KFF study, about one-third of schools reported they strongly (11%) or moderately (25%) disagreed that they could effectively provide mental health services. This data underscores the ongoing challenges schools face in supporting student well-being.

We then welcomed Rachel Elbert, Executive Director of the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club, joined by TJ Evans, President of the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club, who discussed youth empowerment and how structured programs and mentorship opportunities help shape the next generation of leaders.

Wrapping up the show, Lharissa Jacobs, Founder and Executive Director of FIT Houston, spoke about children’s health and the importance of building active, healthy lifestyles for families across the community.

From mental health to mentorship, technology to physical fitness, today’s episode offered powerful insights into how communities across Texas are working together to help children grow up stronger, smarter, and healthier.

This is Growing Up in America! Where data meets heart, and every conversation puts kids first.

On today’s episode of Growing Up in America, hosts Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator at CHILDREN AT RISK, and Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, delivered another full program of insights, data, and advocacy for children and families.

We kicked off the show with our opening segment, "Growing Pains," where Reagan shared tips for finding a job after graduation. Reagan offers practical advice for young adults navigating this significant life transition.

From there, Nirjhor Rahman, CEO, and Shellyn Shoenthal, Director of Development & Partnerships at Plant It Forward, joined us to discuss their educational programs that empower communities through urban farming and their mission.

Next, Kaylee Henry, Development and Public Relations Director at Girls’ Haven, highlighted the importance of youth advocacy and how their programs are creating safe spaces where young women can grow, thrive, and lead.

After that, we turned to our Dr. Data of the Day with Dr. Christopher Kulesza, who shared a sobering statistic: 1 in 4 children lived with at least one parent or primary caregiver who had a substance use disorder in 2023. This is a hard reminder of the challenges so many families face today.

Then, Lyn Lucas, Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at CHILDREN AT RISK, talked about the organization’s Texas Tours, where she and her team travel to surrounding cities to raise awareness about early childhood education and advocate for stronger investments in young learners across the state.

Closing out the show, Dr. Leon Battle, VP of Strategic Partnerships at One More Child, shone a light on the urgent issue of child hunger and how collective action can ensure kids have the nutrition they need to grow and learn.

From finding a first job to tackling hunger, substance use, and early education, today’s show connected the dots between real-life struggles and the solutions that help children and families thrive.

This is Growing Up in America! Where kids are always at the center of the conversation.