Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey.
We welcome Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariyel Smith-Forth, as well as Tru Davis, and his mom Joi Reeves.   ach of these families brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of intentional family time. We’re excited to hear about their experiences—what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and what FACT has meant to them.

Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.  

Today we’re joined by Carolina Vargas, Director of Marketing for Philadelphia Theatre Company. Originally from Mexico, Carolina is a seasoned marketing professional and graphic designer with nine years of experience crafting creative strategies that drive engagement and audience growth. She’s here to share details about Havana Hop, a joyful, family-friendly performance coming to PTC over MLK Weekend — a show filled with music, dance, and a celebration of Cuban roots, including a special Relaxed Performance sponsored by Popcorn for the People.  
Website & Socials 

• Website: philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/havana-hop
• Instagram: @philatheatreco
• Facebook: @philatheatreco
• TikTok: @philatheatre
• LinkedIn: Philadelphia Theatre Company

On today’s episode of What’s Going On, we spotlight community giving and innovative approaches to better health, featuring two powerful conversations making a real difference in Philadelphia. Rodney McLeod & Change Our Future Holiday Giveaway
We begin with former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl champion Rodney McLeod and his wife Erika, who continue their commitment to service through their nonprofit, Change Our Future. This holiday season, they are expanding their impact by adopting 10 families and providing 250 Philadelphia children with winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, toys, and food. Rodney shares the inspiration behind the organization and details their upcoming holiday giveaway designed to support families during the coldest months of the year.
Event Details
🎄 Change Our Future Holiday Giveaway
📅 Monday, December 22, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Furness High School
1900 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA Families will receive:

• Winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves
• Toys for children
• Food for families
• Support for 10 adopted families and 250 children

Change Our Future
🌐 Website: https://www.changeourfuture.org
📱 Instagram: @changeourfuture
📘 Facebook: Change Our Future


A New Approach to Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine at Jefferson Health
As obesity rates and chronic disease continue to rise, Jefferson Health is taking a more accessible approach to prevention by bringing evidence-based weight management and lifestyle medicine directly into primary care. Backed by a $2.4 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Jefferson is launching a year-long, virtual lifestyle medicine program focused on helping participants build sustainable, real-world habits for better health. Joining us is Dr. Anna Flattau, Chief of Primary Care at Jefferson Health, who explains how the program works, who is eligible, and how the model—centered on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connection—can help improve outcomes for patients across the region. 
Jefferson Health – Learn More
🌐 Website: www.jeffersonhealth.org 
Jefferson Health Lifestyle Medicine
📞 Phone: 1-800-JEFFERSON (1-800-533-3746)
📱 Instagram: @jeffersonhealth
📘 Facebook | X | LinkedIn: Jefferson Health

Free Holiday Giveaway in Bridgeton, New Jersey
Next, we head to Bridgeton, NJ, where Tony Hill, founder of Games on the Go Mobile Entertainment and the Keeping Young Minds Occupied Foundation (KYMO), is leading a massive holiday celebration for families in Cumberland and Salem Counties. Partnering with Santa, Games on the Go, KYMO, and the Bridgeton Auto Mall, this free holiday giveaway includes toys, sneakers, food, games, face painting, a DJ, photo ops with the Grinch, and more—bringing joy, connection, and community togetherness.
Event Details
🎁 Annual FREE Gifts & Kicks Holiday Giveaway
📅 Tuesday, December 23, 2025
📍 Hope Loft 40 East Commerce Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Activities include toys, sneakers, food, holiday crafts, game truck, DJ, face painting, and special guest appearances. 📞 Games on the Go / KYMO Phone: 856-500-4242 Special thanks to event partners and sponsors including Bridgeton Auto Mall, Hope Loft, Bridgeton Police Department, Life Worth Living, City of Bridgeton UEZA, Bridgeton Public Library, Carmello’s Ristorante, Cohanzick Zoo, Acenda Healthcare, and many more.


Rodney McLeod & Change Our Future Holiday Giveaway
We close with former Philadelphia Eagle and Super Bowl champion Rodney McLeod and his wife Erika, who continue their commitment to giving back through their nonprofit Change Our Future. This holiday season, they are adopting 10 families and providing 250 Philadelphia children with winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, toys, and food. Rodney shares the inspiration behind their mission and details their upcoming holiday giveaway.
Event Details
🎄 Change Our Future Holiday Giveaway
📅 Monday, December 22, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Furness High School 1900 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA Providing:

• Winter coats, hats, scarves & gloves
• Toys for children
• Food for families
• Support for 10 adopted families and 250 children

Change Our Future
🌐 Website: https://www.changeourfuture.org
📱 Instagram: @changeourfuture
📘 Facebook: Change Our Future 

 Protecting SNAP Benefits
We begin with urgent information about changes to SNAP benefits that could cause thousands of individuals and families to lose food assistance. Joining us is Mackenzie Libbey, Staff Attorney in the Health & Independence Unit at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia. Mackenzie breaks down new work requirements that took effect September 1st, explains who may qualify for exemptions, what to do if you receive a termination notice, and how to protect your benefits. Community Legal Services Resources
🌐 Website: www.clsphila.org/SNAPchanges
📞 Phone: 215-981-3700
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @clsphila
🔗 LinkedIn: Community Legal Services of Philadelphia

Today, we’re spotlighting women-owned businesses and the power of collaboration in Chester, Pennsylvania. I’m joined by Janell Johnson, founder of The Suite by J. Nicole & Co., and Bria Graves, owner of Tru Breeze Candlez—both located inside The Marketplace at 2300 West 4th Street in Chester. The Suite by J. Nicole & Co. is more than a boutique—it’s a shared retail space designed to uplift and support local entrepreneurs across fashion, beauty, wellness, and home décor. Brands featured include apparel lines such as Tuff Kitten, Confidently Me Boutique, and Keelicious Boutique; candle brands Tru Breeze Candlez and Love Naa Signature Scents; accessories from FlawsN All Beauty, Intisar & Co., and Shady Things; bath and body products from Nine26 Naturals and Camilla’s Healing Touch; home décor and gifts from Suite 828 and Monumental Moments Greeting Cards; and fresh juices from Pressed with Purpose.

Together, these businesses represent creativity, resilience, and economic growth—and show how collaboration can open doors, build community, and strengthen local economies in the city of
Chester. Visit & Support
The Suite by J. Nicole & Co. and Tru Breeze Candlez are located inside The Marketplace, 2300 West 4th Street, Chester, PA. Follow & Shop Online

• The Suite by J. Nicole & Co.
  Instagram: @TheSuite.ByJ
  Website: www.JNicoleRetail.com
• Tru Breeze Candlez
  Instagram: @trubreeze2.0
  Website: www.trubreezecandlez.com

Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia We’re joined by Tanyika Rickard, Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase, to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial health, homeownership, small-business growth, and expanded access to resources for Black and Latino residents in West Philadelphia.  
 Connect & learn more: Chase West Philadelphia Community Center
📍 15 S. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
📞 445-888-3664
📸 Instagram: @ChaseBank (Philadelphia community workshops & events)

On this episode, we’re joined by Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law for our monthly SpeakOUT segment, which explores issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community and how they intersect with the broader population. Angela breaks down current trends affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, including healthcare access and job discrimination, and discusses alarming new legislation that could have serious implications for people with dual citizenship—or those considering applying for that status.  

But first, we shine a light on Christmas Babies, a holiday initiative founded by Philadelphia Police Officer Ashley Capaldi, an 18-year veteran who mobilizes fellow officers and community volunteers to deliver hundreds of Christmas gifts to families in the Kensington neighborhood. Through a partnership with SWAT, LaLa’s Winter Wonderland, and local community leaders, Christmas Babies continues to grow—meeting urgent needs and spreading joy during the holiday season. You can help support families in need by visiting www.christmasbabies.com. Together, we can help ensure every child experiences the magic, joy, and love of the holidays.  
Learn more & connect with Angela Giampolo / Giampolo Law:
🌐 Website: https://www.giampololaw.com
📸 Instagram: @giampololaw
🐦 X (Twitter): @PhillyGayLawyer
📘 Facebook: Giampolo Law Group

Segment 1: Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church & Bells Across PA We speak with Reverend Carolyn Cavaness, Pastor of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church—the oldest continuously Black-owned church property in the United States and the church founded by Bishop Richard Allen. As the first woman to lead this historic congregation, Reverend Cavaness discusses the unveiling of the Bells Across PA sculpture at Mother Bethel, part of the America 250PA initiative marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Created by Philadelphia artist Gail Gaines, the bell reflects Mother Bethel’s enduring legacy of faith, freedom, and social justice.
Learn more:
🌐 https://www.motherbethel.org
🌐 https://www.america250pa.org
📸 IG: @motherbethelame | @america250pa
Segment 2: Chase Community Center-Branch – West Philadelphia We’re joined by Tanyika Rickard, Vice President & Community Manager for the Philadelphia market at J.P. Morgan Chase, to discuss how the Chase West Philadelphia Community Center is redefining what a bank can be. Based at the community center, Tanyika shares how this innovative space serves as a true neighborhood hub—supporting financial health, homeownership, small-business growth, and expanded access to resources for Black and Latino residents in West Philadelphia.  
 Connect & learn more: Chase West Philadelphia Community Center
📍 15 S. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139
📞 445-888-3664
📸 Instagram: @ChaseBank (Philadelphia community workshops & events)

Segment 3: Tommi A. Vincent – The Table of Life We wrap up with Tommi A. Vincent—thought leader, life coach, and national advocate for survivors. The immediate past Chairwoman of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, board member with Survivor Justice Action and YOUNITY, and co-founder and COO of Vincent Country®, Tommi discusses her debut book, The Table of Life. Blending memoir, recipes, and life lessons, the book explores healing, resilience, and purpose—showing how food, faith, and community can transform lives. Learn more & connect:
🌐 https://www.tommivincent.com
📸 Instagram: @chef_tommi | @vincentcountry
✖️ X: @ChefTommi
📘 The Table of Life — available via her website and major retailers

On this episode, we’re joined by Dwuan Gandy II, creative director and communications leader with You Deserve More Media (YDMM)—a full-service media, storytelling, and public relations company committed to elevating nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and underserved communities through strategy-driven messaging and culture-forward content. Dwuan shares why equitable storytelling matters, what organizations get wrong about visibility, and how YDMM helps mission-driven work cut through the noise and reach the people it’s meant to serve.

🌐 You Deserve More Media: https://www.youdeservemore.media/ You Deserve More
📺 YouTube: @youdeservemoremedia YouTube
🔗 LinkedIn (YDMM): https://www.linkedin.com/company/ydmm LinkedIn
📸 Instagram (Dwuan): @dwuan.gandyii Instagram