For more than 35 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester have offered a secure place for young people to be during the summer months, when they're not in school. This time of year is considered a "high-risk" period for violence and gang activity involving kids and teens, and the "Safe Summer Streets" program provides an engaging environment through sports, art, music, special events, and much more. CEO Bob Scannell and SVP of Operations Mike Joyce join Nichole this week to talk about this program, which they came up with together, and how it's made an impact curbing youth violence in their neighborhood.

Each and every year, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts serve thousands of girls throughout the Commonwealth, offering them opportunities to build leadership and life skills. This time of year, it's all about summer fun through camps, troop activities, and much more, but it's important to ensure every child who wants to take part has the chance to do so. Theresa Lynn, CEO of GSCWM, talks with Nichole about their efforts to ensure girls in underserved communities have access to these programs, their upcoming events, and a very special camp anniversary.

Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire is going to be full of music, fun, dancing, and connection later this month for this year's New England BIPOC Festival. This event celebrates the many different cultures, racial backgrounds, and ethnicities that make up the fabric of life in New England, and it's completely free for the public to come and enjoy. David Vargas, Vice Chair of the Festival's board, joins Nichole to talk about this festival that has blossomed from a parking lot gathering to a beloved, growing regional event.

Nearly one out of every ten women around the globe have a chronic disease called endometriosis. This gynecological condition can be incredibly painful, at times debilitating. Advocates say the medical industry hasn't given this condition the attention it deserves, and many patients say they don't feel heard when they try to explain their symptoms. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are now considering a bill that would create a special task force focused on improving research and treatment. Dr. Pietro Bortoletto, co-founder of Terra Fertility in Dedham, and his patient, Madeleine Rodriguez, join Nichole to talk about the condition and the efforts to bring more awareness to its impacts.

Kids love new books, no matter where you live! In the eastern Caribbean, many schools and libraries don't have enough books for children to enjoy, something that's contributing to child illiteracy. While people here in the US pull together book drives with the best of intentions, oftentimes, the books that arrive are either in bad shape or not culturally relevant. Hands Across the Sea buys books new and works with people in the Caribbean to distribute them where they're needed most. Ben Engle, the Executive Director of Hands Across the Sea, joins Nichole to talk about their mission.

Colorectal cancer is showing up more often in younger generations, such as millennials. This type of cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death, but it's also easily preventable with regular screenings. It can be challenging for people in underserved communities to get access to these screenings, or even learn about them, so Mass General Brigham is making an effort to get the word out. Dr. Allison Bryant, MGB's Associate Chief Health Equity Officer, returns to the show this week to share information about this important campaign.

When you're struggling or living alone, it can mean the world for someone to ask if you're okay. Seniors, people with disabilities or medical problems, and anyone else who is vulnerable in Norfolk County have access to a free program that provides frequent wellness checks when others may not be able to do so. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and NCSO Officer Cheryl Bambery are on the show this week to talk with Nichole about how the program works, why it matters, and how it's already being lauded for helping people in their time of crisis.

A herd of magical unicorns is waiting for you to come say hello in Jefferson! The Farm at SummitWynds is holding its annual Unicorn Festival July 25, 26, and 27. It promises to be a memorable time with food, pony rides, a bouncy house, live music, and much more on the 32-acre farm in Central Massachusetts. Owner Amy Parker and her daughter, Amanda Morse, share all the details about this enchanting event with Nichole on this week's show.

There's nothing quite like a tasty, nutritious meal full of fresh ingredients, especially if they're locally sourced. For almost two decades, the people behind the Island Grown Initiative have been working to build a local food system, helping the island's year-round residents ensure they always have healthy food on the table while teaching young people how to continue the work. Noli Taylor, Co-Executive Director of Island Grown Initiative, joins Nichole on the the show this week to tell their story.