October 15, 2025 • 42 mins
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You are listening to the Roy
West Show here on News Top five sixty KLV. And remember, folks,
if you're getting out of the car, you can always
download the free iHeart radio app and stream the show
live wherever you are, or go to iHeart and check
out this podcast or any of my podcasts there as
(00:23):
well as Apple podcast and Android podcasts. And folks, we
always bring the best guests online and try to keep
you informed about what's happening in the community level, as
well as just for people to be aware of the
services that are provided because oftentimes, you know, we get
(00:43):
too much incorrect information at times from social media and
other places. So I like to bring the people right
to us. And I have Captain James Guzman with the
Salvation Army here in Beaumont, but serving a larger area
than that. Captain, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Oh, it's good to be back. How you guys doing today?
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Doing great? And so remind people how long Salvation Army
has been around and how long it's been in Beaumont.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, so's the Salvation Army has been in Bealmont for
a very very long time. In fact, next year we
are going to be celebrating one hundred and twenty five
years serving.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
In Bamak, and that's incredible.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Yeah, So the Salvation Army has had us presence here
in Beaumont's is nineteen oh one, and we are super
excited about you know, what's to come and you know,
we'll be continuing to be doing here as far as
services and providing you know, assistance to needs and whatever
(01:46):
the case may be. And so so we're we're super
excited about that. We actually something, We've got something big
in store for for next year to celebrate O.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
One hundred and twenty five years.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Well, you know, and the Salvation Army, y'all are actually
a church, correct.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yes, sir, So we are first and foremosts of church.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
We we we hold church service every every Sunday here.
We have Sunday school at ten o'clock and service at
eleven o'clock. We we we provide Bible study, we offer
men and women fellowship, you know, and so yes, we
are first and foremost at church. But I think a
lot of people they recognize us for our social services,
(02:33):
you know, so they recognize us for you know what
we do, you know, as far as you know, sheltering, homelessness,
you know, feeding, you know, so rental, utility assistance, you know,
all that good stuff so.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Well, and that's something over the last one hundred and
twenty four years seem to be one hundred and twenty
five years right here in Beaumont. Certainly people's needs change changed,
and how y'all respond has continued to change and meet
those needs. And you certainly stayed relevant for all that time,
which is super impressive. And y'all got a great facility
(03:13):
right over there at seventh in Interstate ten, right there
on the service road that many people are familiar with.
And you also operate a homeless shelter over in mac Fadden,
I believe, right near downtown Boma. That's across the street
from Henry's Place, which also provides social services. And but
(03:39):
you know, and at one time, I know you had
kid programs as well.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Well.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
We still do and so you know, we used to
be known as the Savage Nammy Boys and girlf Club,
you know, our after school program at Summer daycamp. But
we we recently in January I did a name change
and rebranding and so we are now the Salvation Army,
Red Shield Youth center, and so it kind of uh
(04:09):
it you know, we you know there there's just a
name change. Nothing has changed. You know, we still operate
after school program. We still operate a summer day camp.
You know, we we still do mentorships in different you know,
uh schools. Uh and uh so really it's just a
name change, but the services remain the same.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Well, if you would uh tell people about the after
school care, you know, how do kids get how do
parents get their kids involved in that? And when is that?
And uh and and how can they participate?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
I guess yeah, of course, and so our after school
program uh. You know it's not just for kids that
are in school. We you know, we recognize that a
lot of kids are also homeschooled as well. And you know,
this time would give would give parents an out ttunity
to come drop off their kids uh and and be
part of our after school program where you know, we
(05:06):
do homework consistence with them, We do character building with them,
we do reading comprehension with them. You know, we obviously
have the the physical aspect of it where they you know,
they have wrect time. You know, we provide them a snack,
we uh, and we provide them dinner as well, and
so you know, and and and what's what's even great
(05:27):
which I'm most proud about, is that, you know, we
we do have the spiritual aspect of it as well too.
And so you know, everyone that is employed by the
Salvation Army here at our Red Shield Youth Center, you know,
has the mission of the Salvation Army in mind. And
that's really to priest the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
meet human needs and His name without discrimination.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
And and and that's what.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
We try to do in every facet of service that
we provide, is to to meet human needs and His
name without discrimination.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And uh.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
And so those that are interested in participating in our
after school program, uh, they're they're more than welcome to
you know, call at our location and uh speak with
our Red Shield Juice Center director and uh uh and
get get their kids enrolled, you know. And we we
also do provide pickups for those that are are you know,
already in our routes for for pickup.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
You know, we were able to pick up students from
from school, uh to bring to our after school program.
But we also do have a lot of kids that
are dropped off by their parents just to kind of
have something constructed to do after school, you know, and uh.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
And and you know, and and our our.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
You know, our program coordinator, our our directors, they are
are very uh compey. They know what's going on in
our schools. They they visit our schools and and so
they're you know, they're well equipped to help students, you know,
meet the needs.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
That they have.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Well and and certainly that's an important service, and I
think a lot of people are unaware of that because
of the media. People think many people do know that
y'all have overnight accommodations for the homeless here in Beaumont specifically,
but it served all the Southeast Texas because there's not
a lot of other homeless shelters in the surrounding community.
(07:23):
And that allows people to stay overnight and also get
fed a meal in the evening.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Yeah and so we so yeah, so we operate a
which we call it an emergency shelter, and basically, you know,
we we we serve men, women and families who are
are in crisis and the needs sheltering, uh and so
and part of that, you know, we offer a dinner
every evening. You know, they will be able to come
in you know, h take a shower, have a bed, uh,
(07:52):
you know, have a place to rest our head for
the night. And and so that's really another thing that
we are pretty well known for it here in Jefferson
or in Beaumont, you know, serving Jefferson County is that
we operate you know, that shelter, and you know, and and.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
And that shelter.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
You know, we are constantly you know, just uh, I
want to say evolving, right. You know, we're constantly you know,
trying to just better our service, you know, and how
we can reach people and how we can you know,
better walk alongside them as you know, they really kind
of journey through this crisis that they're experiencing, which is
(08:31):
pro business and so and so you know, and so
and so that's what we're doing right now, you know,
with our shelter, you know, we were kind of walking
alongside them, you know, and having them meet with caseworkers,
you know. And and also you know, working in collaboration
with different organizations such as some other place you know.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
And and and you know we we we.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Work really closely with some other place, you know, because
you know, what we do best is is.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Not what they do best.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
And what they do best is not what we do best,
and so what better way is to collaborate with other
agencies that do, uh, you know, do what they do best,
and so and so and and I think that's the
kind of turning point that we're we're going through here,
is you know, we're meeting with other agencies and collaborating
with them to you know, kind of work together so
that way we can you know, help alleviate this crisis
(09:22):
that we call homelessness.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Well, Captain you are so right, and I appreciate all
that you do. And collaboration, I think is such an
important key because you know, we don't need redundancy unless
you know, unless we run out of capacity and uh,
and and certainly being able to work together with other
five oh one C three's that have similar missions that
(09:46):
are already providing those services. It's important. And folks, you can, Uh,
y'all have a web page. Y'all also have social media
page as well as the phone number, so if you
need their services, be sure to reach out. How do
people get in touch with y'all? What are those? How
do y'all do that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
They can, they can reach out to us on our
Facebook page. We are the Salvation Army of Jefferson County, Texas.
You guys are more than welcome to call our office.
You know, our office number is four zero nine eight
nine six two three six three. You're more to walk
theme to show off in person as well too. We
are located at twenty three fifty I ten East Bealmont, Texas.
(10:26):
And of course you guys are more to welcome to
reach our website which is www. Salvation Army USA dot
org and you can or just google Salvation Army of
Jefferson County.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Well, and you know, I want to applaud all for
your work and remind people too that y'all need volunteers.
I mean, most people are familiar with the bell ringers
around Christmas and you all and y'all also always are
needing finance help you know, donation, so they can do
(11:01):
that online as well.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Correct, that's right, they can do that online. They can
either mail it you know to us as well. But
like I said, I mean we you know, we are
always looking for volunteers. You know, we were coming up
on our biggest fundraiser, which is the bell ringing, so
we also welcome you know, civic group organizations companies to
volunteer to ring the bell for us, or if you
(11:24):
guys like to play Santa Claus. You know, we also
have our Angeltry program and where we collect and distribute
toys for those kids and families that signed up for
our Angeltry programs.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Well, we are about at a time. Captain I want
to thank you for being on, always a great guest
and providing remarkable services for almost one hundred and twenty
five years, one hundred and twenty four years in counting
Captain James Gooseman, thank you for your availability. Y'all make
a real difference here in Southeast Texas and Beaumont, and
(11:58):
we will talk again.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
We are back with the Roy West Show here on
News Talk five sixty KLV. And remember, folks, if you're
getting out of your car, you can always download the
free iHeartRadio app stream the show live wherever you are,
or you can go to Apple podcast, Android podcast, and
my Heart Radio to check out the podcast. So we
(12:26):
make it super easy for you and I have with
me Paige and all with the KASA of Southeast Texas
on the show today. Welcome to the show page. Thanks Roy.
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I am super excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Well, I'm excited to have you. And I think for
anybody that's been in Southeast Texas for very long, they've
heard of KASA Southeast Texas, but they don't always know
what it is y'all do and how important communicy involvement,
whether it's volunteering, whether it's finance help, you know, donations.
(13:02):
But explain to people what KASSA Southeast Texas does.
Speaker 5 (13:06):
Sure so, KASA Southeast Texas has been in this community
in Jefferson County for about thirty years, but just kind
of a general overview of the organization itself. We recruit, train,
and support community volunteers called Court appointed Special Advocates CASA
KASA to serve children who have entered the foster care
(13:28):
system due to abuse or neglect. Our advocates are appointed
by a judge to one case at a time so
they can get to know that child and ensure their
needs don't get lost in the system. They speak up
for the child in court, at school, in medical settings,
just making sure every decision considers the child's best interest.
So really, us as an organization, you know, our main
(13:48):
focus is recruiting those those special people to be those
advocates for the kids in Jefferson County.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
And now those advocates there is training with it and
other things. But are all of them volunteers?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Yes, all of them are volunteers. We do have volunteer
coordinators on staff that kind of work in tandem with them,
help get documentation in and stuff like that. But yes,
all of our advocates are are volunteered. Just wonderful people
that kind of just at some point said hey, I
want to make a difference in the in the lives
(14:26):
of the kids in my community. How can I get involved?
And you know with that, it's not as easy as
just to sign up. There is because it is a
court appointed position. There's there's several hours of training you
have to go to, there's orientations and things like that.
I mean it is, it's a process and you're required
to I believe it's thirty hours of pre service training
(14:49):
and at least twelve hours of in service training each year.
So I mean like it's it's it's a decision to
become this. It's not just like a one time volunteering
type of thing. And when I say that, they take
on a case, right, I mean this case could last
a month, it could last a year. But through all
of that, our goal is to make sure that one
(15:10):
volunteer is with that one case and those those kids
through the duration of it, they become kind of just
like a I guess I call it, you know, like
a friend or just someone to rely on to talk
to that that isn't necessarily a social worker or someone
in a paid position that's there and they have to
(15:30):
talk to them like this truly is just someone who
wants to be in their life to see what's going
on and see how they can make it better.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Well, and I you know you mentioned the training, but
that training is so important, and I think you know
there is a time commitment, but there's also great reward
for the work that you do because this is very
significant work because you know, many times these kids have
gone through very difficult times and you know, you get
(16:01):
to help them navigate and provide your wisdom and certainly
through the training you know how to enhance their life
and overcome the challenges they are part of. And you're
also a consistent face in their lives. And you know
they may have and I think all of them do
(16:22):
have attorneys appointed, you know, attorney out of lines for kids,
but Again, my understanding is the judges really listen to
your cost of advocates because they they know and I've
been told by the judges what an important part of
that process.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
That they are.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Yeah. Absolutely, I mean just just having an advocate there,
that really is. I mean they're digging into everything from
their grades in school, to their medical records, to talking
to like teachers and family members and kind of everybody.
It's kind of just a holistic view on how the
(17:04):
child is doing, you know, like checking in regularly and
just give you some numbers here. So in Texas, only
sixty three percent of foster youth graduate high school, and
even more alarming than that, only four percent of foster
youth ever completed a college degree. So that really is
a gap that we work to close through consistent advocacy
(17:25):
and support and you know, going back to just the
impact and stuff like that. I can't tell you how
many times i've you know, we've talked about that CASA
in a public space or in a public setting and
people come up to me and say, I had a
KASTA when I was a kid and it changed my life,
or you know, I still talk to my KASA and
I'm forty two years old, you know, like it really
(17:47):
becomes it becomes a very instrumental figure in your life.
And it really is like that that deciding factor in
like the trajectory of how that kid's life is.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
Going to go well. And you know, I mean, what
a what a testimony of the power of these volunteering
because like when you say, you meet somebody that's middle
aged that went through CASA, and they say how they
steal in touch with their with the person that helped them.
But what that speaks of is the person that helps
(18:18):
them still wanted to be in touch with them, you know,
you know, they've become you know, it's great to pull
alongside people and to help people going through difficult times
because I've found in my past that oftentimes in doing that,
it certainly blesses me a lot and I learn a
(18:39):
lot from it. And I think so many of your volunteers,
and some of them I've gotten to talk to before,
I know, you know, they wouldn't they wouldn't have it
any other way.
Speaker 5 (18:51):
Absolutely, and I feel like there's a level of compassion
that these volunteers already have coming into this. But really,
so many I've been told like pages this, this opened
up a whole new world for me. You know, Like,
as as you go through this and you go through
the orientations and the trainings and things like that, you know,
you're told about about the types of situations that you
(19:13):
might see, but to see it in person and see
just just some of the stories that these kids have,
but then to also turn around and say, these are
the most resilient, strong, smart kids I've ever met. You know,
It's just it gives you, It gives you such a
such a happy outlook on you know, like, yes, I'm
doing I'm doing something good for these kids. I'm doing
(19:35):
something good for this community, and I'm passing I'm passing
that torch to the next generation. You know.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Well, and we've just got a little over a couple
of minutes left, and I want people to know y'all
got something right here around the corner that people can
be involved in.
Speaker 5 (19:53):
Yes, we actually are. On October fifteenth, we are announcing
our annual CASA Toy Drive. So what we do is
we partner with a lot of local businesses and they
put boxes in front of their businesses and you can
at any of those drop off. It has to be unused,
unopened in its original packaging toys. You can drop off
(20:13):
to any of those bins and then we'll wrap, you know,
pick them all up, We wrap them, and we give
them out to all of our kids, any kid that
was a part of the cost of Program in twenty
twenty five, So very excited about that. Another new initiative
that we're launching this year is a sponsorship program. So
if you go to our website Kasa setx dot org
slash Boy Drive, there is a basically an online Angel tree,
(20:38):
and so every kid that is in in the Cost
of program right now has basically made an Amazon wish
list of items that they specifically want. So you can
go in there pick a you know, pick a kid
or two or you know ten. I'm not going to
stop you, and you basically buy off of their Amazon
wish lists. The gifts get sent to us, we wrap them,
and then the volunteer that is on that case gets
(21:00):
to deliver those gifts. So it really is a special time,
you know, for them to kind of play Santa as well.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Well.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
And I want people to know that y'all have a
fabulous website and it's super easy. CASA C A S
A S E t X dot org and if you
go there, it makes it super easy to be able
to donate. It also makes it easy if you're interested
in being a volunteer and just getting more information. And
(21:29):
I imagine that there's some orientation if you're thinking about volunteering,
so you don't have to be afraid of getting in
over your head. And you know, so, y'all are a
great organization, really having a significant impact, and the needs
seem to only continue to grow. Absolutely.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
Yeah, you know, the work that we're doing here is great,
but we have we have a vision and a strategy
and a plan for this organization to really launch it
into the future.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
So I'm excited for that. Well, page, thank you so much.
We're out of time, but I'll have you back again soon.
Speaker 5 (22:06):
All right, thank you, Roy, thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
We are back with the Roy Webt Show here on
News Talk five sixty k lv I and folks. We
always have the best guests and we certainly do our
best to keep you well informed about what's going on
here in Beaumont and Southeast Texas, and usually that involves
our local five oh one C three doing our community
(22:32):
and upcoming events that they're hosting. To me, Britney Delagarza
with in Freedom on the show with me right now.
Welcome back, Britney.
Speaker 4 (22:43):
Hi are you doing.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
I'm doing great And for people that are y'all have
only been around a relatively short time but had made
a big impact. And if you would let's people know
what Embracing Freedom is about.
Speaker 6 (23:05):
Absolutely so. Embracing Freedom is a five oh one c
three nonprofit based here in Beaumont, but we serve all
of Southeast Texas and our mission is to end child
sex trafficking. We work directly with survivors that are teens
and children that have experienced trafficking or they're at risk
of being trafficked, and we also do a community outreach
(23:27):
and prevention because that's how we're going to stop anything happening,
is empowering our kids to be able to speak up
for themselves.
Speaker 1 (23:36):
And I you know, I'm a little embarrassed to say
that it was probably I don't know, six or seven
years whenever I first heard about y'all and the founder
came to my office and was sharing and you know,
you know, human trafficking. Here we are got an organization
(23:59):
in Beaumont, and I'm thinking, really, of course, my idea
of human trafficking was like many people what they you know,
the movie Missing you know, something like that, you know,
people getting uh, and that is human trafficking. So I'll
qualify this. But then when she explained to me what
(24:20):
human trafficking look like here in Beaumont and you know
in other communities, you know it was it was really
disturbing because all of a sudden, your blinders are often
realize yeow, you know, this is a this is a
real problem in our community. And uh, I think things
are often a worse problem when people don't realize that
(24:43):
the problem exists or don't acknowledge it because they don't understand.
So if you can help educate our listeners a little
bit on what human trafficking may look like here in
Southeast Texas, I.
Speaker 6 (25:00):
Appreciate you bringing that up. That you know, it's very true.
A lot of the people in our community don't realize
that it can happen right in front of them, it
can happen behind closed doors. We're experiencing at a record
rate familial trafficking, so you know, that can look like
a family member that unfortunately is trafficking their kids or
their grandchildren, whatever that may be. Also, you know, we've
(25:21):
had one of our first cases of labor trafficking for teens,
so you know, again we're seeing all different types of
trafficking throughout Southeast Sex. So human trafficking is in its
basic form a use of force, fraud, or coercion to
make someone do something against their will. Well, you know,
our kids and teens that we work with have unfortunately
(25:43):
been trafficked for sex, labor trafficking. Sometimes you know, they
are in our area and they get taken to places
like Late Charles or Houston and they're still living at
home and being trafficked. So, you know, the best way
to really unders you know, what trafficking is to just
kind of educate yourself on those basics and keep your
(26:05):
eyes open because unfortunately it really is happening right in
front of us and we may not realize it.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Right And in how kids get traffic, you know, how
that happens oftentimes, as you happen that anywhere, you know,
sometimes people think, well, you know, middle class, upper class,
you know, that's not going to happen. But you know,
when we think about our kids and with our phones
(26:34):
and the internet and social media besides just in the household,
because you'll certainly seen it occur, whether it's a family
member or relative in some way. But you know, it's
it doesn't just happen to the kids. It's kind of
it can be kind of a gradual where all of
(26:56):
a sudden, you know, and shame and embarrassing become a
big factor for them that prevent them from being able
to go to adults or feel like they can.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
Yeah, no, they definitely pray on that factor because our
kids and teens are the most vulnerable part of our community,
and traffickers exploit that. They know that they're scared to
speak up, they know that they may not feel like
they can trust their family or whoever is their caretaker
to talk to someone. And so that's why that prevention
in the schools is so important, because we're giving them
(27:29):
those tools to find a safe adult, recognize red flags.
Because you're right, it can be a gradual process. Traffickers
play the long game. They will have mutual friends on
social media. When these kids are you know, thinking that
oh this person knows my friends, and they accept a request,
they may be an entirely fake profile. So we're using
a whole new frontier with trafficking.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Absolutely well and so with that, y'all, Embracing Freedom is
a not for profit and y'all always need funds because
the one thing about this intervention, you know, sometimes these
young people need a place to go. And certainly y'all
(28:12):
assist law enforcement. Y'all actually do training and other communities
that are beginning to realize this, but all of that
takes additional resources, and so you know, community awareness helps
is super important for people to understand what trafficking looks like,
(28:33):
but also to financially support something that is happening right
here in our backyard.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Yes, sir, we.
Speaker 6 (28:41):
Actually have a couple of fundraisers coming up. So at
the moment, we're working on one called Step into Freedom,
where our shelter that we are working on building will
have bricks that will be laid out and a pathway
for our survivors to kind of enjoy the garden and such.
But these bricks will available for purchase for donation. You'll
(29:02):
have your name on them. If you need more information,
it's on our site. And then we also have a
glow walk coming up on November fifteenth. Registration and sponsorships
are available online, but we're really looking for someone to
sponsor or create a team. This will be a night
out for awareness. It's a family friendly event. It's happening
(29:24):
at portin Each's Riverfront Park on November fifteenth. Again, you know,
we just want everyone to come out and show their support.
And you're really excited because this is our.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
First five k Well, I am so proud of y'all
a and the work that y'all made because creating something
like this, and again my understanding is the Governor's office
uses y'all's organization to help us spread the news, and
(29:55):
y'all end up helping other communities that are trying to
formulate a plan an organization to help be able to
deal with this. And also just stay informed people because
again I think too many people don't understand the depth
and scope of the problem and how it can be
(30:15):
happening to your kids and grandkids, and the warning signs
to look for, because this is a big educational process
that sometimes people can be unaware of.
Speaker 6 (30:26):
Yes, so the signs of trafficking could be obvious or
they could be very you know, not as obvious. So
if you see somebody that doesn't come from a lot
of money and all of a sudden they have tons
of cash, or if there is a young person that
looks underage and they have a tattoo, A lot of
traffickers will unfortunately brand these people that they're victimizing with initials, barcodes,
(30:51):
also signs of abuse, tons of hotel keys.
Speaker 4 (30:54):
So just keep your eye out.
Speaker 6 (30:55):
We have all the full list of signs on our
site and if you ever have any questions you can
awa is contact us.
Speaker 1 (31:01):
Well, and with that we're about a minute out. So
what is your website?
Speaker 6 (31:05):
Our website is www dot embracingfreedombmt dot com.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
Well, that can't be that's super easy embracing freedom for
you guys.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
We love you guys who want it to be easy.
Speaker 1 (31:19):
That's right, embracingfreedombmt dot com. And what is y'all's contact
number for those that want to use the old fashioned
way and make a call.
Speaker 6 (31:28):
Yes, so that will be on our website as well.
It's for zero nine seventy two five six two one.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
All right, Brittany, I appreciate you. As we go into
a break here, I like to remind people that the
roy West Team mcgild mortgage does home loans. We do
all types of home loans, whether it's primary residents, vacation homes,
our investment property. So give us a call at four
nine eight sixty six nineteen oh one, or go to
(31:56):
roywesteam dot com for more information. Thereny Della Garza with
Embracing Freedom, thank you so much for being on the
show today.
Speaker 6 (32:05):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
Absolutely we are back with the Roy West Show here
on News Talk five sixty KLV. Folks, we always have
the best guest and certainly today is no exception to that.
We've got Elaine Schellenberger back with us. Hello Elaine, Hey, Roy,
how are you. I'm doing great, and there is an
(32:30):
event coming up that people don't need to miss and
if you would, let's talk about it.
Speaker 4 (32:38):
I would absolutely love to talk about it. This is
one of the best events I feel like in Beaumont.
But I'm a little prejudice, but the Symphony of Southeast
Texas is presenting a concert at the Botanical Gardens on
the Great Lawn on October the nineteenth. Opens at five
(33:01):
and the concert begins at five point thirty. And you know,
this is our third year and each year it gets bigger.
That last year we had over five hundred people out
there and like a lot, but that that area is huge,
so there's room for many, many people to come, and
(33:23):
it's it's like going back in time and being out
in nature and hearing this beautiful music and just enjoying
not only the music but also the children there that
are playing around and enjoying it, and the parents that
are enjoying it. People will bring picnic lunches, they bring blankets.
(33:48):
We provide chairs, but if you want to bring your
own chair, you're certainly welcome to do that, and some
people do that. But we'll also have a truck out there.
Whether you want to bring your your picnic supper or
whether you would like to just purchase something there at
(34:08):
the food truck. That's great too.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Well.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
I know last year I was there and we actually
brought one of our grandkids because it's outdoors and they
were able to enjoy the outdoors and they it was
a toddler and not the whole time. He wasn't engaged
in the concert, I'm not gonna lie, but we were
able to keep eye on him and also very much
enjoy the concert. And it's always a great turnout. And uh,
(34:36):
and you know, how lucky are we to have the
Symphony of Southeast Texas right here.
Speaker 4 (34:40):
Oh absolutely. And the gardens, I mean, work out at
the gardens and there'll be people from out of town
that come in there so impressed that a city the
size of Beaumont has such a wonderful garden. Combined that
with the symphony and you know, how could you wrong
(35:00):
and it's all free.
Speaker 1 (35:03):
Well, it's incredible. And you know, we just had Chelsea
on not too long ago, because I love to support
the symphony as well, and as you're pointing out, having
the botanical gardens here in the city out at Terrell Park,
which is so beautiful, and then you know, having a
symphony the quality that we do here in Beaumont and
(35:24):
a half for seventy three years, and you know, we
get musicians from all over the area and here they are.
They're going to be coming out and this is going
to be a perfect time of year two. So let's
talk about when it is too.
Speaker 4 (35:37):
Okay again, it's October the nineteenth, which is a Sunday afternoon.
It's from five. The gardens open at five and the
concert concert starts at five point thirty, so it's going
to be over in time before it gets dark. So
everybody will be able to make make it home safely
(35:59):
and get ready to go to school the next day
or work the next day, but enjoy you know, the music.
And even though like you talked about your your grandson
that was out there, whether they're paying attention or not,
they're being exposed to it.
Speaker 1 (36:17):
Thank you. That's exactly right here.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
That yeah, So I'm like you. We had some young
toddler sitting in front of us and it was so
much fun to watch them, but their parents got to
enjoy it too.
Speaker 1 (36:34):
Agreed.
Speaker 4 (36:35):
It's just a great family time. And like I said,
and like you said, how lucky can we be to
have that kind of environment here in Beaumont?
Speaker 1 (36:47):
Well, and you know, we need to take full advantage
of it because it is something that is many cities
don't have and we and we cannot take it for granted.
Are we put it this way? We should not take
it for granted. And because it's such a privilege having
it here. And when you go, I know, I discovered
(37:09):
the symphony a little later in life. And you know,
now we're seating ticket holders and you know it's they
always put on an amazing show. And if people say, well,
you know, I don't like that kind of music, give
it a try, because you know, I just I don't
know what frame of reference I was looking at. And
now you know, going to the symphony is one of
(37:32):
my favorite things to do, and I just you know,
and again, exposing it to your kids and grandkids, I
think so important to do. And this is just a
great venue because it's going to be outdoors and it's
a beautiful park. And if you hadn't seen the park,
it's an opportunity to go out there and see that.
Speaker 4 (37:49):
I agree. And you know, when you're talking about not
knowing what kind of music to expect, I have to say,
Chelsea and the whole staff of our symphony do such
a great job to have all kinds of music so
that ever is included. It's not just for some music
(38:10):
or some people, but for everybody. And I think that's
what I appreciate so much about the symphony. And uh, again,
like I said, to have it outside and and the
and just being in nature. You know, you can hear
it sir or the frogs or whatever and just enjoy
(38:34):
being out in the fresh air.
Speaker 2 (38:38):
Well.
Speaker 1 (38:38):
And uh and again October nineteenth, usually things have started
cooling off a little bit and it's and it's later
in the evening and uh, it's it's a beautiful venue.
And as you said, I mean, I know last year
there was a food truck there too. Unless my mind's
playing tricks on me. Fine, and uh so you you
don't have to bring your food, but you can, and
(38:59):
there is plenty of space. That's the other thing, because
we brought a blanket since uh we had a toddler
with us, and you know, some snacks for them and
that kind of stuff to keep them entertained and happy.
But there were there were a lot of other people
out there, and like you said, there are seats set up.
Uh if if so you can, you can sit in
(39:22):
the seats as well.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (39:24):
Yeah, it's it's it's just a perfect time in the
a perfect time of the year because uh this you know,
middle to late October, it starts cooling off. It's not
too cool, it's not too hot. It's really just right
when the sun goes down and uh and the symphonies playing.
It's I mean, it's uh, it's just the special time.
Speaker 1 (39:49):
Well, I thank you so much. We're about out of
time here, but Elaine Schellenberger with the uh here for
the Botanical Gardens as well as the Symphony of South
East Texas out there playing at the Pedanical Gardens on
October nineteenth. You can arrive at five o'clock food truck
great music in the Symphony of Southeast Texas.
Speaker 2 (40:10):
Will be there.
Speaker 4 (40:11):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (40:12):
Thank you, thank you so thank you. Talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (40:16):
Okay, bye bye.
Speaker 1 (40:19):
We are back wrapping up another Roy Wish show here
on News Top five sixty KLB. If you missed any
part of this show, please go to the iHeartRadio app.
You can stream this show at any of our shows
through podcasts. Also you can go to Apple podcast and
Android podcast. And I do want to remind you that
(40:39):
the Roy Wess Team mc gild Mortgage does home loans
for all types of homes, whether it's your primary residents,
whether it's a second home, vacation home, rental property. We
can help you with that. Also we do refinances, so
whether it's a conventional loan, jumbo loan, FHL, a USBA
(41:01):
or VA loan, the Roy West Team and Guild Mortgage
can assist you. And you can always give us a
call it for zero dye eight stix six nineteen zero
one or go to our website at Roywesteam dot com
and what a great show I had this week. It
started with Lieutenant James Gooseman with the Salvation Army talking
(41:25):
about all that the Salvation Army does here in town.
Then we had Page Nall talking about CASA of Southeast
Texas which is court appointed Special Advocates and the important
work they do. Then Britney Delagarza with Embracing Freedom, which
is a great organization that has been making lots of
(41:50):
growth and also serves those minors that are in human trafficking.
They provide them an avenue with the way out, they
help law enforcement that they also help the people that
are in human trafficking. And Elaine Schellenberger with the Botanical
(42:11):
Gardens talking about the upcoming Symphony of Southeast Texas out
at Botanical Gardens. Until we talk again, God bless you all.
Good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You are listening to the Roy
West Show here on News Top five sixty KLV. And remember, folks,
if you're getting out of the car, you can always
download the free iHeart radio app and stream the show
live wherever you are, or go to iHeart and check
out this podcast or any of my podcasts there as
(00:23):
well as Apple podcast and Android podcasts. And folks, we
always bring the best guests online and try to keep
you informed about what's happening in the community level, as
well as just for people to be aware of the
services that are provided because oftentimes, you know, we get
(00:43):
too much incorrect information at times from social media and
other places. So I like to bring the people right
to us. And I have Captain James Guzman with the
Salvation Army here in Beaumont, but serving a larger area
than that. Captain, welcome back to the show.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Oh, it's good to be back. How you guys doing today?
Speaker 1 (01:04):
Doing great? And so remind people how long Salvation Army
has been around and how long it's been in Beaumont.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Yeah, so's the Salvation Army has been in Bealmont for
a very very long time. In fact, next year we
are going to be celebrating one hundred and twenty five
years serving.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
In Bamak, and that's incredible.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
Yeah, So the Salvation Army has had us presence here
in Beaumont's is nineteen oh one, and we are super
excited about you know, what's to come and you know,
we'll be continuing to be doing here as far as
services and providing you know, assistance to needs and whatever
(01:46):
the case may be. And so so we're we're super
excited about that. We actually something, We've got something big
in store for for next year to celebrate O.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
One hundred and twenty five years.
Speaker 1 (01:59):
Well, you know, and the Salvation Army, y'all are actually
a church, correct.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Yes, sir, So we are first and foremosts of church.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
We we we hold church service every every Sunday here.
We have Sunday school at ten o'clock and service at
eleven o'clock. We we we provide Bible study, we offer
men and women fellowship, you know, and so yes, we
are first and foremost at church. But I think a
lot of people they recognize us for our social services,
(02:33):
you know, so they recognize us for you know what
we do, you know, as far as you know, sheltering, homelessness,
you know, feeding, you know, so rental, utility assistance, you know,
all that good stuff so.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
Well, and that's something over the last one hundred and
twenty four years seem to be one hundred and twenty
five years right here in Beaumont. Certainly people's needs change changed,
and how y'all respond has continued to change and meet
those needs. And you certainly stayed relevant for all that time,
which is super impressive. And y'all got a great facility
(03:13):
right over there at seventh in Interstate ten, right there
on the service road that many people are familiar with.
And you also operate a homeless shelter over in mac Fadden,
I believe, right near downtown Boma. That's across the street
from Henry's Place, which also provides social services. And but
(03:39):
you know, and at one time, I know you had
kid programs as well.
Speaker 4 (03:46):
Well.
Speaker 3 (03:47):
We still do and so you know, we used to
be known as the Savage Nammy Boys and girlf Club,
you know, our after school program at Summer daycamp. But
we we recently in January I did a name change
and rebranding and so we are now the Salvation Army,
Red Shield Youth center, and so it kind of uh
(04:09):
it you know, we you know there there's just a
name change. Nothing has changed. You know, we still operate
after school program. We still operate a summer day camp.
You know, we we still do mentorships in different you know,
uh schools. Uh and uh so really it's just a
name change, but the services remain the same.
Speaker 1 (04:32):
Well, if you would uh tell people about the after
school care, you know, how do kids get how do
parents get their kids involved in that? And when is that?
And uh and and how can they participate?
Speaker 3 (04:44):
I guess yeah, of course, and so our after school
program uh. You know it's not just for kids that
are in school. We you know, we recognize that a
lot of kids are also homeschooled as well. And you know,
this time would give would give parents an out ttunity
to come drop off their kids uh and and be
part of our after school program where you know, we
(05:06):
do homework consistence with them, We do character building with them,
we do reading comprehension with them. You know, we obviously
have the the physical aspect of it where they you know,
they have wrect time. You know, we provide them a snack,
we uh, and we provide them dinner as well, and
so you know, and and and what's what's even great
(05:27):
which I'm most proud about, is that, you know, we
we do have the spiritual aspect of it as well too.
And so you know, everyone that is employed by the
Salvation Army here at our Red Shield Youth Center, you know,
has the mission of the Salvation Army in mind. And
that's really to priest the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
meet human needs and His name without discrimination.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
And and and that's what.
Speaker 3 (05:51):
We try to do in every facet of service that
we provide, is to to meet human needs and His
name without discrimination.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
And uh.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
And so those that are interested in participating in our
after school program, uh, they're they're more than welcome to
you know, call at our location and uh speak with
our Red Shield Juice Center director and uh uh and
get get their kids enrolled, you know. And we we
also do provide pickups for those that are are you know,
already in our routes for for pickup.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
You know, we were able to pick up students from
from school, uh to bring to our after school program.
But we also do have a lot of kids that
are dropped off by their parents just to kind of
have something constructed to do after school, you know, and uh.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
And and you know, and and our our.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
You know, our program coordinator, our our directors, they are
are very uh compey. They know what's going on in
our schools. They they visit our schools and and so
they're you know, they're well equipped to help students, you know,
meet the needs.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
That they have.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
Well and and certainly that's an important service, and I
think a lot of people are unaware of that because
of the media. People think many people do know that
y'all have overnight accommodations for the homeless here in Beaumont specifically,
but it served all the Southeast Texas because there's not
a lot of other homeless shelters in the surrounding community.
(07:23):
And that allows people to stay overnight and also get
fed a meal in the evening.
Speaker 3 (07:29):
Yeah and so we so yeah, so we operate a
which we call it an emergency shelter, and basically, you know,
we we we serve men, women and families who are
are in crisis and the needs sheltering, uh and so
and part of that, you know, we offer a dinner
every evening. You know, they will be able to come
in you know, h take a shower, have a bed, uh,
(07:52):
you know, have a place to rest our head for
the night. And and so that's really another thing that
we are pretty well known for it here in Jefferson
or in Beaumont, you know, serving Jefferson County is that
we operate you know, that shelter, and you know, and and.
Speaker 2 (08:09):
And that shelter.
Speaker 3 (08:10):
You know, we are constantly you know, just uh, I
want to say evolving, right. You know, we're constantly you know,
trying to just better our service, you know, and how
we can reach people and how we can you know,
better walk alongside them as you know, they really kind
of journey through this crisis that they're experiencing, which is
(08:31):
pro business and so and so you know, and so
and so that's what we're doing right now, you know,
with our shelter, you know, we were kind of walking
alongside them, you know, and having them meet with caseworkers,
you know. And and also you know, working in collaboration
with different organizations such as some other place you know.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
And and and you know we we we.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Work really closely with some other place, you know, because
you know, what we do best is is.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
Not what they do best.
Speaker 3 (08:59):
And what they do best is not what we do best,
and so what better way is to collaborate with other
agencies that do, uh, you know, do what they do best,
and so and so and and I think that's the
kind of turning point that we're we're going through here,
is you know, we're meeting with other agencies and collaborating
with them to you know, kind of work together so
that way we can you know, help alleviate this crisis
(09:22):
that we call homelessness.
Speaker 1 (09:24):
Well, Captain you are so right, and I appreciate all
that you do. And collaboration, I think is such an
important key because you know, we don't need redundancy unless
you know, unless we run out of capacity and uh,
and and certainly being able to work together with other
five oh one C three's that have similar missions that
(09:46):
are already providing those services. It's important. And folks, you can, Uh,
y'all have a web page. Y'all also have social media
page as well as the phone number, so if you
need their services, be sure to reach out. How do
people get in touch with y'all? What are those? How
do y'all do that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (10:05):
They can, they can reach out to us on our
Facebook page. We are the Salvation Army of Jefferson County, Texas.
You guys are more than welcome to call our office.
You know, our office number is four zero nine eight
nine six two three six three. You're more to walk
theme to show off in person as well too. We
are located at twenty three fifty I ten East Bealmont, Texas.
(10:26):
And of course you guys are more to welcome to
reach our website which is www. Salvation Army USA dot
org and you can or just google Salvation Army of
Jefferson County.
Speaker 1 (10:40):
Well, and you know, I want to applaud all for
your work and remind people too that y'all need volunteers.
I mean, most people are familiar with the bell ringers
around Christmas and you all and y'all also always are
needing finance help you know, donation, so they can do
(11:01):
that online as well.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Correct, that's right, they can do that online. They can
either mail it you know to us as well. But
like I said, I mean we you know, we are
always looking for volunteers. You know, we were coming up
on our biggest fundraiser, which is the bell ringing, so
we also welcome you know, civic group organizations companies to
volunteer to ring the bell for us, or if you
(11:24):
guys like to play Santa Claus. You know, we also
have our Angeltry program and where we collect and distribute
toys for those kids and families that signed up for
our Angeltry programs.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Well, we are about at a time. Captain I want
to thank you for being on, always a great guest
and providing remarkable services for almost one hundred and twenty
five years, one hundred and twenty four years in counting
Captain James Gooseman, thank you for your availability. Y'all make
a real difference here in Southeast Texas and Beaumont, and
(11:58):
we will talk again.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
We are back with the Roy West Show here on
News Talk five sixty KLV. And remember, folks, if you're
getting out of your car, you can always download the
free iHeartRadio app stream the show live wherever you are,
or you can go to Apple podcast, Android podcast, and
my Heart Radio to check out the podcast. So we
(12:26):
make it super easy for you and I have with
me Paige and all with the KASA of Southeast Texas
on the show today. Welcome to the show page. Thanks Roy.
Speaker 5 (12:36):
I am super excited to be here.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Well, I'm excited to have you. And I think for
anybody that's been in Southeast Texas for very long, they've
heard of KASA Southeast Texas, but they don't always know
what it is y'all do and how important communicy involvement,
whether it's volunteering, whether it's finance help, you know, donations.
(13:02):
But explain to people what KASSA Southeast Texas does.
Speaker 5 (13:06):
Sure so, KASA Southeast Texas has been in this community
in Jefferson County for about thirty years, but just kind
of a general overview of the organization itself. We recruit, train,
and support community volunteers called Court appointed Special Advocates CASA
KASA to serve children who have entered the foster care
(13:28):
system due to abuse or neglect. Our advocates are appointed
by a judge to one case at a time so
they can get to know that child and ensure their
needs don't get lost in the system. They speak up
for the child in court, at school, in medical settings,
just making sure every decision considers the child's best interest.
So really, us as an organization, you know, our main
(13:48):
focus is recruiting those those special people to be those
advocates for the kids in Jefferson County.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
And now those advocates there is training with it and
other things. But are all of them volunteers?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
Yes, all of them are volunteers. We do have volunteer
coordinators on staff that kind of work in tandem with them,
help get documentation in and stuff like that. But yes,
all of our advocates are are volunteered. Just wonderful people
that kind of just at some point said hey, I
want to make a difference in the in the lives
(14:26):
of the kids in my community. How can I get involved?
And you know with that, it's not as easy as
just to sign up. There is because it is a
court appointed position. There's there's several hours of training you
have to go to, there's orientations and things like that.
I mean it is, it's a process and you're required
to I believe it's thirty hours of pre service training
(14:49):
and at least twelve hours of in service training each year.
So I mean like it's it's it's a decision to
become this. It's not just like a one time volunteering
type of thing. And when I say that, they take
on a case, right, I mean this case could last
a month, it could last a year. But through all
of that, our goal is to make sure that one
(15:10):
volunteer is with that one case and those those kids
through the duration of it, they become kind of just
like a I guess I call it, you know, like
a friend or just someone to rely on to talk
to that that isn't necessarily a social worker or someone
in a paid position that's there and they have to
(15:30):
talk to them like this truly is just someone who
wants to be in their life to see what's going
on and see how they can make it better.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Well, and I you know you mentioned the training, but
that training is so important, and I think you know
there is a time commitment, but there's also great reward
for the work that you do because this is very
significant work because you know, many times these kids have
gone through very difficult times and you know, you get
(16:01):
to help them navigate and provide your wisdom and certainly
through the training you know how to enhance their life
and overcome the challenges they are part of. And you're
also a consistent face in their lives. And you know
they may have and I think all of them do
(16:22):
have attorneys appointed, you know, attorney out of lines for kids,
but Again, my understanding is the judges really listen to
your cost of advocates because they they know and I've
been told by the judges what an important part of
that process.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
That they are.
Speaker 5 (16:44):
Yeah. Absolutely, I mean just just having an advocate there,
that really is. I mean they're digging into everything from
their grades in school, to their medical records, to talking
to like teachers and family members and kind of everybody.
It's kind of just a holistic view on how the
(17:04):
child is doing, you know, like checking in regularly and
just give you some numbers here. So in Texas, only
sixty three percent of foster youth graduate high school, and
even more alarming than that, only four percent of foster
youth ever completed a college degree. So that really is
a gap that we work to close through consistent advocacy
(17:25):
and support and you know, going back to just the
impact and stuff like that. I can't tell you how
many times i've you know, we've talked about that CASA
in a public space or in a public setting and
people come up to me and say, I had a
KASTA when I was a kid and it changed my life,
or you know, I still talk to my KASA and
I'm forty two years old, you know, like it really
(17:47):
becomes it becomes a very instrumental figure in your life.
And it really is like that that deciding factor in
like the trajectory of how that kid's life is.
Speaker 1 (17:57):
Going to go well. And you know, I mean, what
a what a testimony of the power of these volunteering
because like when you say, you meet somebody that's middle
aged that went through CASA, and they say how they
steal in touch with their with the person that helped them.
But what that speaks of is the person that helps
(18:18):
them still wanted to be in touch with them, you know,
you know, they've become you know, it's great to pull
alongside people and to help people going through difficult times
because I've found in my past that oftentimes in doing that,
it certainly blesses me a lot and I learn a
(18:39):
lot from it. And I think so many of your volunteers,
and some of them I've gotten to talk to before,
I know, you know, they wouldn't they wouldn't have it
any other way.
Speaker 5 (18:51):
Absolutely, and I feel like there's a level of compassion
that these volunteers already have coming into this. But really,
so many I've been told like pages this, this opened
up a whole new world for me. You know, Like,
as as you go through this and you go through
the orientations and the trainings and things like that, you know,
you're told about about the types of situations that you
(19:13):
might see, but to see it in person and see
just just some of the stories that these kids have,
but then to also turn around and say, these are
the most resilient, strong, smart kids I've ever met. You know,
It's just it gives you, It gives you such a
such a happy outlook on you know, like, yes, I'm
doing I'm doing something good for these kids. I'm doing
(19:35):
something good for this community, and I'm passing I'm passing
that torch to the next generation. You know.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Well, and we've just got a little over a couple
of minutes left, and I want people to know y'all
got something right here around the corner that people can
be involved in.
Speaker 5 (19:53):
Yes, we actually are. On October fifteenth, we are announcing
our annual CASA Toy Drive. So what we do is
we partner with a lot of local businesses and they
put boxes in front of their businesses and you can
at any of those drop off. It has to be unused,
unopened in its original packaging toys. You can drop off
(20:13):
to any of those bins and then we'll wrap, you know,
pick them all up, We wrap them, and we give
them out to all of our kids, any kid that
was a part of the cost of Program in twenty
twenty five, So very excited about that. Another new initiative
that we're launching this year is a sponsorship program. So
if you go to our website Kasa setx dot org
slash Boy Drive, there is a basically an online Angel tree,
(20:38):
and so every kid that is in in the Cost
of program right now has basically made an Amazon wish
list of items that they specifically want. So you can
go in there pick a you know, pick a kid
or two or you know ten. I'm not going to
stop you, and you basically buy off of their Amazon
wish lists. The gifts get sent to us, we wrap them,
and then the volunteer that is on that case gets
(21:00):
to deliver those gifts. So it really is a special time,
you know, for them to kind of play Santa as well.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Well.
Speaker 1 (21:06):
And I want people to know that y'all have a
fabulous website and it's super easy. CASA C A S
A S E t X dot org and if you
go there, it makes it super easy to be able
to donate. It also makes it easy if you're interested
in being a volunteer and just getting more information. And
(21:29):
I imagine that there's some orientation if you're thinking about volunteering,
so you don't have to be afraid of getting in
over your head. And you know, so, y'all are a
great organization, really having a significant impact, and the needs
seem to only continue to grow. Absolutely.
Speaker 5 (21:50):
Yeah, you know, the work that we're doing here is great,
but we have we have a vision and a strategy
and a plan for this organization to really launch it
into the future.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
So I'm excited for that. Well, page, thank you so much.
We're out of time, but I'll have you back again soon.
Speaker 5 (22:06):
All right, thank you, Roy, thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
We are back with the Roy Webt Show here on
News Talk five sixty k lv I and folks. We
always have the best guests and we certainly do our
best to keep you well informed about what's going on
here in Beaumont and Southeast Texas, and usually that involves
our local five oh one C three doing our community
(22:32):
and upcoming events that they're hosting. To me, Britney Delagarza
with in Freedom on the show with me right now.
Welcome back, Britney.
Speaker 4 (22:43):
Hi are you doing.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
I'm doing great And for people that are y'all have
only been around a relatively short time but had made
a big impact. And if you would let's people know
what Embracing Freedom is about.
Speaker 6 (23:05):
Absolutely so. Embracing Freedom is a five oh one c
three nonprofit based here in Beaumont, but we serve all
of Southeast Texas and our mission is to end child
sex trafficking. We work directly with survivors that are teens
and children that have experienced trafficking or they're at risk
of being trafficked, and we also do a community outreach
(23:27):
and prevention because that's how we're going to stop anything happening,
is empowering our kids to be able to speak up
for themselves.
Speaker 1 (23:36):
And I you know, I'm a little embarrassed to say
that it was probably I don't know, six or seven
years whenever I first heard about y'all and the founder
came to my office and was sharing and you know,
you know, human trafficking. Here we are got an organization
(23:59):
in Beaumont, and I'm thinking, really, of course, my idea
of human trafficking was like many people what they you know,
the movie Missing you know, something like that, you know,
people getting uh, and that is human trafficking. So I'll
qualify this. But then when she explained to me what
(24:20):
human trafficking look like here in Beaumont and you know
in other communities, you know it was it was really
disturbing because all of a sudden, your blinders are often
realize yeow, you know, this is a this is a
real problem in our community. And uh, I think things
are often a worse problem when people don't realize that
(24:43):
the problem exists or don't acknowledge it because they don't understand.
So if you can help educate our listeners a little
bit on what human trafficking may look like here in
Southeast Texas, I.
Speaker 6 (25:00):
Appreciate you bringing that up. That you know, it's very true.
A lot of the people in our community don't realize
that it can happen right in front of them, it
can happen behind closed doors. We're experiencing at a record
rate familial trafficking, so you know, that can look like
a family member that unfortunately is trafficking their kids or
their grandchildren, whatever that may be. Also, you know, we've
(25:21):
had one of our first cases of labor trafficking for teens,
so you know, again we're seeing all different types of
trafficking throughout Southeast Sex. So human trafficking is in its
basic form a use of force, fraud, or coercion to
make someone do something against their will. Well, you know,
our kids and teens that we work with have unfortunately
(25:43):
been trafficked for sex, labor trafficking. Sometimes you know, they
are in our area and they get taken to places
like Late Charles or Houston and they're still living at
home and being trafficked. So, you know, the best way
to really unders you know, what trafficking is to just
kind of educate yourself on those basics and keep your
(26:05):
eyes open because unfortunately it really is happening right in
front of us and we may not realize it.
Speaker 1 (26:11):
Right And in how kids get traffic, you know, how
that happens oftentimes, as you happen that anywhere, you know,
sometimes people think, well, you know, middle class, upper class,
you know, that's not going to happen. But you know,
when we think about our kids and with our phones
(26:34):
and the internet and social media besides just in the household,
because you'll certainly seen it occur, whether it's a family
member or relative in some way. But you know, it's
it doesn't just happen to the kids. It's kind of
it can be kind of a gradual where all of
(26:56):
a sudden, you know, and shame and embarrassing become a
big factor for them that prevent them from being able
to go to adults or feel like they can.
Speaker 6 (27:08):
Yeah, no, they definitely pray on that factor because our
kids and teens are the most vulnerable part of our community,
and traffickers exploit that. They know that they're scared to
speak up, they know that they may not feel like
they can trust their family or whoever is their caretaker
to talk to someone. And so that's why that prevention
in the schools is so important, because we're giving them
(27:29):
those tools to find a safe adult, recognize red flags.
Because you're right, it can be a gradual process. Traffickers
play the long game. They will have mutual friends on
social media. When these kids are you know, thinking that
oh this person knows my friends, and they accept a request,
they may be an entirely fake profile. So we're using
a whole new frontier with trafficking.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
Absolutely well and so with that, y'all, Embracing Freedom is
a not for profit and y'all always need funds because
the one thing about this intervention, you know, sometimes these
young people need a place to go. And certainly y'all
(28:12):
assist law enforcement. Y'all actually do training and other communities
that are beginning to realize this, but all of that
takes additional resources, and so you know, community awareness helps
is super important for people to understand what trafficking looks like,
(28:33):
but also to financially support something that is happening right
here in our backyard.
Speaker 2 (28:40):
Yes, sir, we.
Speaker 6 (28:41):
Actually have a couple of fundraisers coming up. So at
the moment, we're working on one called Step into Freedom,
where our shelter that we are working on building will
have bricks that will be laid out and a pathway
for our survivors to kind of enjoy the garden and such.
But these bricks will available for purchase for donation. You'll
(29:02):
have your name on them. If you need more information,
it's on our site. And then we also have a
glow walk coming up on November fifteenth. Registration and sponsorships
are available online, but we're really looking for someone to
sponsor or create a team. This will be a night
out for awareness. It's a family friendly event. It's happening
(29:24):
at portin Each's Riverfront Park on November fifteenth. Again, you know,
we just want everyone to come out and show their support.
And you're really excited because this is our.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
First five k Well, I am so proud of y'all
a and the work that y'all made because creating something
like this, and again my understanding is the Governor's office
uses y'all's organization to help us spread the news, and
(29:55):
y'all end up helping other communities that are trying to
formulate a plan an organization to help be able to
deal with this. And also just stay informed people because
again I think too many people don't understand the depth
and scope of the problem and how it can be
(30:15):
happening to your kids and grandkids, and the warning signs
to look for, because this is a big educational process
that sometimes people can be unaware of.
Speaker 6 (30:26):
Yes, so the signs of trafficking could be obvious or
they could be very you know, not as obvious. So
if you see somebody that doesn't come from a lot
of money and all of a sudden they have tons
of cash, or if there is a young person that
looks underage and they have a tattoo, A lot of
traffickers will unfortunately brand these people that they're victimizing with initials, barcodes,
(30:51):
also signs of abuse, tons of hotel keys.
Speaker 4 (30:54):
So just keep your eye out.
Speaker 6 (30:55):
We have all the full list of signs on our
site and if you ever have any questions you can
awa is contact us.
Speaker 1 (31:01):
Well, and with that we're about a minute out. So
what is your website?
Speaker 6 (31:05):
Our website is www dot embracingfreedombmt dot com.
Speaker 1 (31:11):
Well, that can't be that's super easy embracing freedom for
you guys.
Speaker 6 (31:16):
We love you guys who want it to be easy.
Speaker 1 (31:19):
That's right, embracingfreedombmt dot com. And what is y'all's contact
number for those that want to use the old fashioned
way and make a call.
Speaker 6 (31:28):
Yes, so that will be on our website as well.
It's for zero nine seventy two five six two one.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
All right, Brittany, I appreciate you. As we go into
a break here, I like to remind people that the
roy West Team mcgild mortgage does home loans. We do
all types of home loans, whether it's primary residents, vacation homes,
our investment property. So give us a call at four
nine eight sixty six nineteen oh one, or go to
(31:56):
roywesteam dot com for more information. Thereny Della Garza with
Embracing Freedom, thank you so much for being on the
show today.
Speaker 6 (32:05):
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (32:07):
Absolutely we are back with the Roy West Show here
on News Talk five sixty KLV. Folks, we always have
the best guest and certainly today is no exception to that.
We've got Elaine Schellenberger back with us. Hello Elaine, Hey, Roy,
how are you. I'm doing great, and there is an
(32:30):
event coming up that people don't need to miss and
if you would, let's talk about it.
Speaker 4 (32:38):
I would absolutely love to talk about it. This is
one of the best events I feel like in Beaumont.
But I'm a little prejudice, but the Symphony of Southeast
Texas is presenting a concert at the Botanical Gardens on
the Great Lawn on October the nineteenth. Opens at five
(33:01):
and the concert begins at five point thirty. And you know,
this is our third year and each year it gets bigger.
That last year we had over five hundred people out
there and like a lot, but that that area is huge,
so there's room for many, many people to come, and
(33:23):
it's it's like going back in time and being out
in nature and hearing this beautiful music and just enjoying
not only the music but also the children there that
are playing around and enjoying it, and the parents that
are enjoying it. People will bring picnic lunches, they bring blankets.
(33:48):
We provide chairs, but if you want to bring your
own chair, you're certainly welcome to do that, and some
people do that. But we'll also have a truck out there.
Whether you want to bring your your picnic supper or
whether you would like to just purchase something there at
(34:08):
the food truck. That's great too.
Speaker 2 (34:11):
Well.
Speaker 1 (34:12):
I know last year I was there and we actually
brought one of our grandkids because it's outdoors and they
were able to enjoy the outdoors and they it was
a toddler and not the whole time. He wasn't engaged
in the concert, I'm not gonna lie, but we were
able to keep eye on him and also very much
enjoy the concert. And it's always a great turnout. And uh,
(34:36):
and you know, how lucky are we to have the
Symphony of Southeast Texas right here.
Speaker 4 (34:40):
Oh absolutely. And the gardens, I mean, work out at
the gardens and there'll be people from out of town
that come in there so impressed that a city the
size of Beaumont has such a wonderful garden. Combined that
with the symphony and you know, how could you wrong
(35:00):
and it's all free.
Speaker 1 (35:03):
Well, it's incredible. And you know, we just had Chelsea
on not too long ago, because I love to support
the symphony as well, and as you're pointing out, having
the botanical gardens here in the city out at Terrell Park,
which is so beautiful, and then you know, having a
symphony the quality that we do here in Beaumont and
(35:24):
a half for seventy three years, and you know, we
get musicians from all over the area and here they are.
They're going to be coming out and this is going
to be a perfect time of year two. So let's
talk about when it is too.
Speaker 4 (35:37):
Okay again, it's October the nineteenth, which is a Sunday afternoon.
It's from five. The gardens open at five and the
concert concert starts at five point thirty, so it's going
to be over in time before it gets dark. So
everybody will be able to make make it home safely
(35:59):
and get ready to go to school the next day
or work the next day, but enjoy you know, the music.
And even though like you talked about your your grandson
that was out there, whether they're paying attention or not,
they're being exposed to it.
Speaker 1 (36:17):
Thank you. That's exactly right here.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
That yeah, So I'm like you. We had some young
toddler sitting in front of us and it was so
much fun to watch them, but their parents got to
enjoy it too.
Speaker 1 (36:34):
Agreed.
Speaker 4 (36:35):
It's just a great family time. And like I said,
and like you said, how lucky can we be to
have that kind of environment here in Beaumont?
Speaker 1 (36:47):
Well, and you know, we need to take full advantage
of it because it is something that is many cities
don't have and we and we cannot take it for granted.
Are we put it this way? We should not take
it for granted. And because it's such a privilege having
it here. And when you go, I know, I discovered
(37:09):
the symphony a little later in life. And you know,
now we're seating ticket holders and you know it's they
always put on an amazing show. And if people say, well,
you know, I don't like that kind of music, give
it a try, because you know, I just I don't
know what frame of reference I was looking at. And
now you know, going to the symphony is one of
(37:32):
my favorite things to do, and I just you know,
and again, exposing it to your kids and grandkids, I
think so important to do. And this is just a
great venue because it's going to be outdoors and it's
a beautiful park. And if you hadn't seen the park,
it's an opportunity to go out there and see that.
Speaker 4 (37:49):
I agree. And you know, when you're talking about not
knowing what kind of music to expect, I have to say,
Chelsea and the whole staff of our symphony do such
a great job to have all kinds of music so
that ever is included. It's not just for some music
(38:10):
or some people, but for everybody. And I think that's
what I appreciate so much about the symphony. And uh, again,
like I said, to have it outside and and the
and just being in nature. You know, you can hear
it sir or the frogs or whatever and just enjoy
(38:34):
being out in the fresh air.
Speaker 2 (38:38):
Well.
Speaker 1 (38:38):
And uh and again October nineteenth, usually things have started
cooling off a little bit and it's and it's later
in the evening and uh, it's it's a beautiful venue.
And as you said, I mean, I know last year
there was a food truck there too. Unless my mind's
playing tricks on me. Fine, and uh so you you
don't have to bring your food, but you can, and
(38:59):
there is plenty of space. That's the other thing, because
we brought a blanket since uh we had a toddler
with us, and you know, some snacks for them and
that kind of stuff to keep them entertained and happy.
But there were there were a lot of other people
out there, and like you said, there are seats set up.
Uh if if so you can, you can sit in
(39:22):
the seats as well.
Speaker 2 (39:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (39:24):
Yeah, it's it's it's just a perfect time in the
a perfect time of the year because uh this you know,
middle to late October, it starts cooling off. It's not
too cool, it's not too hot. It's really just right
when the sun goes down and uh and the symphonies playing.
It's I mean, it's uh, it's just the special time.
Speaker 1 (39:49):
Well, I thank you so much. We're about out of
time here, but Elaine Schellenberger with the uh here for
the Botanical Gardens as well as the Symphony of South
East Texas out there playing at the Pedanical Gardens on
October nineteenth. You can arrive at five o'clock food truck
great music in the Symphony of Southeast Texas.
Speaker 2 (40:10):
Will be there.
Speaker 4 (40:11):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (40:12):
Thank you, thank you so thank you. Talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (40:16):
Okay, bye bye.
Speaker 1 (40:19):
We are back wrapping up another Roy Wish show here
on News Top five sixty KLB. If you missed any
part of this show, please go to the iHeartRadio app.
You can stream this show at any of our shows
through podcasts. Also you can go to Apple podcast and
Android podcast. And I do want to remind you that
(40:39):
the Roy Wess Team mc gild Mortgage does home loans
for all types of homes, whether it's your primary residents,
whether it's a second home, vacation home, rental property. We
can help you with that. Also we do refinances, so
whether it's a conventional loan, jumbo loan, FHL, a USBA
(41:01):
or VA loan, the Roy West Team and Guild Mortgage
can assist you. And you can always give us a
call it for zero dye eight stix six nineteen zero
one or go to our website at Roywesteam dot com
and what a great show I had this week. It
started with Lieutenant James Gooseman with the Salvation Army talking
(41:25):
about all that the Salvation Army does here in town.
Then we had Page Nall talking about CASA of Southeast
Texas which is court appointed Special Advocates and the important
work they do. Then Britney Delagarza with Embracing Freedom, which
is a great organization that has been making lots of
(41:50):
growth and also serves those minors that are in human trafficking.
They provide them an avenue with the way out, they
help law enforcement that they also help the people that
are in human trafficking. And Elaine Schellenberger with the Botanical
(42:11):
Gardens talking about the upcoming Symphony of Southeast Texas out
at Botanical Gardens. Until we talk again, God bless you all.
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