In this episode of Growing on the Vine, Chris Ryan speaks with Jessica Muñoz, CEO of Voices for Children, about the life-changing work of CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates. These trained volunteers walk alongside children in foster care from birth through age 21, offering stability, support, and advocacy both in daily life and in the courtroom. Jessica shares how CASAs provide judges with vital insight into a child’s needs, help older youth prepare for independent living, and give younger children a consistent voice in times of transition. Together, they explore how the community can step in, speak up, and make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children across Riverside County.

speakupnow.org

On this episode of Growing on the Vine, Dr. Valerie Scola, founder of Scola Family Dentistry, joins host Chris Ryan for a warm and insightful conversation about faith, dentistry, and community. Dr. Scola shares her personal journey into dentistry, the legacy of her father’s practice, and how her Christian faith became central to her life and professional calling.

In this episode of Growing on The Vine, Chris Ryan interviews Kim Rodriguez, Executive Director of My City Youth Center in Hemet, California. The conversation explores the center's mission to serve at-risk and underserved youth in one of Hemet’s roughest neighborhoods. Originally established by a local pastor over a decade ago, My City Youth Center provides after-school programs, life skills education, and essential services like meals and tutoring—all free of charge.

Kim highlights the center’s intentional faith-based foundation, their Young Parent Program (serving teen and young moms ages 13–25 with education, resources, and a merit-based “baby bucks” store), and a food distribution program that feeds over 350 families weekly. She also underscores the profound impact of community volunteers, local churches, and donated resources.

The center, while rooted in faith, offers practical support including parenting classes, resume help, and life skills mentoring. Kim stresses that while financial donations are needed, volunteers are their greatest ongoing need. The center is always open to tours and looking for those ready to support through service or giving.