The inaugural Rescuers radio show features guest Henry Rojas, who was first known as the innovative "father" of sports mascots, as the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, where he built relationships with fans as an entertainer, an extension of the fans, and a game changer. Since then, Henry has changed lives in a deeper way, most recently as the founder of Community of the Wild Goose, a quirky churchish gathering that leaves the door of spirituality cracked open so just about anybody feels welcome to enter. And never fear - there remains the feel of a comedy club!

Original air date May 7, 2020.

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Vince Ing is in sales by profession, but recently began creating items with his 3D printer as a hobby. At first it was just things for fun, like a collection of 3D Peanuts characters for his kids. But then came COVID-19, and Vince began hearing from his friends in the medical field about the horrible sores behind their ears they were getting from wearing face masks for 12 hours at a time, far long than was ever intended.

Hobbyists into 3D printing across the country are a tight-knit group, and there were templates going around for printing "ear savers" - flexible bands that remove pressure and friction from the ears, making any mask more comfortable to wear. Vince put together a 24-hour operation in his basement, churning out over 1,000 bands in the first few weeks, all given away at no charge, including shipping.Vince is one of hundreds of rescuers across the country during COVID-19.

Original air date May 14, 2020.

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Ginger Sykes Torres gained early notoriety in her life as a champion hoop dancer, at a time when it was a man's event. But weeks ago when she heard that her homeland in the Navajo Nation was ranked the highest in the U.S. for COVID-19 cases in the country; and that healthcare professionals and first responders had no personal protective equipment to protect them, her family gathered to create homemade face masks.

She is a woman who gets things done. That simple effort grew to gathering donations of hand sanitizer, face makes and other vital supplies, shipped up to the Nation by the van-load and then the truckload. Listen to her story on this broadcast, and if you're moved to help consider looking up the Go Fund Me Site at https://tinyurl.com/y7b73tzl

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Jacqui MacConnell was an officer with the Phoenix Police Department in 2003, when she was called out to a horrific scene. Two 5 year-old twins had lived caged their entire lives and their 8-year-old brother shared their room. Her reaction was to get involved with the boys' lives, and she continued to stay in touch as they were placed with a loving foster family.

From that, she founded Angels on Patrol, a nonprofit that provides police officer-initiated support to community members in times of crisis.

For more information about Angels on Patrol, go to https://angelsonpatrol.org/

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When Ken Brissa started his new position as CEO of the Phoenix Rescue Mission in February, he knew he would have his hands full balancing all the programs the organization offers to the hurting and homeless, including a men’s shelter and training, the women’s Changing Lives Center, the Hope Coach and the Hope for Hunger Food Bank.

On top of that was one of the largest expansion projects in the rescue mission’s nearly 70-year history, a $21 million expansion project to build new facilities and add 200 long-term recovery beds at the Mission’s Transforming Lives Center.

He knew all that. But what he couldn’t know was that little over a month later, the city would be rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization would have to quickly develop a strategy to keep clients and staff safe, while continuing to provide services that were suddenly even more critical than before.

For more information about the Phoenix Rescue Mission, visit their website here: https://phoenixrescuemission.org/

Original air date June 4, 2020.

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Join Art and guest Dr. Jeff McGee of Cross-Cultural Dynamics, as he seeks to narrow the gulf between disparate factions, building community and teaching people how to love one another. He challenges leaders to take an active role in changing culture to empower people of all races and backgrounds.

Originally aired June 11, 2020.

To learn more about Cross-Cultural Dynamics, go to https://ccdynamics.org/

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Julie Supplee, CEO of the House of Refuge Sunnyslope, talk about how COVID-19 and the dropping economy has impacted their clients. Their goal is to catch people before they become homeless on the street, bringing them to their 11 properties in North Phoenix in programs for men, for women, and for single women with children. Julie shares how their program to love, house and equip has actually grown during COVID-19, rather than been forced to shut down like many organizations.

Originally aired June 18, 2020.

To learn more about House of Refuge Sunnyslope, go to https://refugesunnyslope.com/

The Rescuers radio show is sponsored by RC Auto, where it’s not just an exchange of keys – it’s a relationship! www.meandmyrc.com

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Melissa Elliott, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Area Agency on Aging, has a passion for helping seniors, and she is on the front line of answering the needs of elders that have been heightened by the pandemic and anxiety about world situations. One of the AAA's most utilized services is the 24-hour Senior Help Line, a one-stop resource staffed with professionals offering everything from food boxes to counseling and resolving housing issues. During the pandemic, they have also instituted telephone reassurance calls, and Project HOPE (Helping Older People Eat).

Original air date June 25, 2020.

To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging, go to https://www.aaaphx.org/

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