KXEP-LP Empower House Radio

Melanie Cawthon and Janice Perez from disABILITY SA

disABILITY SA - disABILITY SA connects people with all types of disabilities and their families to information about local resources, programs and opportunities that promote independence and inclusion where they live, work and play. Executive Director and co-Founder Melanie Cawthon, and Communications and Outreach Director, Janice Perez, discuss the services they offer and we look at the larger issues regarding disability advocacy in San Antonio. 
Empower Hour: Community and Wellness is our series where we sit down with advocates and leaders, other non-profit organizations and those working to improve social justice, health and wellness, the environment and the communities they live and work in. 
Credits:Host/Producer: Caesar Morales
Armando Estrada is Empower House Radio Station Manager
 

Gabriela Lopez from the Bloom Project

Bloom Project- Ki'Amber Thompson founded the Charles Roundtree Bloom Project having grown up witnessing the ​​unjust policing, incarceration, and environmental inequity in San Antonio. The Charles Roundtree Bloom Project was named in honor of Ki’Amber's cousin, Charles Davonte Roundtree, Jr. also known as “Chop."
Program Director, Gabriela Lopez, speaks to us about the outdoor healing justice program and how the Bloom Project strives to transform the consequences of trauma and oppression that we hold within our bodies, hearts, minds, and spirits through reconnecting with the land and nature to explore, learn, and develop collective healing practices. 
Empower Hour: Community and Wellness is our series where we sit down with advocates and leaders, other non-profit organizations and those working to improve social justice, health and wellness, the environment and the communities they live and work in. 
Credits:Host/Producer: Caesar Morales
Armando Estrada is Empower House Radio Station Manager
 

Kim LeBlanc from SA Film

SA Film- We sit down with SA Film Commissioner and Music Program Manager, Kim LeBlanc. Kim goes through the ins-and-outs of filming in San Antonio and the services available to aspiring and professional filmmakers. Kim also tells us why San Antonio is a great filmmaking city as well as her hopes and plans for making San Antonio a sustainable city for artists and filmmakers. Empower Hour: Community and Wellness is our series where we sit down with advocates and leaders, other non-profit organizations and those working to improve social justice, health and wellness, the environment and the communities they live and work in. 
Credits:Host/Producer: Caesar MoralesArmando Estrada is Empower House Radio's Station Manager
 

Jeff Chandler from Owl Radio

Owl Radio - Jeff Chandler tells us about Owl Radio, the services they provide, and advocacy for the Blind/Low Vision community in San Antonio. Jeff Chandler is the Owl Radio Program Director . Owl Radio is part of the Low Vision Resource Center. At Owl Radio, volunteers read local and national news for those with low or no vision. Owl Radio also sponsors the Low Vision Expo annually. Empower Hour: Community and Wellness is our series where we sit down with advocates and leaders, other non-profit organizations and those working to improve social justice, health and wellness, the environment and the communities they live and work in. 
Credits:Host/Producer: Caesar Morales
Armando Estrada is Empower House Radio Station Manager
 

Sandra Ogogor and Caira Spenrath from SAAACAM

SAAACAM - Empower House Radio chats with Sandra Ogogor and Caira Spenrath to highlight the importance of African-American history in San Antonio and the benefit of community archiving. The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) strives to collect, preserve, and share the cultural heritage and history of African-Americans in the San Antonio region. Empower Hour: Community and Wellness is our series where we sit down with advocates and leaders, other non-profit organizations and those working to improve social justice, health and wellness, the environment and the communities they live and work in. 
Credits:Host/Producer: Caesar Morales
Armando Estrada is Empower House Radio Station Manager
 

Talking Up Peace- Ep. 7- Understanding Protective Orders

In this episode, we talk about protective orders which they haven’t discussed in their previous shows. Patricia explains that protective orders are tools created many years ago legislated on behalf of people dealing with issues of family violence. They are created to keep people apart when it’s not safe. She also explains the types of protective orders available, including the emergency protective order and the permanent protective order. Note that a protective order is different from a restraining order, which is not enforceable by police. A protective order can be enforced by law enforcement, and if violated, the offender can be arrested. Additionally, the importance of full faith and credit laws, which means that a protective order issued in one state is good in all states and territories of the United States. Patricia explains what a protective order entails, including the length of distance required, communication, custody issues, child support, and other restrictions. Finally, what is the significance of protective orders in the context of the pandemic of Covid-19, and the shadow pandemic of domestic violence?

Talking Up Peace- Ep.6- San Antonio's Domestic Violence Collaborative Commision

In this episode, the Jenny and Patricia discusses the formation of the San Antonio Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence. The commission was formed after a town hall meeting was held on domestic violence, which was originally organized by Congressman Joaquin Castro. The meeting was based on a report commissioned by the mayor’s commission on the status of women, which found that violence against women in San Antonio is rampant. The town hall meeting was attended by 400 people, and a minimum of 22 survivors got up to speak and tell their stories. The episode highlights the need for a different response to domestic violence in San Antonio and the importance of the collaborative commission in bringing together different stakeholders to address the issue.

Talking Up Peace- Ep. 5- Safety Plans in Abusive Situations

In this episode, we talk about the importance of safety plans for people in abusive situations. Leaving is the most dangerous time for a survivor of domestic violence as the perpetrator of abuse makes sure leaving is not an option. Survivors are afraid to leave as it puts their family members and other loved ones in danger. Building a support system and seeking help from advocates, friends or family members who can be trusted. Safety plans can be lifesavers in such situations. We also discuss how admitting the abuse and seeking help can be hard for survivors who are ashamed and feel like they are putting others in danger. It is essential to pack a bag with important documents, medication, etc. ahead of time and have a plan in place for a crisis. Survivors need to think around the perpetrator’s mentality and manage around it. It is a very complicated situation, and survivors are at a crucial crossroads when considering leaving.

Talking up Peace- Ep. 4 Patriarchy nad Its Impact on Domestic Violence

In this episode, Jenny and Patricia delve into the topic of patriarchy and its contribution to systems of oppression. We discuss how men can become trapped in the system and the root causes of their behavior, including a sense of entitlement and need for control. The impact of patriarchy on abusive situations and male privilege is also explored, as well as the different expectations placed on boys and girls within families. We emphasize the need to challenge patriarchy and highlight how it has led to important laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment. We also discuss the broader impact of domestic violence on communities, including the financial cost and effect on children. Patricia suggests that promoting healthy masculinity and giving boys responsibilities within the family can help break the cycle of violence and lead to respectful, kind, capable, and affectionate men. Ultimately, there is a need to rethink the entire system of patriarchy and consider solutions to ameliorate the issues and problems it has caused.

Talking Up Peace-Ep. 3- Explore theTraumatic Effects of Violence on Children, Inherited Generational Trauma, Devaluing of Women, and Choosing Healing

Patricia Castillo speaks about the generational trauma that can be inherited and the devaluing of women in traditional gender roles, which can lead to abuse and violence. She discusses the effects of violence and trauma on children and how it can shape their development and future relationships while challenging listeners to choose healing and break the cycles of abuse. We discuss how children’s brain development can be stunted in violent households and how this can lead to chronic diseases, addictions, and inter-generational cycles of violence. We emphasize the importance of seeking healing and changing cultural norms to prevent passing on the curse of domestic violence and abuse while providing insight into how to challenge abusive attitudes and beliefs in relationships.