OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Building Radiant Futures for Domestic Violence Survivors

Radiant Futures (formerly Women’s Transitional Living Center) was the first domestic violence agency in Orange County and the third in the country. CEO Mark Lee joins the show to share the history of the organization and why it was time to rebrand, the organization’s new Hope House, crisis support and services for survivors, and common misconceptions about human trafficking. Lee also addresses victim blaming and how we can create an encouraging environment for receiving support.

Read More
OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Prioritizing Student Mental Health through WellSpaces

Research shows that a 15-minute mindfulness reset can help a student to return to the classroom more focused and better prepared to learn. Through a partnership between Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), four WellSpaces opened on secondary school campuses in the Irvine Unified School District during the 2022-23 school year. Sunny Shen and Tammy Blakely join the show to share how WellSpaces are assisting students in prioritizing mental health, develop positive coping skills, manage stress, and fully access social and emotional learning.

Read More
OC In Focus Melodie Turori OC In Focus Melodie Turori

Music and the Arts in Elementary Schools

Carl Hankey K-8 Academy is one of the few schools in the state that offers a Primary Music program for grades K-3. Music teacher Sara Pedroza shares about the music program and her hopes for how schools will use Prop 28 arts funds for schools. Music students Jaylen, Nikos, Nolan, and Christopher are in the studio to talk about what they love about learning to play an instrument, why music is important to them, and play a little live music.

Read More