EP1: Outreach Services in Fall River

Fall River State of Mind Episode 1 : Outreach Services in Fall RiverHosted by: Owen Ivey LICSWGuest: Niki Fontaine, Director of Outreach Services for the City of Fall RiverI've observed in Fall River, both in talking with residents, following local politics, and learning about what's said online, that there is prevelant belief that City Hall isn't doing enough for the most in need. I invited Niki Fontaine on the program to discuss the work her department in Fall River City Hall is doing to serve the unhoused, folks suffering with addictions, and folks struggling with mental health. She shares what her work really looks like and what is required of her and her team to really help folks. She outlines some of the hurdles folks face in getting the help and support they need, that I believe many of us don't know or appreciate. She comments on policies and efforts underway that are helping and some that aren't helping as much as we'd like. And she shouts out some folks in the city we should all be grateful are doing this work with her. My hope is that by hearing from Niki we can all discuss this topic more responsibly. I hope we can change the language and rhetoric around the unhoused members of our community. I hope we can all find ways to lend a helping hand in what is a significant human problem in today's modern world, and in particular Fall River. Thanks for listening and please subscribe to see more content like this. -Owen