Take Action Today with Chrystal Cantrell

Small Town, Big Business: Take Action Today Inc. with Chrystal CantrellJennifer Olson and Russell Williams host Small Town, Big Business in downtown Marion, Illinois, and interview Chrystal Cantrell, executive director of Take Action Today Inc., a recovery community organization serving Franklin, Williamson, Perry, Jackson, and Jefferson Counties with walk-in centers in Carbondale, Marion, and Benton/West City. Cantrell, a certified peer recovery specialist in long-term recovery, describes services including peer support, harm reduction education, Narcan and test kit distribution, transportation to treatment and appointments, laundry and clothing assistance, and plans for a thrift store. She discusses stigma, addiction as disease, homelessness realities, and the need for housing partnerships. The organization began after a homeless man’s death in West Frankfort, incorporated in 2020, grew rapidly, now has 18 staff, and runs ROSC councils, a youth prevention program (SIYEN), and a hotel-based respite partnership with Equality Inn and medical partners like Deaconess. She outlines volunteer, donation, and supply needs and shares contact details (takeactiontoday.net, Facebook, and center addresses).Recorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://takeactiontoday.net/