(Community Matters 188) Wiggly Tail: Meet Asha! The Giant Puppy in Waiting

(Community Matters 191) Run-Up to Roofsit 3: The Haven's Family Legacy Behind the Mission to Help the Unhoused

This is the second in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. Erika Bradshaw, a Haven of Rest Board Member whose great-grandparents founded the shelter in Battle Creek in 1956 discusses the Haven’s origin story, and why community support still decides how many neighbors get real help.  Episode Resources The Haven of Rest Ministries Website [https://thehavenbc.org/events/yearly-roof-sit/] ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/]. Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website [https://battlecreekpodcast.com/] and let us know!

(Community Matters 191) GVSU Moves 'Black Boys and Men National Symposium' to Battle Creek

A single caring adult can change a life, but only if they know what to do after the inspirational moment passes. Dr. B. Donta Truss, Vice President of Enrollment, Development, and College Futures at Grand Valley State University, discusses the upcoming Black Boys and Men National Symposium coming to Battle Creek and explains the importance of giving educators, mentors, and community members real tools they can use to boost healthy outcomes for Black boys and men.  Episode Resources Black Boys and Men National Symposium Website [https://www.gvsu.edu/bbms/] ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/].

(Community Matters 191) A Local Legislative Perspective on The Plan To Cut State Property Taxes In Michigan

Rep. Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) returns to Community Matters to discuss plans to eliminate the state portion of property taxes and what it could mean for homeowners, schools, and local services. Frisbie also discusses the need for budget transparency and why cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse is tied to protecting taxpayers and the safety net.  Episode Resources Rep. Steve Frisbie House Republicans Website [https://gophouse.org/member/RepSteveFrisbie/posts] ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications. [https://livemiccommunications.com/]

(Community Matters 190) Run-Up to Roofsit 2: Helping Remove Obstacles That Lead to Homelessness

This is the second in a series of interviews shedding light on The Haven of Rest's mission and programs ahead of its annual Roofsit fundraiser. The Haven marks its 70th anniversary in 2026. A lot of people talk about homelessness like it’s a single problem with a simple fix. Daniel Jones, Executive Director of the Haven of Rest in Battle Creek, talks about what’s really happening on the ground: homelessness is often the symptom of something deeper Episode Resources The Haven of Rest Ministries Website [https://thehavenbc.org/events/yearly-roof-sit/] ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8:00 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications [https://www.livemiccommunications.com/]. Do you have a non-profit you'd like to hear highlighted on Community Matters? Go to our website [https://battlecreekpodcast.com/] and let us know!

(Community Matters 190) Specially Trained Service Dogs to Fit Many Needs

A dog that can change a life doesn’t happen by accident and it definitely doesn’t happen overnight. Anne Barea, Chair of the Board at Paws With A Cause and a certified dog trainer, explains how a tiny puppy grows into a custom-trained assistance dog for someone living with any disability.  Episode Resources Paws With a Cause Website [https://pawswithacause.org/] ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays at 8:00 AM on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com [http://www.battlecreekpodcast.com/]. Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln [http://www.shoplakeviewford.com/] and produced by Livemic Communications. [https://livemiccommunications.com/]