Shows
EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingVoices in Action: Getting to know Randal Llanas and Four Rivers RecoverySend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Randal Llanas, and talk about his lived experience and the work he started at Four Rivers Recovery. Learn about their organization, the behind the scenes work, and the importance of what they do. Randal discusses their past experience and what led them to want to venture out on their own to start making a difference in their community.2025-03-0648 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingA Discussion Around the CRPD and the Importance of U.S. RatificationSend us a textJoin us as we talk about the significance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Featuring guest speakers who share their unique perspectives and experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of the CRPD on individuals and communities worldwide. Tune in to hear insightful discussions, and a deeper understanding of how the CRPD is shaping a more inclusive future for all.2024-12-032h 12EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingVoices in Action: Raquel Reyes with Poder of IdahoSend us a textRaquel, the director of Programs and Operations for Poder of Idaho, shared her journey into immigration advocacy and the work of her organization, which mobilizes and educates the Latino community on legislative processes and bills affecting undocumented and Latino communities. They discussed the importance of cultural sensitivity, spirituality, and advocacy in their work, as well as the challenges faced by marginalized communities in Idaho. The conversation also touched on the importance of educating people about their rights during interactions with law enforcement, the potential for conducting a workshop to support rural towns, and...2024-09-2858 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingResources and Advocacy with agricultural workers with OHDCSend us a textI was able to sit down with three different members of the Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) based in Ontario to have a conversation about all the work that each one of them does for the people in the agricultural field. We dive in by talking about each member's personal journey and how each one of them at one point utilized OHDC in their own lives and the significance that made to them and their family. They discuss each of their roles in detail and why their work matters, from providing educational resources...2024-09-0451 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingVoices in Action With Jeff Williams and the Victor Fox Cultivated Housing ServicesSend us a textThe Director of Victor Fox Cultivating Housing Services, Jeff Williams, speaks about the fantastic work they provide for individuals living with HIV and people with substance use disorders. He talks about the program's history and the tremendous steps it has taken to reduce as many barriers as possible. That may include providing access to care and temporary housing for needy individuals. Tune in to learn about it in-depth, and we hope you enjoy it. 2024-06-2844 min
EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingQueer Coded: Discussing gender identity and sexuality in rural communities with Edie EngelmannSend us a textIn this episode of Queer Coded, our host, Mary Ellen Buxton, interviews Edie Engelmann, a nonbinary civil engineer and LGBTQ+ advocate living and working in rural Eastern Oregon. Edie discusses their agender identity and shares their experience exploring and identifying their gender, sexuality, and expression. They also share their process of coming out to family and friends regarding not only sexuality but also gender identity and expression. They talk about having been met with great support from not only family but from friends and community members. They discuss experiences of gender dysphoria as...2024-05-171h 24EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingDive into understanding 2Spirit and Paths ReMembered with Jerico CummingsIn today's episode of Voices In Action, we sit down with a member of Paths ReMembered, an organization based on serving the 2Spirit and LGBTQIA community. We discuss what it means to be 2Spirit'd and its origins. Jerico Cummings, the guest for this episode, not only shares what their role is in Paths ReMembered but also their personal journey of self-identity and how that has impacted their lives. Join us as we get further understanding and education on the Indigiqueer population and so much more. We would also like to encourage you to check out their page at www...2024-04-291h 19EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingExploring Drag and LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Rural Eastern Oregon with Nathan Smith PT. 2Send us a textIn this episode of Queer Coded, our host, Mary Ellen Buxton, interviews Nathan Smith, an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Specialist, drag queen, and HIV/AIDS activist. Nathan shares details of his origins in the Indiana drag scene and tells of the social climate surrounding drag in rural Eastern Oregon. Nathan also discusses the need for LGBTQ+ mental health supports in Pendleton and Eastern Oregon while also recognizing that there are already a lot of supports in place in the region, though they may be hard to find. He goes on to describe his relationship...2024-04-1552 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingVoices In Action: A journey through detox and recovery with MarcosSend us a textIn this episode, we had the honor of sitting down with Marcos, a long-time community member of EOCIL. He shares his personal life story on how he grew up, his family dynamic, his struggles with substance use, and much more of his lived experiences. He breaks down what his journey through detox and recovery was like, and he shares his message with those who are thinking about starting their own journey. We hope you enjoy.2024-03-2852 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingExploring Drag and LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Rural Eastern Oregon with Nathan SmithSend us a textIn this episode of Queer Coded, our host, Mary Ellen Buxton, interviews Nathan Smith, an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Specialist, drag queen, and HIV/AIDS activist. Nathan shares details of his origins in the Indiana drag scene and tells of the social climate surrounding drag in rural Eastern Oregon. Nathan also discusses the need for LGBTQ+ mental health supports in Pendleton and Eastern Oregon while also recognizing that there are already a lot of supports in place in the region, though they may be hard to find. He goes on to describe his relationship...2024-03-1854 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingVoices in Action: A conversation with Eddie MelendrezSend us a textIn this episode, I talked to Eddie Melendrez, a city council member, an artist, and a food bank worker in Eastern Oregon. Eddie shared his personal life story, to pursuing his passion for art and education, to becoming involved in local politics and community service. Eddie also discussed his role in the city council, where he advocates for the rights and needs of people. He also talked about his role as an artist, where he expresses his creativity and identity through various mediums and projects. Finally, he talked about his job at the...2024-02-281h 11EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingHIV 101 with NP Chris FoxSend us a textIn this episode, Our host, Richard Rojas-Perez, and our guest, Chris Fox, cover the basics of HIV transmission, the stages of infection, and the importance of testing and treatment. We also discuss common misconceptions and the social impact of HIV, aiming to foster understanding and compassion in our community's approach to prevention and support. 2024-02-101h 16EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingEOCIL Voices In Action: AETC and the Meaning behind an Affinity Space with Ary BryceSend us a textIn this month's episode, we sit down with an AETC member, Ary Bryce. They host an affinity space once a month that is not only intended for BIPOC folk but is also a genuinely safe space for people of color to join and feel in unity with one another. We get into the details of what an Affinity space looks like and the goals that are intended for this space. Amador shares his own experience with discrimination and prejudice and explains how a space like the one Ary holds has helped him in m...2024-01-291h 16EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingExploring Queer Identities in Rural Education with K Ponce MartinezSend us a text In this month’s episode of Queer Coded, we sit down with Mr. K Ponce Martinez, a queer educator teaching in a special education Headstart classroom in rural Eastern Oregon. Mr. Ponce Martinez discusses the intersection of his multi-faceted identity and how heteronormativity affected his identity growing up. He also sheds light on his experiences accessing necessary and affirming medical care in his rural community. We discuss the role of gender-affirming care both within and outside of an LGBTQ+ context. Mr. Ponce Martinez also discusses gender dysphoria and the role it has played in...2024-01-161h 12EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingThe Essence of Harm Reduction with Tanagra MelgarejoSend us a textIn this month's episode of Voices in Action, we were lucky enough to have a very special guest from the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Tanagra Melgarejo. She is the Director of National Capacity Building with the NHRC and helps provide training and education throughout the United States. She helps break down the rich history of where the term “Harm Reduction” originated from and how it was intended to help those struggling with addiction. It stems from “a place of love,” as she describes harm reduction principles and core values. It also looks very differen...2023-10-281h 11EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingDiscussion Around Psilocybin, Measure 110 and more with Angela CarterSend us a textIn this episode of Voices In Action, we speak with Angela Carter. They have done so much work with many institutions by joining board committees and starting their foundations. They have played an instrumental role in developing and rolling out Measure 110, which helps organizations like ours provide Harm Reduction services. They explain their role in developing the plan and how Measure 110 is supposed to help. They also have a degree in Naturopathic medicine with a focus on psilocybin. They are currently part of a group to support all this medication to become fully...2023-08-281h 06EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingLife with Andrew Gurza as a Queer and Disability AdvocateSend us a textIn today's episode of Voices in Action, I sit down with a Queer and Disabled advocate Andrew Gurza. We learn more about who he is and their journey over the years. We dive into his early childhood and what his family life was like living with a disability. He explains some of his struggles with his family and all their efforts to make him feel no different than anyone kid at the time. His path from being a youth to a young adult showed some struggles, but he was able to find his...2023-07-2851 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingMary Ellen Buxton: Assistant Director of 2Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Resource ServicesSend us a textIn today's episode, we sit down with Mary Ellen Buxton and discuss their experience in rural Oregon. We break down their household life and how they became the person they are today. They grew up in a religious household, and their feelings and identity did not fit the social norm. That, however, did not stop them from being the person they are today. We detail what their early childhood life was like between the time they were in middle school throughout high school and college. They explain their experience throughout their time in...2023-07-1148 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingMary Allen Buxton: Assistant Director of 2Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Resource ServicesIn today's episode, we sit down with Mary Ellen Buxton and discuss her experience in rural Oregon and how she became the person she is today. She grew up in a religious household and her feelings and identity did not fit the social norm. She explains her experience throughout her time in the educational system and what she did in terms of finding support resources and advocacy for people whom she identified with. She eventually found herself in a position with Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living as Assistant Director of 2Spirit and LGBTQIA+ resource services, where she holds...2023-06-2648 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingUna Entrevista con Richard Rojas-Pérez, Subdirector de Servicios de ExtensiónSend us a textEn el podcast de hoy, nos tomamos el tiempo para hablar con uno de los directores asistentes de EOCIL. Richard ha asumido el papel principal como director asistente de los Servicios de Extensión de EOCIL. Se centra principalmente en correr la voz sobre la prevención del VIH. Desglosamos el programa y lo que Richard ha planeado para él. Queríamos compartir la importancia de su trabajo sobre cómo ayuda a reducir el estigma en la comunidad. Ya sea normalizando las pruebas o asegurando que los proveedores de salud locales estén equi...2023-05-2439 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingAn Interview with Richard Rojas-Perez, Assistant Director of Outreach ServicesSend us a textIn today’s podcast, we take the time to speak with one of EOCIL’s assistant directors. Richard has taken the lead role in because the assistant director of EOCIL’s Outreach Services. He primarily focuses on spreading the word about HIV prevention. We break down the program and what Richard has planned for it. We wanted to share the importance of his work on how it helps reduce stigma in the community. Whether that be by normalizing testing or ensuring that local health providers are equipped with the proper medication to help preven...2023-05-0244 minEOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingDavid Kracke: Understanding Brain Injuries and What SB420 Will DoSend us a textIn today’s episode of Voices in Action, we cover the hot topic of Senate Bill 420 and how that will increase access to crucial resources for people with brain injuries. Brain injuries are an issue that many people can face throughout their lifetime, from young kids hurt while playing to teenagers in sports to the elderly population falling. David gives us his background on how he started his career path and the personal connection he has with brain injuries. We then bring up the main topic for this episode, Senate Bill 420. He breaks do...2023-04-011h 04EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingCarrie Luke: Breaking Down Trauma and How It Affects UsSend us a textIn today’s episode, I sit down with Carrie Luke. She is a Behavioral Health Specialist at Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living. I wanted to bring her on due to her extensive knowledge of what trauma is and what it means to provide trauma-informed care. Many people face difficulties in their lives that are unique to them, and we each handle these obstacles in various ways. Carrie describes what trauma is and what it can look like for different people who might have a similar lived experience. No one handles trauma in th...2023-03-011h 02EOCIL - Eastern Oregon Center for Independent LivingSteven Wolf's New Life as a Recovery MentorSend us a textIn today’s episode, I sat down with Steven Wolf. He is a Recovery Mentor and Peer Support Specialist over at Origins Faith. I wanted to speak with him because of his fantastic story. Whether it is drug or alcohol abuse, Steven has been through it all. Steven talks about substance abuse starting at a young age, and we discuss the personal reasons we both used drugs and what we learned from those experiences. We break down why someone might be using and how that affects us as individuals as well as how we...2023-01-2459 min