“If you need to stop an asteroid, you call Superman. If you need to solve a mystery, you call Batman. But if you need to end a war, you call Wonder Woman.”

— Gail Simone, Wonder Woman

These words ring so true when I think of the two women I recently interviewed for Highlight the Helpers because (A) they are both amazing, heroic people and (B) they are both fighting for causes on behalf of those most in need.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk9PRx7cEuM&t=4s

Maya Cohen took some time out of her busy schedule and talked to me about the buying power of local food banks. And let me tell you, I learned a lot. Like seriously, more than I learned in six years pursuing my bachelor’s degree at Bridgewater State College (Go Bears!). Maya taught me that a single U.S. dollar could provide up to five meals for someone who is facing food insecurity. FIVE meals, people!

The lesson didn’t stop there. Maya actually took the time to teach this old dog new tricks by walking me through how to make a donation to the virtual food bank in my area. That’s when I saw the numbers that floored me. The buying power of the food bank in staggering.

https://youtu.be/FE0FHINtu6s

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness month? I was so blessed to talk to Lindsey Boggs (no relation to Wade Boggs for my Red Sox friends). Lindsey’s story is so powerful, raw, and inspirational that I literally had to compose myself before I watched it again. In fact, this conversation was so commanding and insightful that I’m going to make it a two-part episode.

Not only does Lindsey discuss her own struggles, but she gave me some amazing tools and resources that anyone can use. There is such a strong stigma associated with mental health that many people, yours truly included, try to ignore their issues. Spoiler alert: That usually doesn’t work out well. If you, or someone you know, may be struggling with a mental health issue Lindsey’s story may resonate and at the very least let people know that they are not alone. And that it is truly OK to not always be “OK.”

Remember, stay socially distanced but spiritually connected!