Episode Details

Welcome to this week’s powerful episode of Growing Up in America, co-hosted by Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism at CHILDREN AT RISK, and Reagan Schneckenburg, Media Coordinator—bringing you the voices and stories shaping the future of our children and communities.

This episode dove into the intersections of environment, data, and the foster care system, with a lineup of passionate and experienced guests.

First up, Amanda from H-GAC broke down the critical work being done around flood mitigation. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, she explained how local governments are working to keep communities—especially children and schools—safe from future disasters.

Then, Dr. Chris Kulesza returned with his much-anticipated Data of the Day, sharing a concerning figure: 19% of HISD high school students reported drinking alcohol. His insights sparked an important conversation around youth risk behaviors and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

The second half of the show focused on the foster care system, with a powerful panel of voices. Rachel Kay and Te’Koya Dixon from Safe Haven Foster Center shared how they’re supporting some of our most vulnerable youth—providing not just shelter, but healing, advocacy, and love. And longtime foster parent Donald Guilliory, with over a decade of experience, gave a heartfelt look into the joys and challenges of opening your home to children in need.

This episode was a reminder that when we listen, care, and take action—we can protect, empower, and uplift every child, no matter their circumstance.

That’s it for this week on Growing Up in America—where we keep kids at the center of every conversation.