Tag: health

Serving for 36 Years: Starting Point Continues to Grow to Meet Community Needs

For more than 36 years, Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center has been quietly making a difference in the lives of individuals and families across the community.

Click HERE to hear all the interviews!

At its core, Starting Point is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that comes alongside people in some of life’s most overwhelming moments—whether that’s an unexpected pregnancy, reproductive loss, or simply needing someone to talk to. They offer services like pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, STI testing and treatment, counseling, and education focused on healthy relationships.

Executive Director Jennifer Furay says that mission has always been rooted in both faith and community. She emphasizes that Starting Point wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of the people around them—support that has sustained the ministry for more than three decades.

And now, that mission is expanding.

One of the biggest steps forward this year is the launch of their brand-new mobile medical unit, which they’ve named “Rosey.” This unit will allow their team to bring care directly into the community—meeting people where they are and expanding access to services in a very practical way. The mobile unit will officially be commissioned during their upcoming annual banquet, marking an exciting milestone for the organization.

That banquet is happening April 9th at Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University—and it’s shaping up to be their largest event yet.

The theme this year is “No Gift Is Too Small,” based on James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” It’s a message that reflects both the heart of their mission and the way they operate. Starting Point is fully supported by the community—through donations, partnerships, and events like this one—and every contribution plays a role in sustaining their work.

Development Director Jess Kirby explains that while the event is free to attend, seating is limited. Guests can reserve their spot by calling 740-393-5074 or visiting friendsofksp.com. The evening will feature keynote speaker Christina Hagan, Vice President of Medical Mobile Ministry at Care Net, along with a special perspective from one of Starting Point’s youngest donors.

Beyond the banquet, Starting Point continues to invest in everyday support for families.

Client Services Director Abbey Ernst highlights their monthly moms group, which creates space for connection, encouragement, and community. The group meets during the school year on the first Wednesday of each month at 11am at 11 Woodlake Trail, and during the summer, gatherings move to local parks and churches. They also offer birthing classes in both the fall and spring, helping parents feel more confident and prepared for labor and delivery.

And as their services grow, so does the need for volunteers.

Starting Point is actively looking for individuals willing to serve in a variety of roles—from client advocates to medical volunteers. Nurse Manager Heather Lanzer shares that while licensed nurses are especially helpful for medical services and the mobile unit, training is available for those who feel called to get involved.

As Starting Point looks ahead, Furay says the focus remains clear: continue meeting people where they are, continue offering support and care, and continue building strong connections within the community.

And whether it’s through attending the banquet, volunteering time, or offering support—every step forward is made possible by people who choose to be part of the mission.

Click HERE to find out more about Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center!

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Building Inclusion Through Community: Special Olympics Game Highlights Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently sat down with Brittany Coon, Public Outreach Manager for the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, to talk about something important happening this month—and right here in our community.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a nationwide observance that dates back to 1987 when President Ronald Reagan first established it. The goal is simple but powerful: to promote opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential.

Brittany explains that developmental disabilities can include a wide range of conditions, such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and Down syndrome, along with other physical, learning, or behavioral challenges. But here in Knox County, the focus isn’t just on definitions—it’s on inclusion. She describes the community as one where people of all abilities can truly live, work, and grow together.

That spirit of inclusion will be front and center at a special event tonight. At 6 p.m., Ariel Arena on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University will host a Special Olympics basketball game featuring the Knox County Eagles. The evening will also include cheerleaders and a lineup of local community leaders joining in the fun.

The event is made possible through partnerships with MVNU and community supporters like Paul McNeil, and it brings together a wide range of familiar local faces—from healthcare and law enforcement to business and public service. It’s shaping up to be a high-energy, meaningful night centered on connection and support.

As Brittany shared during the conversation, Special Olympics is about much more than sports. It creates a sense of belonging—not only for the athletes, but for everyone involved. Through competition and teamwork, athletes build physical fitness, leadership skills, and confidence, while also forming lasting relationships.

Events like tonight’s game also serve another important purpose: they create an easy entry point for the broader community. For many people, it may be their first time attending a Special Olympics event or interacting with individuals with developmental disabilities. That exposure helps build understanding, break down barriers, and strengthen the entire community.

Eric and Brittany also talked about what support looks like beyond just one month or one event. Brittany emphasized that awareness is only the beginning—what really matters is action. That can mean listening, advocating for accessibility, supporting inclusive workplaces, volunteering, and making a conscious effort to include others in everyday life, whether at work, community events, or places of worship.

She encourages everyone to come out to the game, not just for the fun of it, but for what it represents. Showing up sends a powerful message to the athletes that their community is behind them.

The game tips off at 6 p.m. at Ariel Arena, and admission is free, making it an easy way for families and community members to get involved and be part of something meaningful.

Click HERE to learn more about the Knox County DD!

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United Way of Knox County Builds Stronger Futures Through Education, Health, and Financial Stability

When you hear about the United Way, you might think of fundraising campaigns or workplace giving—but as Katie Ellis shared at this year’s United Way of Knox County Annual Meeting, it’s really about something much bigger: building a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart had the chance to sit down with Ellis, the organization’s Executive Director, to talk through the heart of United Way’s work—and it all comes down to three key pillars: education, health, and financial stability.

Click HERE to hear the full interview with Katie, Outgoing Board Chair Sam Filkins, and 2026 Board Chair Todd Taylor!

Starting with education, Ellis explained that their focus begins early—really early. United Way is committed to walking alongside children and families from birth all the way through graduation. That includes programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which puts free books into the hands of young children across Knox County, helping spark a love for reading from the very beginning.

But it doesn’t stop there. Through partnerships with organizations like Head Start and the Salvation Army, United Way is helping families build strong foundations during those critical early years. And as students grow, so do the opportunities. Programs like ROX are helping young girls build confidence and emotional resilience as they transition into middle school, while free after-school tutoring is giving 3rd through 5th graders extra support as they prepare for state testing.

All told, nearly $295,000 was invested into education initiatives in 2025—showing just how serious United Way is about helping kids succeed at every stage.

That same level of commitment carries over into the health pillar. Ellis shared that the goal here is simple: make healthy living accessible for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

That includes offering free or low-cost health screenings for women, newborns, and new mothers through partnerships with Knox Public Health, Head Start, and NoCo Health. But it also means thinking creatively about what “access” really looks like.

From wheelchair-accessible garden beds at the community garden to programs like Cycling Without Age, United Way is working to remove barriers and create opportunities for people to stay active and engaged. They’ve also partnered with the YMCA to provide scholarships and memberships so that finances don’t stand in the way of healthy lifestyles.

One of the biggest highlights? Every first grader in Knox County will now learn how to ride a bike in PE class thanks to the All Kids Bike program.

In 2025 alone, more than $272,000 was invested into health initiatives.

The third pillar—financial stability—focuses on helping individuals and families move forward, especially during difficult seasons.

Ellis explained that this work combines immediate assistance with long-term support. United Way partners with organizations like the Winter Sanctuary and New Directions to help people find stable housing, while also offering financial coaching to help them stay on track.

In times of crisis, partnerships with Interchurch Social Services, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army help provide rent and utility assistance. And through their resource navigation program and the 2-1-1 hotline, residents can quickly connect with the services they need.

In 2025, over $301,000 was invested into financial stability programs—making it the largest of the three pillars.

Of course, none of this happens alone.

Ellis emphasized that United Way’s impact is truly a community effort. Local businesses, organizations, and volunteers all play a role—from major contributors like Ariel Corporation, Park National Bank, and Kokosing Construction to institutions like Kenyon College and Knox Community Hospital.

And it’s not just about dollars. In 2025, volunteers gave 972 hours of their time—supporting everything from tax preparation through VITA to community events like the Day of Caring.

One standout example? The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which has achieved 19 consecutive years of 100% employee participation in giving.

As the conversation wrapped up, Ellis shared a look at the bigger picture. United Way passed its 2024 audit with strong results, keeping administrative costs low and ensuring that more than 86 cents of every dollar goes directly back into community programs.

And perhaps most importantly, she reminded listeners that United Way is bigger than any one person or campaign. It’s a movement that’s been part of Knox County for 75 years—investing millions of dollars and helping shape the community in lasting ways.

There’s also a sense of momentum moving forward.

Outgoing Board Chair Sam Filkins reflected on his long connection to United Way and reassured the community that even with recent transitions, the mission remains strong and local. Incoming 2026 Board Chair Todd Taylor echoed that confidence, sharing a vision focused on sustainability, collaboration, and listening closely to community needs.

As United Way looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2026, the message is clear: the work is ongoing, the partnerships are strong, and the impact is real.

Click HERE to read the United Way’s Annual Report!

Click HERE to learn more about the United Way of Knox County!

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Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center is Gearing Up for a Busy Saturday!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently had a sit down with Jennifer Furay, the Executive Director for Starting point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center for a fantastic talk.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Starting point has been around for 36 years, they offer family counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, STI/STD testing and treatment, they have abortion pill reversals, and they have a mobile unit starting soon. Jennifer has been the Executive Director for two years and she talks about their location on Woodlake trail.

The mobile unit was announced this summer, and she talks about what they’re going to be doing when they are ready to go themselves. Its been 15 years in the making and they’re very excited for spreading their goal of making a community where abortion is unthinkable. The most important focus for their new patients is to get an ultrasound, visualization of seeing their child brings the human element back into the picture. The mobile vehicle is nearing completion; Jennifer hopes to start on the road soon.

Jennifer talks about their fundraising events and volunteer efforts and she talks about how their volunteers are what keep them going, she sees them as partners in the fight for life.

She talks about their MVNU volunteers and their efforts as part of Cougs for KSP and she’s excited for the volunteers they have. She highlights some of the volunteers from MVNU and some of the events they have around campus. She wants the message to be heard that the students are important. She shares how you can pray for them, you can pray for them to have the energy to continue the mission and help them to do all they can.

Don’t forget this Saturday will be a jam packed day starting with Starting Point’s Bubble Run, followed by an Evening with Mark Schultz!

Click HERE to learn more about the Bubble Run!

Click HERE to learn more about “An Evening with Mark Schultz!

Click HERE to learn more about Starting Point Pregnancy and Family Resource Center!

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Do you want to simplify your life? Check out this blog!

Today, The Morning Thing shared some small ways to make life simpler. These tips are from The Positivity Blog. They remind us that life does NOT have to be so hard.

See the full list of 23 small ways to make life simpler HERE.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Breathe.

When stressed, lost in a problem (or a mistake) or the past or future in your mind breathe with your belly for two minutes and just focus on the air going in and out.

These deep breaths will calm your body down and bring your mind back into the present moment again.

2. Do one thing at a time.

You’ll get better results and feel better and less stressed while doing those things.

3. Write it all down.

Use your mind for better things than remembering what to do. And the mind is often like a leaky bucket.

So write down all your great ideas, insights and thoughts before they go missing somewhere and add what you need to do to a to-do list.

4. Stop trying to do things perfectly. 

It will only get you stuck and drain your self-esteem.

Go for good enough instead and when you are there you are done. Get things all the way to done this way and then move on to the next thing.

5. Pack your bag before you go to bed.

Then you don’t have to get stressed out by that in morning and you are less likely to forget something.

6. Ask yourself simplifying questions every day.

Questions like:

  • What is the most important thing I can do right now?
  • What is one small step I can take to simplify this situation?

7. Keep everything in its place.

If everything has its own place then it is whole lot easier to keep your home reasonably ordered and decluttered from day to day.

This also helps you with your inner stillness as the outer environment affects how you feel on the inside.

8. Write shorter emails.

I tend to write emails containing only a few sentences, usually between one and five. If you focus on keeping it short and focused then you’ll probably discover that this is a good solution in most cases.

9. Ask instead of guessing.

Reading minds is hard. So, instead ask questions and communicate.

This will help you to minimize unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, negativity and waste of time and energy.

10. Check everything just once a day.

I check my email inboxes, blog statistics, my online earnings, Twitter and Facebook just once a day.

I combine all that checking into one small daily ritual at the end of my workday so I don’t slip and go checking it more during the day and waste my energy and attention.

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Spreading Positive Vibes on Good News Tuesday!

On The Morning Thing on WNZR Tuesday, co-host Eric Brown shared a series of uplifting, encouraging, and downright cool stories as part of our Good News Tuesday.

Throughout the morning, we brought you heartwarming and positive news stories designed to brighten your day and lift your spirits.

Sharing good news helps balance the often overwhelming stream of negative headlines, offering hope and reminding us that there is still kindness, progress, and joy in the world. It can inspire positive action, improve mental well-being, and foster a sense of community and resilience.

We featured a variety of these inspiring stories all morning long to bring encouragement and a smile to your face:

🧠 Wisdom Teeth and Stem Cells – Who Knew?
Turns out those pesky wisdom teeth we all dread might be way more useful than we thought. Researchers in Spain have discovered that the soft center inside wisdom teeth—called dental pulp—contains powerful stem cells that could one day help heal bones, hearts, and even brain tissue. These cells can actually turn into neuron-like cells that show electrical activity, similar to real brain cells. Scientists are even testing them in mice with heart issues, and early results look promising. And the best part? Since over 10 million wisdom teeth are pulled each year, collecting them could be as easy as tossing them in a vial and sending them off to a lab. So before you toss yours in the trash, you might want to think twice—they could be your body’s future backup plan.

🎓 Small Town, Big Scholarships
In Swanville, Minnesota—a tiny town of just 328 people—graduation means more than just a diploma. Every single year for the past 30 years, the whole town has chipped in to raise money for scholarships for its seniors. Think chili cookoffs, bingo nights, bake sales—you name it. What started as a $166 gift back in the day just hit new heights: This year, one lucky grad walked away with $5,000. That’s a whole semester of college, right there. It’s more than just money—it’s about making sure their kids know they’re supported, wherever life takes them. In Swanville, it’s clear: once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.

🥾 Detention? Let’s Take a Hike
At Morse High School in Maine, detention looks a little different. Forget sitting in a classroom staring at the wall—here, misbehaving students can choose “hiking detention.” That’s right. If you skip class or mouth off to a teacher, you might find yourself lacing up your boots and heading into the woods. School counselor Leslie Trundy came up with the idea after an outdoor ed conference, and now it’s a hit. Students say the walking clears their heads and helps them think straight. Not everyone’s sold—some parents think it’s too soft—but the kids are showing up, breathing fresh air, and maybe even learning a thing or two. Sounds like a win.

Click HERE for more POSITIVE stories from the Good News Network!

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Parental Stress has been declared a significant public health issue. How will you fight it?

The US Surgeon General has declared Parental stress as a significant public health issue. Dr. Vivek Murthy recently released a 36 page advisory on this important issue.
Click HERE to read more.

Dr. Murthy says that we need a culture shift. The advisory says: “It’s time to value and respect time spent parenting on par with time spent working at a paying job, recognizing the critical importance to society of raising children.” Parents and caregivers need societal support and to be able to talk openly about the stress of parenting. Like an earlier surgeon general’s advisory, it says more connection is needed to combat loneliness and isolation among parents.

“The bottom line is that we’ve got to start seeing mental health as health. It is no less important than our physical health,” Murthy said Wednesday. “If we can attend to both our mental and physical health, then we have a good chance, you know, of being happy, healthy and fulfilled, and that’s what we all want for ourselves and especially for our kids.”

The Morning Thing shared some ways for Moms and Dads to fight stress.

For Moms, we shared 5 shifts in focus that can help alleviate Mom Stress.
Click HERE to read the full article from imom.com
1. Focus on your breathing.

2. Focus on your inner critic.

3. Focus on what brings you comfort.

4. Focus on forgiving yourself.

5. Focus on what you can control.

For Dads, we shared 5 ways to address fatherhood stress.
Click HERE to read the full article from allprodad.com
1. Start the day early.

2. Write daily goals and journal.

3. Get active.

4. Find moments to read.

5. Connect with other dads.

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Eating Healthy on a Budget

I think we can all agree that the recent rise in grocery prices has made it harder to eat health. We wanted to help you out so your health doesn’t have to be a burden at the store!

Big thanks to Healthline for this amazing article on clever ways to eat healthy while on a budget! Here are some awesome ways to do that…

  1. Plan Your Meals
  2. Stick to Your Grocery List
  3. Cook at Home
  4. Cook Large Portions and Use Your Leftovers
  5. Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry

To read more ways to save click HERE

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Spring Into Health is coming this Sunday!

WNZR shared information about the Spring Into Health event happening this Sunday (5/13)from 1pm – 5pm at the SDA Hill Church, 535 Wooster Road in Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to hear the conversation.

The event will include live demonstrations on CPR, Heimlich procedure, Life Vac, First aid, Healthy food demos, How to sprout, Poultice Making, Hydrotherapy, Plant milk/yogurt making, Health screenings for depression, and learning Chair massage.
Knox Community Hospital will be there with various health screenings.
You can learn about immune boosting techniques based on God’s 8 natural remedies:
N – Nutrition
E – Exercise
W – Water
S – Sunshine
T – Temperance
A – Air
R – Rest
T – Trust in God

They will share Better Health through Better Living at this FREE Community Health Fair!

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Organize Your Home Day: Ways For You To Tidy Up!

 

Today is Organize Your Home Day! Marcy and Lexie share ways to get your home organized a little bit before spring cleaning comes. Having an organized home can help with your mood, after all! Want to learn more about how this day came to be and how you can celebrate? Check out the article HERE.

The co-hosts also share life hacks to help you organize what you do have! If you want some extra help to celebrate the day, take some time to use these awesome tips and tricks. These small snippets of advice can help you and your whole family get organized. Find the whole list of life hacks HERE.

 

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