We had a wonderful conversation with Youth Villages about the incredible work they are doing to support foster care across Middle Tennessee. We spoke with Frankie Boyette, Regional Supervisor of Foster Care, who shared valuable insight into the growing need for foster parents in our community, what makes a great foster parent, the requirements and process of becoming licensed, what to expect when a child is placed in your home, and the impact of therapeutic foster care. We also had the opportunity to hear a firsthand perspective from Ms. Gubasavi, a single elementary school teacher with MNPS who is deeply involved in her community and has an incredible gift for connecting with children, especially those who may be harder to reach. After just her first year as a foster parent, she was named Rookie of the Year in 2025! She currently has four children in her home and primarily fosters girls, mostly teenagers, but has also opened her home to babies. After welcoming a teen mom into her home, she became open to fostering younger children as well. Her story was a beautiful reminder of the difference one person can make and offered an inspiring look at the joys, challenges, and life-changing impact of foster parenting.

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Disability awareness starts with listening to the people living it. Tala spoke with ABLE Youth Executive Director Amy Saffell and Alexandra Jobe, a young Middle Tennessee woman who came through the organization’s program, about independence, accessibility and creating a more inclusive community.

Both wheelchair users, Amy and Alexandra bring personal perspectives to the conversation. Alexandra shares her story of living with a disability and how ABLE Youth has been part of her journey. We also explore the organization’s work helping young people who use wheelchairs build confidence, develop independence and find community.

Plus, they discuss the call for Nashville to make its spaces more accessible and ADA compliant—and why access matters in everyday life. From navigating public places to participating in community activities, people like Amy and Alexandra deserve the opportunity to take part fully.

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Tala spoke with Men Wear Pink ambassador Rashed Fakhruddin about what inspired him to advocate for breast cancer awareness, why it’s important for men to become allies and how our community can show up for those affected all year long. From starting conversations to supporting survivors and raising funds, everyone has a role to play.

They also talk about Fit Crawl 2 Fight Breast Cancer, happening October 31 from 8 a.m. to noon at Nashville’s Rose Park! This year’s event brings field day games, costumes, music, prizes and a community pink victory lap together in support of the American Cancer Society.

Community admission is free, and field day participation is $25 per person. Whether you’re ready to compete or simply cheer everyone on, grab your crew, wear your pink and get moving for a cause!

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