Laura McGrew, Area Director of Joni & Friends International Disability Center in Fresno, talked about the Fresno office and its long reach throughout the central valley, including the city of Merced, helping the disabled and their families. She also shared information about the family retreat coming up in late March and how this helps not only the disabled but their caregivers as they share time together with other families.

Marci Boucher, Executive Director for the Society for Handicapped Children and Adults, informed listeners about her agency and also talked about the upcoming Ski-A-Thon Fundraiser on February 23rd in which major funds are raised for improving the lives of children and adults living with disabilities. Her agency helps many in Merced County as well.

Sherry Bright, Executive Director of Love INC of Greater Merced, shared how Love INC continues to help the less fortunate in communities throughout Merced County. She also informed listeners about the fundraising dinner for Love INC coming up in March. This dinner has raised 1/3 of the agency's financial needs for the year.

Bob Calaway, spokesman/retired Police Chief, talked about the proposed sales-tax for the City of Atwater. This tax would be only for public safety and nothing else. With the city facing a 4 million dollar deficit, city leaders are wanting to insure that pending budget cuts will not impact the Police and Fire Departments. This sales tax will take care of the funding of these departments.

Pastor Al Schaap of Gateway Community Church in Merced and Jennifer Tripp of Yosemite Church in Merced talked in length about the rescue of people caught in sex trafficking and its growing here in the valley, state, nation and world. Also discussed was the need for building and staffing safe houses in major U.S. cities and around the world. Bringing this issue into sharper focus is a planned event January 26th in Merced to allow residents the opportunity to become more aware of this growing illegal trade and the action they can take to bring it to an end.

Public Information Officer, Mike Conway, updated listeners on the controversial Wal-Mart Distribution Center planned for Merced. He addressed the potential jobs it will create as well as the environmental concerns residents have regarding the number of trucks operating out of the facility.

Mike Conway, Public Information Officer, updated listeners on the High Speed Rail issue. He specifically focused on the potential impact High Speed Rail would have economically on Merced and the possible relocation of various businesses and homes during the rail's construction through Merced.

Dave Benton of Inside Look interviews Spence Boelter, Area Director of Young Life, Merced County. Spence talked in length about the overall mission of Young Life Merced County to make a difference in the future of our young people. He shared how loving adults impact these young teenagers by simply meeting them where they are and mentoring them to make right decisions in their lives that help give them a future. He also talked about the many clubs and activities that make Young Life an exciting experience for all who participate.

Dave Benton of Inside Look interviews Monika Grasley, Executive Director of Lifeline CDC. Monica explained the purpose of Lifeline CDC and its mission and vision: cultivating and celebrating the assets of our communities and empowering impoverished neighborhoods to thrive. Monika specifically focused on two projects in Merced County: The city of Winton and Loughborough neighborhood in Merced. Both are experiencing significant progress in transforming the quality of life for its residents involved with Lifeline.

Dave Benton interviews Dave Lockridge, Executive Director of ACE Overcomers. ACE Overcomers helps individuals confront and move past their adverse childhood experiences and various family dysfunctions. He explained how these suppressed experiences impact one's quality of life and affect the choices they make as adults. Information was presented to KAMB listeners about weekly meetings and support groups available for those who may need them.

Dave Benton interviews Robin McCall, volunteer spokeswoman of Hinds Hospice of Merced about the end-of-life care they provide. Robin also shared that the care is not just for cancer patients, but for anyone who wants compassionate care at home as their life is coming to an end. You can support this nonprofit agency through the "Ray of Hope" financial campaign.