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Dyana Neal

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About Dyana

Dyana is WBJC's midday host. Her full bio can be read here.

Oct. 12 2020

Knowledge is power – especially money power!

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs | Comments Off on Knowledge is power – especially money power!

Many of us struggle with our finances and decisions regarding money, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made such issues far more complicated for millions of Americans. This Saturday, October 17th, CASH Campaign of Maryland presents their annual Money Power Day in a virtual format from 10am-2pm. I recently spoke with Courtney Bettle, CASH’s Director of […]

Jul. 30 2020

In Housing, Fairness Is Key

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on In Housing, Fairness Is Key

Housing presents many concerns for Maryland residents – safety, affordability, and numerous other factors . Recently, I spoke with Carol Ott, Tenant Advocacy Director of the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition’s Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland about ongoing issues that her agency deals with and new dilemmas that the COVID-19 pandemic has created.

Jul. 23 2020

Helping Older Adults in Maryland Not Just Survive, But SOAR

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Helping Older Adults in Maryland Not Just Survive, But SOAR

The Securing Older Adult Resources Program (SOAR) is a divison of the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition that works to improve the financial well-being of older adults through research, community outreach programs, and direct service benefits, including financial coaching and counseling. Recently, I spoke with Francine Hyman, a Financial Counselor at SOAR, about the agency’s work […]

Jul. 15 2020

Child Care in Unprecedented Times

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Child Care in Unprecedented Times

The Baltimore City Child Care Resource Center, a member agency of the Maryland Child Care Resource Network, serves parents, child care providers, the business community, and others. Recently, I spoke with Suzanne Funk, a specialist in infant and early childhood mental health, about the agency’s work and how it’s being impacted by COVID-19.

Jul. 09 2020

Caring For Maryland’s Foster Kids During COVID And Beyond

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Caring For Maryland’s Foster Kids During COVID And Beyond

Marylanders of all ages have seen their lives turned upside down these past few months. Recently, I spoke with Carrie Knebel, Executive Director of Concern4Kids, about her organization and MARFY (Maryland Association of Resources for Families & Youth) and how they’re coping.

Jul. 07 2020

A Piano Recital Goes Virtual

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on A Piano Recital Goes Virtual

Live performances are one of many aspects of life that are greatly altered at the moment. This Saturday, pianist Lura Johnson will live-stream a recital on Facebook to benefit Hermandad, a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to Puerto Rico. I spoke with John Knight, President of Hermandad, about the group’s mission and Ms. Johnson’s […]

Jul. 01 2020

Sing – It’s Good For You!

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews | Comments Off on Sing – It’s Good For You!

Engaging with music, whether that means listening to it or performing it, has been shown to have numerous health benefits including stress reduction, improved cognition, reduced anxiety, and elevated moods. Artistic Director Jeanne Kelly founded Encore Creativity for Older Adults in 2007 to give singers age 55 and older a chance to perform music that’s […]

Jun. 30 2020

A (Virtual) Walk In The Park

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on A (Virtual) Walk In The Park

Access to green space is vital to mental and physical health for people of all ages. Recently, I spoke with Dr. Franklin Lance, President and CEO of the Parks and People Foundation, whose mission is to connect the citizens of Baltimore with nature, particularly younger residents. The COVID-19 crisis has created some unique challenges for […]

Jun. 23 2020

Tax time is coming – do you need CASH?

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Tax time is coming – do you need CASH?

CASH Campaign of Maryland, that is. In 2017, the CASH Campaigns of Baltimore and Maryland joined forces to become a single nonprofit organization that offers financial education and other services across that state. One of those services is free tax preparation for eligible Maryland residents, and with this year’s July 15 filing deadline approaching, I […]

Jun. 17 2020

Caring for Our Furry Friends During a Crisis

By Dyana Neal | Posted in Host Blogs, Interviews, WBJC Programs | Comments Off on Caring for Our Furry Friends During a Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating to many people’s finances, and as a result, some Baltimore-area residents are struggling to afford food for their families. Recently, I spoke with Kate Pika, Marketing and PR Director at the Baltimore Humane Society, about the Bmore Kind Food Bank and its efforts to keep our four-legged family members […]

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