I thought Building Kings would be boring and I wouldn't have fun, plus I hate talking to people. Before the session, I was arguing with my mom and wasn't even supposed to be here. #BuildingKings #Anxiety #PersonalGrowth #TherapyJourney

Discover The Links, a vibrant organization with 299 chapters across the US, Bahamas, and UK. Rooted in friendship, members intentionally grow to effectively serve their communities. #TheLinks #Friendship #CommunityService #Organization

Hundreds gathered for a vibrant community health fair. Walkable neighborhoods ensured easy access for attendees eager to check blood pressure, get eye exams, and more. #CommunityHealth #HealthFair #WellnessEvent #LocalResources

Discover a day of family fun and emotional well-being at the Renaissance Festival. The best part? It's completely free for everyone in the city! Transportation won't be an issue this Saturday. #RenaissanceFestival #FreeEvent #FamilyFun #CommunityEvent #Wellness

A relaxed environment for families to ask health questions openly, free from doctor's office pressure. Featuring games and prizes, this is our 4th annual event for all families. Inclusion is key! #FamilyWellness #HealthEducation #CommunityEvent #Inclusion

On this episode of Fort Wayne Up Close, we welcomes Links Inc. with Angela Collins, Chapter President, and Jessica Golden, Health and Human Services Chair. Together they share how their organization continues to serve the community by providing valuable programs, resources, and outreach focused on improving the health and well-being of families. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Black Family Wellness Expo 2026, happening Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Renaissance Pointe YMCA. This community-focused event is designed to promote healthier lifestyles, connect families with important health resources, and provide information that empowers individuals to make positive choices for their physical and mental well-being. Viewers will learn about the mission behind the event, the impact of community partnerships, and why initiatives like this are essential for strengthening families and neighborhoods across Fort Wayne. Join us as we spotlight the people and organizations working to uplift and support our community. #FortWayneUpClose #BlackFamilyWellness #CommunityHealth

On this episode of Fort Wayne Up Close, host JJ Foster welcomes Tracey Hanton for a conversation that highlights both community impact and entrepreneurship. Tracey shares about her work with the YouthBuild program, where she helps empower young people through education, skill-building, leadership development, and hands-on opportunities that prepare them for brighter futures. She discusses the importance of guidance, structure, and belief in helping youth discover their potential and direction. In addition, Tracey opens up about her entrepreneurial journey as the founder of Praiseworthy Candles, where creativity meets purpose. She talks about how candle making became more than a business — it became a ministry, a form of expression, and a way to inspire others. This episode blends mentorship, entrepreneurship, and faith-driven purpose — showing how one leader can impact both young lives and the business community at the same time. Contact information: www.praiseworthycandles.com www.fwha.org/youthbuild

In the powerful conclusion of the 2026 Fair Housing Series, Fort Wayne Up Close presents Part 4: Shame of the Nation — We Found the Enemy, and It Is Not Us. Host JJ Foster is joined by Linda Golden, Tamesha Fikes, and Travis Pope for a bold and reflective conversation that brings the entire series full circle. This final installment examines how discriminatory housing practices were not accidental, but systemic—embedded in policies, institutions, and power structures that shaped generations of inequality. The discussion challenges the narrative that communities are to blame for disparities created by redlining, restrictive covenants, predatory lending, and unequal access to opportunity. Instead, the panel explores how understanding the true roots of injustice empowers communities to shift from blame to action, from division to strategy. This finale moves from history to responsibility—asking what accountability looks like today and how communities can advocate for equity, ownership, and fair housing protections moving forward. The series may be ending, but the work continues.