Focal Point

A Harrisonburg teacher, husband and father suffered a traumatic brain injury after a sudden illness. He explains how it changed his life and what it’s like to live with an invisible disability.

Public transit in Richmond has become more accessible over the years, but advocates say more can be done. The Greater Richmond Transit Co. says it plans to install more bus shelters and better train drivers.

Urban Hope, a Richmond non-profit provides affordable rentals to help families move out of poverty.

More than ten percent of Virginians live below the poverty line. Circles is part of a national community-led support program, working to break the cycle of poverty. Participants (or “leaders”) are paired with volunteer mentors who serve as role models, offering support and friendship. The mentors hold participants accountable to their goals so they can break through barriers to financial success.

Child poverty is on the rise in Virginia. Rachael Deane, with Voices for Virginia’s Children says focusing on the state’s youngest residents could be a solution for a variety of issues connected to poverty.

A Petersburg woman shares candidly the true costs of living with poverty. As a former foster child, she has had to overcome many challenges, including hunger and homelessness, to reach greater financial stability. She says most don’t understand the creativity and resilience required of those struggling to get by with very little.

The neighborhood of Culmore is considered an island of disadvantage – an impoverished area largely in the midst of one known for being wealthy. Million dollar homes sit mere blocks away from apartment complexes that house several families in a single unit.

Stress, anxiety and social isolation can compound financial difficulties.

Freedom of speech is an essential part of our democracy. Frederick Schauer, law professor at the University of Virginia, explains free speech and why it is frequently misunderstood.

Students at one university in Virginia share their views about free speech; learn why having a Bias Incident Response Team on campus could be problematic.