Over the next few weeks, Lost Coast Communications — the Outpost’s parent company — will be doing some work in conjunction with the California Department of Health and Human Services’ “Never a Bother” campaign, which exists to help teens and young adults recognize their power to make a difference in the lives of people experiencing crisis. And also to remind those people that they are never a bother.

Radio hosts from our four sister stations — KHUM, KSLG, KWPT and KLGE — will be talking to local people whose work and whose presence in our community exemplifies this mission, and we’ll be sharing those interviews here on the Outpost.

First up: Chuck Rogers of KWPT (“The Point”) recently had the good fortune to sit down with the wonderful Florence Parks, executive director of the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and general all-around mover/shaker in Eureka, especially in kid-related matters.

What has Parks learned about being there for kids experiencing suicidal thoughts or other types of mental health crises? What kinds of resources does Big Brothers Big Sisters have to offer?

“Young people, what we’ve learned is they need five positive adults in their lives to thrive,” Parks says. “So that could be a great mom and dad and a grandparent, maybe an auntie or uncle, but maybe that fifth person just isn’t there in tune to what they need. And so a formal program like ours offers that opportunity to families.”

Below: Chuck and Florence. Funding for this project comes in part from the California Department of Health and Human Services.