Community Advocate Bessie Elmore Launching New Weekly Radio Show

COMMUNITY NEWS

CHAPEL HILL — Community advocate, TEDx speaker, and founder of Straight Talk Support Group Transitional House Resource Center (STSG), Bessie Elmore, is launching a new weekly radio show, The Journey Home, on WCOM 103.5 FM. The program will start on October 11th at 7 PM, and spotlight stories of resilience, second chances, and the challenges faced by individuals and families rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

Ms. Elmore began her journey while her son was serving a natural life sentence in prison. Instead of allowing that heartbreak to defeat her, she built Straight Talk Support Group, a community where families of incarcerated loved ones could find comfort, share experiences, and receive guidance. Over the years, STSG has grown into a vital resource, continuing to serve families today. From that foundation, she also established a transitional house that offers men coming home from prison stability and a safe environment to rebuild their lives. After her own son was released following 24 years of incarceration, Ms. Elmore’s commitment to this work only deepened.

“Too often, families walk this journey in silence,” she said. “This show is about breaking that silence—creating a platform where voices are heard, stigma is challenged, and communities can come together around healing.”

The Journey Home will feature guest interviews, community resources, and open conversations on topics such as reentry, mental health, family healing, and the power of second chances. Listeners can tune in to The Journey Home on WCOM 103.5 FM on October 11th, 2025, at 7PM EST. About Straight Talk Support Group Transitional House Resource Center (STSG) Founded in Durham, NC, STSG provides a support group for families of incarcerated loved ones and operates a transitional house for men returning home from prison. STSG is dedicated to creating pathways to stability, healing, and second chances.

For media inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: Sevara Hakimov 312-515-3110 shakimov@straighttalksupportgroup.org

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press.