Phyllis P. McNeal, Founder Straight Talk for Social Justice

Since 2000, Straight Talk Program, Inc. has expanded to include intervention and mentoring
services. The intervention service requires a referral for possible counseling, family plan, court appearance plan, and individual action plans. The mentoring program accepts referrals for one-on- one mentoring for those seeking coaching in accomplishing their personal and professional goals.

McNeal's home life was violent—in today's terminology, dysfunctional. Having elder siblings did nothing to protect her: they had issues (dragons) of their own. So she ran, repeatedly, trying to escape the abusive environment only to be caught and returned. Gratefully, her cyclic pattern caught the attention of a therapist who earned her trust. Her therapist, Saundra C. Lang, LCSW, taught her about making choices based on their potential outcomes and empowered her with a sense of self-worth that encouraged her to make some bold, far-beyond-her-years decisions. Ms. Lang became her first "guardian angel."