Gerry Roll has seen the central Appalachian region hit by a long and slow, but nonetheless devastating, economic storm. She calls for “disaster relief,” investment to recover and rebuild, like other regions have received after a storm. In mid-2015, there are signs that she and others from the region are beginning to be heard by decision makers in state houses and the federal government. Roll is Executive Director of the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky and a long time advocate for children and families. “Appalachia Speaks” is a series of short videos from Making Connections News featuring the voices and visions of grassroots leaders.