In this enlightening episode of the "Inspiring Good" podcast, explore the profound impact of community engagement and leadership within Elkhart County, Indiana. The episode features philanthropist, board member, and leader Will Weed. It delves into how the generosity and dedication of local leaders have created a thriving network of nonprofit organizations. Listen as our guest discusses his experiences and contributions, sharing insights into the vital role of nonprofits in supporting mental health, education, and childhood development.

00:00:06: Introduction to the Inspiring Good Podcast

00:00:20: Introducing the hosts, Marshall King and Kevin Deary

00:00:27: Introducing the guest, Will Weed

00:00:41: Will's contributions to nonprofit organizations

00:01:38: Will’s experience growing up in Elkhart County and in a family business

00:03:36: Will's motivation to get involved in nonprofit sector

00:05:48: Challenges in the nonprofit sector

00:08:27: Formation of Stable Grounds nonprofit

00:11:00: Will’s involvement and support for Stable Grounds

00:14:52: Measuring success in nonprofits

00:17:01: Importance of cross-collaboration in the community

00:19:24: Introduction and shared services for nonprofits

00:20:23: Personal collaboration and leadership style

00:20:55: Creating stability and transparency in Elkhart County

00:22:22: Importance of addressing broader issues for effective solutions

00:23:12: Leadership qualities and board involvement

00:24:07: Stepping up in unexpected situations

00:25:11: Value of attending regional Boys and Girls Club conferences

00:25:51: Prioritizing giving and values in the decision-making process

00:28:05: Opportunistic giving and supporting new leaders

00:29:12: Returning on investment in philanthropic efforts

00:29:22: Service in Horizon Educational Alliance

00:30:36: College dropout rates and alternative pathways

00:33:52: Appreciation for community involvement

00:34:30: Vision for Elkhart County's future

00:36:02: Show credits

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This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary work of Elkhart County Jail Ministry and its commitment to transforming lives. Our conversation starts with a detailed introduction to the ministry's initiatives, highlighting how individuals are provided with opportunities and support to lead meaningful lives post-incarceration. We'll explore the impactful journey of Cory Martin, the chaplain and CEO, who transitioned from a congressional aide to a jail chaplain with a mission of humanitarian service. The episode sheds light on the deeply personal experiences that shaped Corey’s path and his innovative approach toward rehabilitation.

00:00:28: Introduction of Cory Martin

00:00:35: Cory's background and transformation of jail ministry

00:01:10: Overview of Elkhart County Jail and ministry activities

00:02:18: History of the Elkhart County Jail Ministry

00:03:05: Cory's journey to becoming the chaplain

00:04:00: The impact of relationships on Cory's chaplaincy

00:05:05: COVID-19's impact on the jail ministry

00:06:00: Challenges faced by released inmates

00:08:00: Importance of stable housing and reentry homes

00:10:00: Stigma and challenges of having a felony conviction

00:12:00: Purpose and redemption in jail ministry

00:14:08: Creative initiatives in the jail ministry

00:16:29: The impact of music and art in telling inmate stories

00:18:00: Recidivism rates and inmate transformations

00:19:02: Success stories of former inmates like Bobby and Lisa

00:20:17: Introduction to the jail ministry services

00:20:46: Defining success in the Elkhart County Jail Ministry

00:22:26: The impact of redefining success

00:23:02: Engagement with local churches and assistant chaplains

00:25:07: Introduction to the crocheting program

00:27:04: Changing stereotypes through proximity

00:28:10: Vision for new ministry projects

00:30:11: Creating support communities for the formerly incarcerated

00:31:29: Finding hope in unexpected places

00:33:19: Conclusion and credits

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This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, join us as we delve into the heartwarming and impactful work of First Light Mission. Established as the Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network in 1995, the organization has grown exponentially, now providing much-needed shelter, support, and resources to unhoused families in the Goshen area. With Mindy Morehead, who leads the organization, we discuss the mission's evolution, current operations, and profound impact on the community, offering a beacon of hope during challenging times.

00:00:30: Introduction to First Light Mission

00:00:50: Mindy’s connection and role at First Light Mission

00:01:09: Overview of First Light Mission’s services

00:01:47: History of First Light Mission

00:02:54: Increased need for services and crisis calls

00:04:14: Staff and family involvement in First Light

00:05:27: Transition to a new facility

00:07:22: Partnerships and community support

00:09:01: Community generosity and donations

00:11:01: Importance of new clothing for guests

00:12:23: Transformational changes at First Light

00:13:06: Expansion plans and addressing housing needs

00:14:00: Additional programmatic services

00:15:05: Requirements for guests

00:17:06: Interaction and support among guests

00:18:05: Significance of handmade quilts

00:18:37: Cleanliness and order at First Light

00:19:13: Forced transitions and the importance of First Light

00:20:12: The origin of the name "First Light"

00:20:37: Discussing the organization's logo and visuals

00:20:47: Mindy's support system and self-care

00:21:37: Challenges faced during Covid

00:24:19: Homelessness in Elkhart County

00:26:12: Success stories from First Light

00:27:36: How to connect and support First Light

00:28:38: Advice for new CEOs

00:30:16: What gives Mindy hope

00:31:00: Show credits and acknowledgments

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This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Join us for a deep dive into the Building Strong Brains initiative, a transformative project dedicated to early childhood development in Elkhart County. Hosted by Marshall King and Kevin Deary, this episode features insights from Dr. Kimberly Boynton on engaging parents as key partners in their children's education. Understand the critical role of parental involvement in ensuring kindergarten readiness and the comprehensive support system being established to make resources accessible and practical for families.

00:00:26: Introduction of Doctor Kimberly Boynton

00:00:36: Doctor Boynton's role and responsibilities

00:01:01: Focus of the Coalition: Building Strong Brains

00:01:37: Genesis and evolution of the coalition

00:02:54: Importance of mindset shifts for parents

00:03:29: Elkhart County early childhood skills and research

00:05:05: Selection and collaboration with partners

00:06:39: Systemic approach to early childhood development

00:08:19: Example of collaboration: Kindergarten readiness tool

00:09:42: Partnership with Tamarack Institute

00:11:13: Importance of early childhood development

00:14:51: Doctor Boynton's background and transition to coalition work

00:16:14: Leadership skills in coalition building

00:18:03: Doctor Boynton's book on building language-rich environments

00:19:34: Challenges in running a coalition

00:20:56: Support for parents and connection to resources

00:22:52: Introduction to policy changes in Elkhart County

00:23:31: Capacity and support structure

00:24:12: Ten-year systemic plan for Building Strong Brains

00:25:01: Working together in Elkhart County

00:25:44: Healthcare collaboration and maternal health

00:26:52: Funding and grant opportunities

00:28:01: Importance of early childhood readiness

00:30:11: Advice for parents to prepare children for kindergarten

00:31:01: What gives hope for the future

00:31:35: Show credits and acknowledgments

Send us a text

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Ever wondered how an inclusive environment can profoundly impact mental health support? Francis Disori, the executive director of Lexington House, joins us to discuss the transformative clubhouse model and its origins with the WANA group in 1970s New York City. Discover how this model fosters a supportive community in Elkhart County, where staff and members collaborate as equals, promoting mutual respect and engagement. Francis highlights the courage of individuals reclaiming their confidence and the community's rich tradition of generosity, painting a vivid picture of human-centered support at Lexington House.

We also shed light on the indispensable role of community organizations like Oaklawn and Faith Mission of Michiana in supporting mental wellness. Reflecting on professional experiences with high-acuity mental health cases, we delve into proactive wellness practices and the structured "work order day" of the clubhouse model. Hear a heartwarming story of helping a clubhouse member secure their first job and vehicle, illustrating the transformative power of community support. Lastly, we discuss the importance of partnerships and integrity in building successful nonprofits, offering valuable advice for new executive directors and insights on the future focus on fulfillment and social impact.

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This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

The conversation revolved around leadership, community impact, and philanthropy in nonprofit organizations. Cien Asoera emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, while Marshall V. King highlighted the organization's growth and change over the past decade. Kevin Deary, Pete McCown, and Asoera discussed the significance of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking in nonprofit organizations. The speakers also discussed the Community Foundation's initiative to build stronger brains in Elkhart County, Indiana, and its potential impact on the community's educational system and future viability. Cien expressed hope for the community's future due to the emergence of young leaders with a passion for giving back.


00:00:26: Introduction of Cien Asoera and his service

00:00:41: Introduction of Pete McCown and the Community Foundation

00:01:04: Cien's journey and involvement with the Community Foundation

00:02:30: The impact of the Community Foundation

00:03:00: Cien's career and his role as a soccer referee

00:04:20: Leadership traits and community impact

00:05:25: The relationship between CEO and Board Chair

00:07:03: Pete McCown on reporting to the board

00:09:20: Communication and relationship dynamics in organizations

00:10:31: The importance of communication and support within the Foundation

00:11:35: The importance of intentional relationships in leadership

00:13:04: Cien’s greatest moments with the Community Foundation

00:15:08: Elkhart community's vision and development

00:16:11: Impact of David Gundlach's gift

00:17:20: Philanthropy and organizational growth

00:18:03: Future vision of the Community Foundation

00:20:08: Building Stronger Brains initiative

00:23:02: Collaboration for Building Stronger Brains initiative

00:23:34: Introduction to the Community Foundation's role

00:24:01: Vision for the community 25 years from now

00:25:36: Future leadership development

00:26:33: Encouraging community investment

00:27:35: Mentorship and board governance

00:29:00: Personal reflections and motivation

00:31:00: Closing remarks and expressions of gratitude

00:32:10: What gives hope for the future

Send us a text

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Ever wonder how community foundations manage to significantly impact local communities? In today's episode, our hosts, Kevin Deary and Marshall King, get insights from Dr. Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, about strategies for managing diverse funds, including scholarships, endowments, and donor-advised funds. The discussion covers the mission and vision of such foundations, emphasizing their goal to improve community life through strategic charitable giving and partnerships with local nonprofits.

00:00:23: Introduction of Doctor Pete McCown

00:00:36: Role and Responsibilities of Pete McCown

00:01:03: About Community Foundations

00:02:01: Establishment of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County

00:02:40: Definition and Function of Community Foundations

00:05:09: Donor Advised Funds

00:08:22: Examples of Donor Advised Funds in Action

00:11:13: Investment Strategies for the Community Foundation

00:14:32: Endowments and Nonprofit Organizations

00:17:13: Grant Process for Nonprofits

00:20:20: Pete’s Role as President

00:22:27: Intersection of Generosity and Personal Faith

00:24:08: Pete’s Involvement in Economic Development

00:26:19: Elkhart county's manufacturing economy

00:26:51: Definition of servant leadership

00:27:49: Pete's 13th anniversary and role

00:28:17: Inspiration and hope in the role

00:29:00: Show credits and acknowledgments

Send us a text

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this empowering episode of "Breanna Allen on rebuilding Tolson Center," we delve into the transformative journey of the Tolson Center for Community Excellence. We witness the transformation of this community center since its humble beginnings in the 1920s, touching on its cultural, inclusive, and empowering roots. The visionary leadership of the Tolson family laid a foundational path for unity, family, and empowerment that would guide this bastion of community development for years to come.

We shed light on Dr. Breanna Allen's transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to community lifting up others. Despite significant challenges, she ensures that Tolson is a steadfast pillar of resilience, support, and growth for the community. This episode also covers the profound influence of Dr. Allen's single mother, whose strength, discipline, and dedication shaped Dr. Allen's leadership philosophy.

00:40: Introduction and Welcome

00:43: The history of the Tolson Center

02:03: Challenges of starting as CEO and Director

02:32: Early Days and Inspirations

03:36: Influential People in early career

04:54: Personal Background and Work Ethic

05:25: Side jobs and responsibilities

10:02: Key programs at Tulsa

13:15: Partnership with Oak Lawn

13:32: Outreach in the community

14:55: About summer camp initiative

16:39: Outdoor campus project

18:29: Incorporating diversity

18:46: Connecting with the larger community

21:52: Leadership Tips

22:16: Reflections on Career and Advice for younger self

23:23: Biggest surprise at Tolson Experience

24:10: Emotional ties to Tolson Center

24:55: Advice to Younger Community Leaders

00:25:40: Path towards leadership influences

00:26:28: Motivating self and Dr. Allen's experiences

00:27:34: Future vision for Tolson Center

00:28:42: What gives hope

Send us a text

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.