Barrier Breakers

Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering.

Certain communities face stigmas and barriers to accessing the help they need. In this episode, we talk with Dominiece Clifton, CEO and founder of Move X Still, and Gwen Schemm, a former Division II athlete who now works at United Way. Listen and learn how you can guide your own healing journey--and help others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• United Way 211 Helpline
• School of Healing Podcast Instagram
• School of Healing Podcast page  
• Gwen Schemm's Instagram post
  
  
  

We launched this podcast during the pandemic to share stories in a safe way about the people we help, the United Way team, and our work to strengthen our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. In this episode,  we share some of our “best of” moments from this series so far—and the clips that made our team even more passionate about working for United Way.

Many men and women who fought for our country face another fight when they return home. Some have a hard time finding and keeping a job and a home, or experience mental health or substance use issues—which can lead to minor law offenses. The Veterans Treatment Court, supported by United Way, supports them on their journey to a stable civilian life and helps them avoid charges that can preclude their job and housing options. In this special episode of Barrier Breakers, we speak with program staff about how this program works, and with two veterans about how the Veterans Treatment Court changed their lives.

The Way Home Project, fueled by United Way's Leaders United membership group, helps make a house a home for those who have experienced long-term homelessness. Listen to learn more about this incredible team effort and hear from project volunteers as well as Jess Leopold, Director of Housing for Health Care for the Homeless, about the meaningful and lasting impact this initiative had for them and the clients served.

Improving accessibility for people with disabilities and preparing low-income students for college are just two of the ideas pitched at prior Changemaker Challenge events. We sat down with The Horizon Foundation, and past winners of The Changemaker Challenge, Dr. Lisa Shoenbrodt and Dr. Leah Saal, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants. 

Nearly a quarter of Maryland tenants were behind on their rent as of March 2021. With the coming “eviction tsunami,” what stands between them and homelessness? Join us as we chat with local leaders in housing and human services to get the latest on the current crisis and where we go from here.

Volunteers have the power to change lives—and this past year has made that abundantly clear. In this episode you'll meet Zeynep Akkan of McCormick & Company and Heather Bussard of Rosemore, Inc. who are, not only making an impact as individuals, but are also inspiring their colleagues and networks to create social change within their communities.

During Women’s History Month, we sat down with Kelley Chase of University of Baltimore and Mandy Memmel of Hon’s Honey to discuss the barriers they’ve faced as women and what they’ve done to ensure that women are not only supported but uplifted.  

Our country's history has been shaped by the many untold stories of Black Americans. We talked with UWCM's President & CEO, Franklyn Baker, who shares his inspirations and passion for Greater Baltimore. He also talks about his drive and choices he made growing up, such as attending Howard University, that led him to being the philanthropist he is today.

"It's the way I grew up...shine the light wherever you are". Growing up in the South during segregation, Phylis shares what it was like to be one of the first Black graduates of her high school and the experiences that led her to where she is today - a positive light in her community.