Better and Longer

HOST: Arcelia Armstrong, Director, Caregiver Support and Kinship Navigator Programs Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. (AOoA) HOST: Marsha Rose, Supervisor, Kinship Navigator Programs, AOoA GUEST: Derenda M. Schubert, PhD CEO, Bridge Meadows In this episode of Roots of Resilience: Empowering Kinship Families amid Opioid Recovery, made possible by the OneOhio Recovery Foundation, with special guest Derenda M. Schubert, CEO of Bridge Meadows. The conversation explores the experiences of kinship and grandfamilies raising children due to substance use, while also recognizing the broader challenges families may face as they navigate caregiving, recovery, trauma, changing family roles, and the need for support. Together, they discuss family and community recovery, reducing stigma, building intentional and intergenerational communities, and the importance of connection, belonging, and joy in helping children and caregivers thrive. Listeners will gain encouragement and insight into how families and communities can move beyond simply surviving difficult circumstances to create supportive villages where children, caregivers, parents in recovery, and older adults can find hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

A conversation with the Executive Director of NAMI of Greater Toledo and the Executive Director of Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, to explore how mental health support strengthens families, stabilizes children, and promotes healing across generations. Together, we discuss the emotional impact of the opioid epidemic on kinship families locally and statewide, the unique mental health needs of caregivers and children, and how stigma, trauma, and access to care affect family stability. Listeners will also learn about NAMI’s education, advocacy, peer support programs, and community partnerships that help families navigate crises, build resilience, and find hope, with support from the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County. Whether you are a caregiver, professional, advocate, or community member, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical resources to support families caring for loved ones amid recovery. HOST: Arcelia Armstrong, Director of Caregiver Support and Kinship Navigator Programs, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. HOST: Marsha Rose, Supervisor, Kinship Navigator Program, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. GUEST: Marriah Kornowa, Executive Director, NAMI of Greater Toledo – National Alliance on Mental Illness GUEST: Scott Sylak, Executive Director, Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County

In this episode entitled "Roots of Resilience: Empowering Kinship Families Amid Opioid Recovery", we take a closer look at the ripple effects of the opioid epidemic on families in our region – and how something as simple as a meal can become a lifeline. We’re joined by the Executive Director of SeaGate Food Bank and kinship caregivers who stepped in to raise their grandchildren after addiction disrupted their family’s life. Together, we explore how food, compassionate support, and community connection can help families stabilize, preserve dignity, and rebuild hope in the midst of crisis. HOST: Marsha Rose, Supervisor, Kinship Navigator Programs, AOoA HOST: Arcelia Armstrong, Director of Caregiver Support and Kinship Navigator Programs Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. (AOoA) GUEST: Mindy Rapp, Executive Director, SeaGate Food Bank GUESTS: Mr. Allen Coley and Mrs. Patricia Coley

This podcast explores the impact of the opioid epidemic on kinship and grandfamilies in Lucas County. Featuring Lucas County Children Services administrators, it highlights innovative programs like Area Office on Aging’s Kinship Navigator Program, KGAP, Ohio Start, and Kinnect to Family and discusses expanded partnerships and resources supporting families affected by substance use. The episode celebrates declines in children in custody, showcases grant-supported initiatives, and recognizes the dedication of those helping families recover and thrive. Host: Arcelia Armstrong, Director of Caregiver Support and Kinship Navigator Programs, Area Office on Aging Guest: Chanda Beal, Director of Social Services, Lucas County Children Services Guest: Amy Galvan, Manager of Family and Community Engagement Department, Lucas County Children Services

Television journalist, media entrepreneur, author, publisher, and filmmaker Marc Middleton shares his insights and advice for people as they get older. Marc is also the Founder and CEO of Growing Bolder, a company that produces and distributes health, well-being, and active lifestyle content creation for the 50+ demographic: https://growingbolder.com/

The Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, presiding Bishop in the Catholic Diocese of Toledo, talks with Area Office on Aging CEO Justin Moor on the value and sanctity of getting older, as examined through the lens of faith.

In this episode of the Better and Longer podcast, CEO Justin Moor of the Area Office on Aging talks with U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur about her early days in congress and her advice on what to focus on as we get older.

In this episode of the Better and Longer podcast, CEO Justin Moor of the Area Office on Aging talks with the world's oldest female bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd (Mother Ernestine) about her journey to fitness and the obstacles she faced along the way.

In this first episode of the Better and Longer podcast, CEO Justin Moor of the Area Office on Aging talks with Mrs. Billie Johnson, former Area Office on Aging CEO and life-long advocate for bettering people's lives in our community. Mrs. Johnson talks about preparing for retirement and what to consider when doing so (she is a recent retiree herself).