Beyond The Blog

In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Sheila Halpin and Angela Knapek from Soar in 4 about the opening of their new children’s museum-like learning lab. Soar Lab is a new Manatee County neighborhood gem that families must check out! With a focus on the importance of family engagement, the three discuss all that one can expect when they show up at the Soar Lab. 

Timestamps 

• 00:30 - Intro
• 01:24 - Sheila talks about the history of Soar in 4 and how she got here
• 03:40 - Angela discusses how she became involved in Soar in 4
• 05:51 - Sheila shares the mission of Soar in 4 
• 09:15 - Angela talks about why this work is so important for the community
• 10:05 - Sheila gives information about their Pop-up events at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• 12:22 - Sheila opens up about what sparked the idea for the Soar Lab
• 16:09 - Sheila talks about the journey of the Soar Lab
• 21:01 - Angela reveals some of the interactive exhibits at the Soar Lab 
• 24:19   Hours and ways to come to the Soar Lab with your family
• 26:35 - Big Picture Small Steps
• 27:03 - Angela and Sheila share their long-term goals for the Soar Lab
• 29:24 - Angela and Sheila discuss the importance of hands-on learning

Links to Learn More

• Soar in 4 Website
• Soar in 4 events at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• Soar in 4 - Soar Lab
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Website
• The Patterson Foundation Website
• More Connecting Communities podcasts
• Blog: It’s Time to Learn & Explore at The Soar Lab – A Museum-like Experience for Children

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Soar in 4 Instagram
• Manatee County Schools Instagram
• Soar in 4 Facebook
• Manatee County Schools Facebook

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In this episode, we explore how "Principles & Techniques of Fundraising," a four-day, in-person training of Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's The Fund Raising School, equips nonprofit leaders with practical, research-backed tools to strengthen fundraising efforts.  

Tom Melville, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Sarasota, and Board President Laura Randall, who attended the course through TPF's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative, share how the program helped them refine their case for support, engage their board more effectively, and take a more strategic approach to donor stewardship. With insights from both a seasoned fundraiser and a former development director, this conversation highlights how the right training can drive clarity, confidence, and measurable results.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 – Intro to Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and guest introductions
• 03:40 – Laura on learning something new after 15 years in fundraising
• 06:30 – Tom on the power of peer learning in the cohort model
• 09:50 – Rethinking their case for support and internal culture
• 13:06 – A $100K donor becomes a $150K donor
• 19:45 – Board chair + ED: why attending together mattered
• 26:10 – Strategic planning, rebranding, and ongoing TPF support

Links to Learn More 

• Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
• Literacy Council of Sarasota Website
• Blog: Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Lessons That Stick With Experienced Leaders

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Laura Randall LinkedIn
• The Literacy Council of Sarasota LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Regional Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Crystal Walter, to explore her aspirations for DeSoto County and how her organization’s mentorship programs are empowering local youth.

Crystal shares how building strong relationships, nurturing trust, and investing in young people are central to creating the kind of community where everyone can thrive. The conversation dives into how initiatives like DeSoto County Ahead connect local residents, nonprofits, and leaders, ensuring that every story, every effort, and every act of kindness contributes to a shared vision for the county’s future.

As Alicia and Crystal reflect on the progress already made and the dreams still ahead, listeners are reminded that change begins with connection.

Timestamps 

• 00:50 - Introduction to Crystal, Regional Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
• 01:25 - Crystal shares what it is like living in DeSoto County and what she loves about it.
• 03:30 - Crystal goes into detail about Big Brothers Big Sisters and what the organization offers to the community.
• 07:00 - Crystal points out what is unique about Big Brothers Big Sisters in DeSoto County.
• 8:35 - Crystal goes into detail about how to become a Big in her program.
• 11:30 - Crystal shares her perspective of the community conversations that have taken place both as a participant and as a facilitator.
• 8:35 - Crystal goes into detail about how to become a Big in her program.
• 17:26 - Crystal shares her small wins from being an exhibitor at the Desoto County Ahead event.
• 20:25 - Crystal wraps up this episode by sharing her Discover Desoto Gem.

Links to Learn More 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Community Champion

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Crystal Walter on LinkedIn
• Alicia Exantus on LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0tVpVxg0SlkdAYDLPUDRwf, Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-blog/id1837266791, iHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-beyond-the-blog-123868571, or visit us Beyond The Blog! https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/beyond-the-blog.html

Join The Journey

In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, host Read Corley sits down with Bruce Clark, Digital Inclusion Project Manager, Center for Digital Equity at Queens University, to explore how collaborative ecosystems can bridge the digital divide. They dive into the power of trust, community partnerships, and the critical three-legged stool of digital access: connectivity, devices, and skills/support. 

Timestamps 

• (00:00) Introduction to Bruce Clark and the digital equity ecosystem focus
• (01:34) Suncoast Digital Inclusion Month and national alignment
• (03:00) Why the conversation centers on digital ecosystems, not just access
• (03:59) Defining digital inclusion through lived experiences
• (05:00) The “three-legged stool” of digital access: connectivity, devices, skills
• (06:32) Collaboration starts by listening to those you’re serving
• (08:12) Real-life stories: tech access leading to better jobs and healthcare
• (10:10) Trust moves at the speed of relationships
• (14:05) Sustainability formula: mindset + support network + infrastructure
• (24:00) Two powerful ways individuals can support digital equity efforts

Links to Learn More 

Watch the Webinar with Bruce: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/the-gap/the-suncoast-digital-connect-webinar-2-building-a-digital-equity-ecosystem.html 

Center for Digital Equity Website: https://thecenterfordigitalequity.org/

DA4A Page: https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/digital-access-for-all.html 

Connect Beyond The Blog

Bruce Clark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibclark/

Center for Digital Equity LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centerfordigitalequity/

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability podcast, Read Corley sits down with Nancy Nallin and Rene Ferreira from Big Cat Habitat to explore how the Margin & Mission Ignition (MMI) initiative from The Patterson Foundation helped them supercharge sustainability. From gift shops to yoga with animals, they've transformed entrepreneurial ideas into mission-driven revenue streams, all while nurturing a new generation of leadership. Hear how this nonprofit is mastering succession planning, strategic revenue generation, and staying deeply mission-aligned.

Timestamps 

• 00:05: Introducing Nancy Nallin & Renee Ferreira of Big Cat Habitat
• 03:00: What Margin & Mission Ignition is and why it matters
• 05:17: MMI's impact on team development and admin structure
• 06:17: Success from round one: launching event rentals
• 08:17:  How MMI helped turn ideas into real revenue
• 10:29: Staying focused on mission while growing revenue
• 11:27: Engaging board members and volunteers in earned income ventures
• 14:13:  How MMI shifted their long-term thinking around strategy and income
• 15:20:  The power of Thrive & Dine sessions and ongoing peer learning
• 17:53:  Final advice for nonprofits considering MMI

Links to Learn More

• Margin & Mission Ignition
• Big Cat Habitat Website

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

This episode of Beyond The Blog features Ericia Henry, a Fellow with The Patterson Foundation, and Grace Wang, a student at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who recently completed an internship with The Venice Symphony through The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Internship Program. Join us as we explore Grace’s journey, the experiences that shaped her, and how this opportunity has influenced her growth and development as a rising nonprofit professional.

Timestamps 

• 00:10 - Welcome and Introduction
• 04:16 - Grace shares why she was interested in the Venice Symphony and her responsibilities as an intern
• 08:23 - Graced shares the most memorable or rewarding part of her time as an intern
• 12:49 - Grace shares some challenges she faces as she navigates specific tasks during her internships
• 15:46 - Grace shares how this internship will shape her future as a nonprofit professional
• 19:10 - Advice for a student/young professional interested in our internship program
• 22:14 - Ericia wraps up by thanking Grace and closing out the podcast

Links to Learn More 

• The Venice Symphony
• Lilly Family School of Philanthropy 
• Nonprofit Internship Program Blog Library

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, host Read Corley sits down with Kathy Bisbee, Director of the Alliance for Digital Equity, to explore how Massachusetts is building one of the nation’s most promising models for digital inclusion. Kathy shares powerful lessons from launching a statewide Digital Navigators network, co-designing a credentialing program, and championing digital equity in both rural and urban communities. Learn how facilitative leadership and lived experience are shaping the future of tech access, and why true community ownership is key. 

Timestamps 

• 00:00 – Podcast intro and guest Kathy Bisbee
• 01:18 – Importance of the Digital Navigator network
• 02:03 – Lessons from building the Mass Navigator network
• 05:55 – Facilitative leadership and network weaving
• 07:04 – Co-designing training and support
• 15:16 – Foundations of the statewide credentialing program
• 17:05 – Digital Navigators lead the push for recognition
• 21:19 – Designing a statewide conference and credentialing model
• 27:35 – Rural vs. urban challenges in digital equity
• 33:10 – How to support the movement

Links to Learn More 

• Alliance for Digital Equity Website
• Webinar with Kathy
• Learn more about Digital Access For All

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In this episode of The New Civic Path podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with facilitator Carolina Franco to explore the power of book circles in building trust, fostering empathy, and sparking action in our communities. Carolina shares inspiring stories from her experience leading circles, from participants finding hope in difficult times to small actions that created ripple effects of change.

These conversations show us that while we may come from different backgrounds and speak different languages, we share common aspirations, a desire for respect, dignity, and belonging. 

Timestamps 

• 01:15 - About CreArte Latino & Carolina Franco
• 02:25 -  Becoming A New Civic Path Book Circle Facilitator 
• 4:34 - Hosting Book Circles at CreArte & Manatee Literacy Council
• 05:32 - Weaving New Civic Path Concepts Into Strengthening Community 
• 07:58 - Examples of Book Circle Discussion Questions & Conversations
• 08:42 - A Safe Space to Release, Response, Reflect 
• 11:20 - Common Themes Emerging From Conversations 
• 13:36 - Why Restoring Hope Matters
• 16:28 - Learning From Good & Bad Examples
• 18:50 - Welcoming Participants & Voices From All Walks Of Life 
• 21:20 - Creating A Safe Space for All Voices
• 24:32 - You Have a Role in Strengthening Our Community 

Links to Learn More 

• CreArte Latino Culture Center 

Connect Beyond The Blog

• FB: Carolina Franco
• IG: caritolfranco
• X: CarolinaLFranco
• CreArte Latino Culture Center Website 
• CreArte on Instagram: creartelatino
• CreArte on Facebook: CreArte Latino Cultural Center

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

This episode of Rising Resilience shares the evolution of The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in the disaster space. Hear about TPF’s commitment to optimizing efforts toward long-term impact in our Suncoast region and beyond.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 - Introducing Rising Resilience
• 01:10 - Why is TPF in disaster recovery? 
• 04:30 - How has the way TPF has funded disaster recovery changed?
• 07:15 - How do we define preparedness, recovery, and resiliency?
• 09:45 - Who are the stakeholders?
• 11:40 - What is a C.E.R.T.?
• 16:45 - Breakfast of Disaster Champions
• 18:40 - Aspirations for CPR-R
• 20:30 - Last thoughts

Links to Learn More 

• Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic
• Season of Sharing
• Blog: Rising Resilience: Connecting and Evolving in the Disaster Space

Connect Beyond The Blog

Join Debra on LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

On this episode of Discover DeSoto, Alicia Exantus chats with fellow Patterson Foundation consultant, Sherry Oehler.

Though Sherry lives in Manatee County, her work has brought her deeply into the heart of DeSoto through a special assignment with the DeSoto Digest Newsletter team. Together, Alicia and Sherry explore what it means to tell stories that connect residents, community leaders, and organizations, painting a fuller picture of life in DeSoto County.

Throughout the episode, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the newsletter comes together, the importance of sharing local voices, and the ways community-driven communication strengthens trust and connection. Both Alicia and Sherry reflect on the joy of highlighting everyday residents and the impact of giving them a platform to be heard.

As always, Discover DeSoto reminds us that building community starts with listening. Each story shared not only informs but also inspires, weaving together the shared aspirations of DeSoto County’s people.

Timestamps 

• 00:43 - Introduction to Sherry, Consultant with The Patterson Foundation.
• 01:38 - Sherry shares what is special and different about the DeSoto Digest Newsletter.
• 02:43 - Sherry goes into detail about her “Paper Route” and the different stops she makes in the community when dropping off paper copies of the DeSoto Digest Newsletter to her 22 distribution sites.
• 07:10 - Sherry focusing on “Making the Invisible Visible” by highlighting leaders in the community that she comes into contact with when handing out the DeSoto Digest newsletter.
• 14:30 - Shery describes how TPF works in ways others are not doing, can not do and will not do and how her paper route is a demonstration of that. 
• 18:25 - Sherry informs listeners about her Discover DeSoto Gem: Three Tree Brewing Company.
• 24:20 - Sherry wraps up this episode by sharing a couple more community leaders and the love she has for this amazing community. 

Links to Learn More 

• Three Trees Brewing Company
• My Paper Route Blog by Sherry Oehler
• Blog: Discover DeSoto: Connecting Community Through the DeSoto Digest Paper Route with Sherry Oehler

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Join Sherry on LinkedIn

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey