Kings Partnership's Executive Director Gaby hosts the Community Connection Podcast and welcomes Hillary Perez-Godfrey, Director of Business Development & Client Engagement at My Diabetes Tutor. Hillary shares her story, her work, and practical guidance for navigating diabetes.

Sponsored by Episcopal Church of the Saviour.

Join Aliyah Ortiz, Program Coordinator, and Iranda Ramirez, NEW Community Specialist, as they dive into what the Kings Partnership Substance Use Prevention Program is all about.

A community united against substance misuse, the KPFP Substance Use Prevention Program brings you inspiring conversations about resilience, education, and empowerment. Tune in to learn how local initiatives and everyday actions are shaping a safer, healthier tomorrow.

 We’d like to thank our partner, Lily of the Valley Church, for sponsoring this episode. 

We’re excited to feature Brandy Swisher, with Kings Water Alliance, in this new episode of Community Connections! 

Brandy shares how KWA is helping Kings County residents who rely on private wells learn about their water’s nitrate levels through free testing — and by delivering bottled water to nitrate-impacted households. These efforts protect local water, support community health, and ensure safe drinking water for families across the county.

Safe, clean water is a critical part of preparing for hot, dry weather and strengthening our community’s resilience against extreme heat. Brandy also highlights the power of local partnerships and how education plays a key role in protecting our environment for future generations.

This episode dives deep into how water and climate are connected — from the taps in our homes to the fields that feed our communities — and how working together can help build a stronger, more sustainable Kings County.

#KingsCounty #ExtremeHeatResilience #KingsWaterAlliance #CommunityResilience #CleanWater #ClimateAction #Podcast

This podcast episode is sponsored by Kings Water Alliance.

In this episode, we explore The Power of Journaling: Writing as a Tool for Mental Health and Self-Discovery with special guest Martha Martinez, host of journaling workshops. Martha shares how she guides individuals in using writing as a form of healing, reflection, and personal growth. Together, we discuss the mental health benefits of journaling, the ways it helps people process emotions, and how it can open doors to deeper self-awareness. Listeners will also hear insights from Martha’s workshops and learn simple practices they can try at home to begin their own journaling journey.

This episode is sponsored by CornerStone Cafe.

In this episode, explore how 211 serves as a vital connection point for Kings County residents seeking housing, food, mental health support, and more. We dive into the most requested resources, shifting community needs, and insights that highlights 211’s real-life impact. We also take a closer look at the Smart Referral Network (SRN)—a growing system that connects local organizations & agencies to better serve individuals and families. Learn how the SRN is breaking down barriers, streamlining referrals, and building a more coordinated support network across Kings County.

Whether you're a resident, service provider, or community partner, this conversation offers valuable insights—and ways you can get involved. Contact Yvette Moreno at [email protected] for more information on 211 and Daray Jones at [email protected] for more information on the SRN.

This episode is sponsored by UCP+ Hanford.

In this episode of Community Connections, Karina Casarez, Financial Analyst at Kings Partnership, speaks with Amaranta Henriquez, CEO and founder of Luminous Mental Health in the Bronx, New York. We explore how other communities address mental health and wellness and what lessons can be applied locally. Amaranta shares her journey in building a practice that provides evidence-based care tailored to individuals’ unique needs, addressing challenges such as anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. The conversation also covers the impact of systemic issues, stigma, and cultural humility, as well as approaches to supporting families, promoting prevention, and fostering community partnerships.

This episode is sponsored by Valley Voices. 

In this episode of Community Connections, we sit down with Danielle Grassi, Youth Advocate from the Central Valley Justice Coalition to discuss the fight against human trafficking, their work in prevention, and how they empower the community to take action. Special thanks to our Silver Sponsor, CalViva Health, for making this conversation possible.

Join us as we sit down with Josiah Panduro, a passionate youth representative from our Rise Above Youth Empowerment Program funded by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation through the Elevate Youth California grant. Hear how he's turning challenges into change and leading the charge for prevention and advocacy in his personal development. Tune in now, your dose of inspiration starts here! 

 In this episode of Community Connections, host Jennifer Quinonez sits down with Alexander Mena from Kings County Office of Emergency Services to discuss the county’s growing efforts to tackle extreme heat through community resilience planning. Learn how local agencies are working together to identify climate risks, strengthen emergency response, and uplift community voices. Whether you're a resident, partner, or community leader, this episode highlights why collaboration is key to keeping Kings County safe, cool, and prepared. 

In this episode, host Marilyn Castaneda sits down with Edgar Puga, one of the owners of Gotti’s Kitchen—a beloved local Mexican-American food business that has grown from a humble dream into a vital part of the community. Edgar shares the inspiring story behind Gotti’s beginnings, including the early challenges and passion that fueled their first steps.

More than just a restaurant, Gotti’s Kitchen has become a space where culture, connection, and community come together. Edgar reflects on how partnerships with local nonprofits and the unwavering support of their community helped them rise through adversity and expand their vision. What started as a small kitchen has now blossomed into a staple in the area—serving not just delicious meals, but also hope, opportunity, and unity.

Tune in to hear how community support helped shape their journey, why giving back is now woven into everything they do, and what it truly means to grow with and for the people around you.