Good Neighbor Podcast: Research Triangle

What unique role does Cooperating Raleigh Colleges (CRC) play in fostering collaboration among educational institutions in Raleigh? Join us as we welcome Maura DiColla, the passionate executive director of CRC, who takes us on her inspiring journey from admissions and enrollment management to steering CRC through the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. With her personal college experiences as a backdrop, Maura sheds light on the financial struggles students face and the importance of supporting their holistic development. As we highlight the remarkable efforts of this nonprofit consortium, discover how CRC connects Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Shaw University, St. Augustine's University, Wake Tech Community College, and William Peace University to enhance student life and academic opportunities.

Our episode dives into the impactful Student Supporting Students (S3) program, a beacon of hope for college students from high-need areas, addressing essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare. Learn how the National League of Cities initiative is making a difference and how Raleigh's collaborative spirit is fostering cross-registration, economic growth, and community partnerships. With local schools, government officials, and businesses joining forces, CRC plays a vital role in promoting visibility and success for programs aimed at enhancing student experiences. Tune in to uncover the power of these partnerships and how you can support local initiatives, and nominate your favorite local businesses for a spotlight on our show.

Master the art of community and coffee culture in Raleigh's vibrant Five Points neighborhood on the Good Neighbor Podcast. Join host Nichole Mondshein as she sits down with Third Place Coffee Shop owners David Benson and Jenny Johnston, who share the rich history and community-driven mission behind their beloved establishment. From Jenny's journey from loyal customer to co-owner to the concept of the "third place" where people can gather and enjoy a sense of family, this episode offers a delightful look into the heart of Raleigh's coffee culture and inclusive community spirit. 

Discover the hidden gems of Raleigh, as David and Jenny share their experiences navigating the city's rapid growth and their dedication to community involvement. They also extend a warm invitation to visit their coffee shop and try their popular breakfast burrito, making this episode a must-listen for any coffee lover or community enthusiast.

Ever wondered how a community can truly uplift its most vulnerable members? Join us as we explore the heartwarming story of the Assistance League of the Triangle Area with Nona Wright. This all-volunteer nonprofit organization has been a beacon of hope for those in need across the Research Triangle for over 27 years. From providing clothing and shoes to children to offering essential household items for women transitioning to new homes, the league's programs are thoughtfully designed to meet specific needs. Nona shares the intricate workings of their programs, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with school counselors and pediatric clinics to ensure that resources reach those who need them the most.

Our conversation with Nona also highlights the ingenuity behind their fundraising efforts through the A to Z Thrift Shop. Discover how community donations are transformed into meaningful support for local residents, and hear inspiring stories of volunteers making a tangible difference. Through Nona's insights, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power of volunteerism and community support in transforming lives. Whether you're a resident of the Triangle Area or just looking for inspiration on how to contribute positively to your own community, this episode offers a poignant reminder of the impact we can all make.

Discover how a local educational initiative is changing lives as we sit down with Wanda McCargo, the inspiring Founder of the Southeast Raleigh Learning Community. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to nurturing young minds through literacy and math education, and Wanda's journey from volunteering at her daughter's high school to spearheading this impactful project is nothing short of remarkable. Wanda passionately shares her experiences and the collaborative efforts that have driven this initiative forward, providing students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.

In this episode, we explore how the Southeast Raleigh Learning Community makes a significant difference in Wake County. Wanda explains the referral process and the broad range of resources and mentoring programs offered to families, all designed to build confidence and self-esteem in young learners. Her story is a powerful testament to the dedication and passion of those committed to uplifting educational standards and creating positive learning environments. Whether you're local to the area or simply interested in transformative educational models, Wanda's insights offer a valuable perspective on fostering community growth and student success. Join us for a conversation filled with inspiration and practical knowledge about making education accessible and effective.

Discover how a simple idea blossomed into a life-changing initiative. Nancy Bono from Note in the Pocket shares her journey from a 25-year career in marketing to spearheading a mission that addresses clothing insecurity in the Research Triangle area. Note in the Pocket began with warm coats and a heartfelt note of support in each pocket. Nancy’s story exemplifies how a chance career change can align with personal values, leading to impactful community work that fills a critical gap often overshadowed by food insecurity.

Throughout the episode, we explore the profound impact that proper clothing can have on education and self-esteem, especially for children.  Nancy discusses the organization's collaborations with schools, businesses, and partners like Earth Breeze, ensuring that families not only receive clothing but can maintain cleanliness—a task essential for dignity and confidence. If you're inspired to contribute to this cause, learn more about how you can participate in clothing drives and fundraising events by visiting noteinthepocket.org.

Discover the vibrant transformation of Raleigh City Farm from a once-vacant lot into a beacon of hope and nourishment in the heart of North Carolina. Join us as Lisa Grele Barrie, the inspiring Executive Director, shares her compelling journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to cultivating community spirit and sustainable agriculture. With Lisa's guidance, Raleigh City Farm thrives as a hub for education and community engagement, producing an impressive 13,000 pounds of fresh produce annually on its 1.2-acre space. Through initiatives like a pay-what-you-can farm stand and a farm share program, the farm not only enriches local plates but also educates hearts and minds, nurturing future farmers and advocates for regenerative agriculture. 

We dive into the impact of volunteerism and the courage it takes to embrace uncomfortable challenges to drive meaningful change. In this episode, we also explore the beauty of winter's pause, encouraging listeners to take a cue from nature's hibernation and embrace rest. Lisa's passion for gardening and community shines throughout, leaving us all inspired to appreciate life's simple joys and the transformative power of connecting with our environment.

Have you ever considered that work could be your source of joy and fulfillment, rather than a burden? Margaret Jones from Jobs for Life joins us to share a refreshing perspective on employment and community. Margaret reveals how this remarkable nonprofit in the Raleigh-Durham area is transforming lives by integrating character development and mentorship into their employment program. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, churches, and businesses, Jobs for Life is redefining what it means to work, using biblical principles to tackle misconceptions and empower individuals, including those with advanced degrees facing employment challenges and people transitioning from difficult circumstances.

Throughout our conversation, Margaret shares moving personal stories of transformation that underscore the importance of community support. As the pandemic reshaped our work landscape, it became evident that belonging and support are more vital than ever. Volunteers play a critical role, providing resources like transportation and childcare, while also helping participants overcome barriers like imposter syndrome. Margaret and I also bond over our shared love of museums, the arts, and board games, reminding us all that personal interests enrich our professional lives. Join us for an inspiring exploration of how unique talents and community spirit can uplift individuals and drive lasting change.

What if your individual vote could actually reshape your community's future? Join us on the Good Neighbor Podcast as we welcome Orlando Roberts Jr., a passionate advocate for voter engagement and the driving force behind Power the Vote NC, a program of the NC League of Conservation Voters Foundation. Orlando's journey from retail management to leading a program dedicated to amplifying voter participation in the Carolinas is nothing short of inspiring. With roots in political science and economics from Morehouse College, Orlando shares how mentorship and strategic networking propelled his career. He provides an insightful look into how Power the Vote NC empowers low-income BIPOC communities through robust non-partisan voter registration, advocacy, and civic education, dismantling the myth that single votes don't matter and promoting civic engagement across all levels of government.

Balancing personal passions with the pivotal work of civic engagement, we explore the life of Orlando beyond his activism. From enjoying quality time with family to diving into favorite activities like NBA 2K and Topgolf, his story reminds us of the importance of maintaining our personal joys. As we transition into the critical topic of voting, we uncover the challenges that certain communities face—historical deterrents, lack of civic education, and the severe consequences of not voting, such as voter roll purges. This episode is a call to action, encouraging listeners to harness the power of their vote and become actively involved in shaping their communities. Tune in for an episode that is as motivating as it is informative, aiming to light the path toward a more engaged and empowered society.

Curious about how electronics recycling can change lives? We guarantee you'll gain valuable insights from Oleg Nepliouev, the first employee at Triangle Ecycling, who transformed from being banned from school computers to becoming a key player in the e-cycling industry. Oleg's journey is one of mentorship and growth, as he shares his experiences and the incredible impact of Triangle Ecycling’s internship program. With over 170 interns mentored, many of whom have joined the team long-term, this program not only champions environmental sustainability but also equips individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the tech industry.

Our conversation also highlights Triangle Ecycling's dedication to community outreach. We discuss their mission to make technology accessible by providing affordable computing solutions and supporting local schools. Hear about their efforts in helping individuals acquire essential equipment for remote work and the spare computers that can save the day in unforeseen circumstances. Oleg also invites us to appreciate Durham's scenic trail system, a personal passion of his, and encourages local high school students to explore the rewarding internship opportunities available with Triangle Ecycling. Join us for an inspiring episode filled with stories of empowerment, sustainability, and community impact.