About the Guest:

Gabriella Smith is the Northeast Regional Coordinator for the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY). With a career trajectory that spans victim services and child advocacy, she initially worked in criminology, focusing on domestic violence and sex trafficking. Her transition to TCCY allowed her to expand her impact on child welfare issues. Gabriella's passion is evident in her active role in community partnerships, including Strong Accountable Care Community (ACC), aimed at enhancing the lives of children in Tennessee.

Episode Summary:

Join host Dr. Karen Schetzina in another episode of Growing Stronger Together, a podcast dedicated to the health and well-being of mothers and children, as she engages in an insightful discussion with Gabriella Smith. As the Northeast Regional Coordinator for TCCY, Gabriella brings a wealth of experience from her beginnings in victim services to her current advocacy for child welfare. This episode is part of a series exploring the collaborative work of the Strong ACC and its partner organizations.

In this episode, Gabriella Smith shares details about her role at the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, focusing on the development of programs and policies geared towards child welfare. TCCY is a nonpartisan advocacy organization aimed at improving the lives of children in Tennessee by promoting protective factors and effective policies. Gabriella discusses various statewide initiatives, like the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative, aimed at countering adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and enhancing regional efforts through collaborations with organizations like the Strong ACC.

Gabriella emphasizes the importance of community involvement and policy advocacy in influencing positive outcomes for children. She explains how forming strong community partnerships is integral to achieving significant progress in child welfare. Highlighting the role of the Northeast Council on Children and Youth, Gabriella invites professionals, parents, and other community members to participate in discussions that align local needs with state initiatives. This episode underscores the message that working together amplifies impact, reinforcing the show's theme: we are indeed stronger together.

Key Takeaways:

• Gabriella Smith's Journey: Her transition from victim services to child welfare advocacy highlights her dedication to improving children's lives in Tennessee.
• TCCY's Mission: The organization works toward enhancing child welfare through policy advocacy, education, and statewide collaborations.
• Statewide Initiatives: Efforts like the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative focus on mitigating ACEs and promoting protective factors for children.
• Partnerships and Community Involvement: Gabriella underscores the vital role of community partnerships in driving meaningful change in child welfare.
• Invitation to Engage: Gabriella encourages listeners to participate in the Northeast Council on Children and Youth to influence regional child welfare efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• "I would say this is my passion job because I get to pick and focus on the things that really bring me joy." - Gabriella Smith
• "Our statewide partnerships bring experts from all over our state to talk about the work that we're doing and how well it's going." - Gabriella Smith
• "The work that we do cannot be done in silos and cannot be done individually by just one agency." - Gabriella Smith
• "You still have a voice. You’re able to write to your legislators and voice your concerns." - Gabriella Smith
• "We need to be together to make progress, and I feel like Strong ACC really does a good job at doing that." - Gabriella Smith

Resources:

• Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY): A key organization involved in child advocacy across Tennessee.
• https://www.tn.gov/tccy.html
• Strong Accountable Care Community (ACC): A collaborative partnership focused on improving community health.
• Resilient Tennessee Collaborative: An initiative aimed at building protective factors for children facing adverse experiences.

For a deeper understanding of the impactful work being done by TCCY and how community involvement is making a difference, tune into the full episode. Don't miss out on more insightful discussions in our Moms on Monday series—stay tuned for more episodes on Growing Stronger Together!

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

About the Guest:

Mark Cruise is the Director of the Strong Accountable Care Community (ACC), a bi-state collaborative aimed at improving the physical, social, and economic health in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. With over 30 years of experience in health and human services, Mark has been influential in connecting more than 400 partner organizations to work collaboratively on various regional health initiatives. His professional journey includes a significant tenure in the free and charitable healthcare sector and he holds a Master of Divinity degree. A native of southwest Virginia, Mark has a profound connection to and understanding of the region he serves.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Growing Stronger Together," host Dr. Karen Schetzina delves into an insightful conversation with Mark Cruise, the Director of the Strong Accountable Care Community (ACC). The discussion provides an in-depth look at the ACC's commitment to improving health and wellbeing in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia through collaboration and strategic initiatives. As the conversation unfolds, listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how cross-sector partnerships and collective impact strategies are transforming community health outcomes.

Mark Cruise shares the evolution of the Strong ACC, highlighting its origins, mission, and the long-term strategic agenda set in place to tackle significant regional issues such as the opioid epidemic and generational poverty. With a focus on creating opportunities for the next generation, the ACC emphasizes a "no wrong door" approach, facilitated by technological solutions like Unite Us. This podcast episode covers strategic goals, evidence-based strategies, and the exciting work being carried out by Strong ACC partners to enhance educational outcomes, workforce readiness, and financial independence among young adults.

Key Takeaways:

• Long-Term Commitment: The Strong ACC emphasizes a lasting, collective approach to addressing chronic regional health and socioeconomic challenges, with strategies aimed at changing the health trajectory for future generations.
• Collaborative Partnerships: The initiative thrives on partnerships across various sectors, including healthcare, education, business, and faith-based organizations, ensuring a united effort in improving community wellbeing.
• Technological Integration: Through platforms like Unite Us, the ACC leverages technology to streamline access to social services, reinforcing the "no wrong door" initiative.
• Strategic Action Plan: The updated strategic agenda includes goals such as improving kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy and math proficiency, and achieving thriving-wage employment for young adults.
• Strong Families Program: A highlight of the ACC's direct impact is the Strong Families Northeast Tennessee program, supported by a $25 million grant aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged families.

Notable Quotes:

• "No person in the region would ever have to go through a wrong door when they were seeking assistance." - Mark Cruise
• "We exist to improve physical, social, and economic health, especially for economically disadvantaged children and families." - Mark Cruise
• "The more resources a person has, the likelier they are going to be to have health and have longevity." - Mark Cruise
• "We're stronger together; that's our motto in the strong ACC." - Mark Cruise
• "The ever-present threat is for organizations to sort of revert back to business as usual and not work collaboratively." - Mark Cruise

Resources:

• Strong ACC Website
• Strong Families Northeast Tennessee Program Information (accessible via the Strong ACC website)
• Unite Us Platform

Embark on this enlightening journey by tuning into the full episode, and stay engaged with us as we continue to explore significant and transformative topics in our series.

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

About the Guest:

Elizabeth Stringer is an English Learner Lead and official interpreter for Galax City Schools in Galax, Virginia. With over 20 years of experience teaching high school ESL, Elizabeth has spearheaded several innovative programs, including early literacy initiatives for Spanish-speaking families. Her work focuses on empowering parents to support their children's literacy and educational journeys. Elizabeth holds a pivotal role in her community, fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for diverse student populations.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Kim Hale of East Tennessee State University sits down with Elizabeth Stringer, the English Learner Lead at Galax City Schools. Elizabeth shares her journey and the impactful family literacy programs she has developed, specifically tailored for the large Spanish-speaking community in Galax, Virginia. Through a friendly and open conversation, Kim and Elizabeth explore the challenges and successes of implementing early literacy programs that bridge language barriers and foster stronger family engagement.

Elizabeth delves into the specifics of the six-week literacy program she created for Spanish-speaking families. This program not only provides bilingual books but also includes engaging activities that train parents to be literacy advocates for their children. By offering culturally relevant meals and a safe, inclusive space for families to gather, Elizabeth’s initiative has significantly improved students' reading interests and literacy skills. She discusses the broader implications of her work and its essential role in creating an inclusive educational environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Empowering Families: Elizabeth's program focuses on equipping Spanish-speaking parents with the tools and confidence to support their children’s literacy development, fostering a proactive community involvement.
• Bilingual Resources: The initiative uses bilingual books to help bridge the gap between English and Spanish speakers, ensuring that literacy skills are nurtured in both languages.
• Culturally Relevant Engagement: By incorporating familiar cultural elements such as traditional meals, the program creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages family participation.
• Significant Impact: The program has shown marked improvements in students’ reading interests and skills, demonstrating the value of tailored family literacy programs.
• Broader Implications: Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive spaces in schools where all families feel valued and empowered to engage in their children's education.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We really see a lower level of literacy among some of our Spanish-speaking families… We wanted to empower our families to be able to help their own children."
2. "The families would get in groups and go through the books page by page… brainstorming questions for their kids and activities."
3. "It's not just that they come to school to learn, but they come to school so we can learn from them."
4. "Even if they can't read, we talk about how to look at pictures and create a story from the pictures. Promoting literacy by reading to your children, telling a story."
5. "We really take family engagement seriously, and we don't want our families to just attend; we want them to engage."

Resources:

• Elizabeth Stringer's Email: [email protected]
• Lectura Books: A publisher offering bilingual books relevant to immigrant and Spanish-speaking families.
• National Council for Family Literacy (NCFL): A resource for family literacy programs and conferences.
• Dolly Parton Imagination Library: A book gifting program that mails free books to children.

Tune In:

We encourage you to listen to the full episode to learn more about Elizabeth Stringer's innovative family literacy programs in Galax City Schools and how they are making a difference in the community. Don’t miss out on future episodes of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, where we provide more valuable insights and resources for supporting children’s development. Stay tuned!

About the Guest:

Elandriel Lewis Elandriel Lewis serves as the Senior Manager of Early Learning and Training at the United Way of Greater Nashville. With a robust background in early childhood education, Elandriel manages the "Read to Succeed" program, supports various childcare centers, and provides extensive professional development and training for educators and parents. Renowned for her creativity and dedication, she advocates passionately for high-quality early education.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the "Growing Stronger Together" podcast, host Kim Hale interviews Elandriel Lewis, the accomplished Senior Manager of Early Learning and Training at the United Way of Greater Nashville. The discussion revolves around early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of providing high-quality, accessible resources and training for childcare professionals.

Elandriel delves into the impactful initiatives within the "Read to Succeed" program, highlighting the structured support and resources provided to childcare centers. Furthermore, she shares insights into various training programs, including a notable webinar series, all aimed at enhancing the professional growth of childcare providers. Their conversation also touches on the challenges early educators face, the importance of social-emotional learning, and the value of providing equitable education opportunities for all children. Besides, the episode features Elandriel reading “The Rabbit Listened” by Corey Dorfeld, a touching story underscoring the importance of empathy.

Key Takeaways:

• Read to Succeed Program: A comprehensive support initiative offering resources, coaching, and training to childcare centers across nine counties.
• Professional Development: United Way provides free, high-quality training for early childhood educators, approved for DHS credit hours.
• Social-Emotional Learning: Emphasis on Conscious Discipline and relationship-building to create safe, nurturing learning environments.
• Annual Conference & Awards: The Ignite Awards and annual conference celebrate and bolster the efforts of early childhood educators.
• Accessibility: Training and resources from United Way are accessible to a wide array of childcare professionals and caregivers, ensuring equity in education.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The most important part of our program, even more than me, is our instructional coaches. They provide individualized professional development for each teacher." - Elandriel Lewis
2. "Every dollar we invest in early care and education returns seven to $13 over the course of a child's education." - Elandriel Lewis
3. "We focus a lot of our investments on birth to age five because that's the greatest need." - Elandriel Lewis
4. "The rabbit listened. The rabbit listened as Taylor talked, shouted, remembered, and even when Taylor planned to build again." - Elandriel Lewis (reading "The Rabbit Listened")
5. "Our early childhood educators often don't get the high-quality professional experiences they deserve, and that's something we're working to change." - Elandriel Lewis

Resources:

• United Way of Greater Nashville: unitedwaygreaternashville.org
• Core Network Nashville: corenetworknashville.org
• Book Mentioned: "The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld
• Elandriel Lewis' Contact: [email protected]

Be sure to listen to this episode for an insightful conversation on advancing early childhood education and discover the many resources and programs that can help educators and caregivers support young learners effectively. Stay tuned for more episodes of "Growing Stronger Together" to continue building a supportive community for raising healthy children.

About the Guests:

Miles Burdine: Miles is the CEO of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and a retired Colonel in the United States Marine Corps. He has an extensive background in community engagement, leadership, and mentoring. Miles is also known for being a co-author of the children's book "Live Like Grunt," reflecting his efforts in promoting early literacy and imparting life lessons.

Nikki Burdine: Nikki is a morning news anchor in Nashville, Tennessee. With a passion for storytelling, she is also an advocate for animal welfare and early childhood literacy. She co-authored "Live Like Grunt" with her father, bringing personal family wisdom and experiences to the forefront. Nikki has openly discussed her journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette syndrome to inspire others.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Growing Stronger Together," host Kim Hale engages in an enlightening conversation with Miles and Nikki Burdine, the co-authors of the children's book "Live Like Grunt." The episode delves into the genesis of the book, which is centered around their family dog, Grunt, and is designed to teach life lessons through his behavior and experiences. Listening to this podcast, you will learn about the Burdine family's exceptional bond, their dedication to community and literacy, and how Nikki's personal journey through significant challenges inspired her creative endeavors.

Throughout the episode, the Burdines share poignant stories about Grunt, their love for animals, and Nikki's motivations to craft a book that serves as both a tribute to their beloved pet and a powerful educational tool. This episode is a testament to the impact of familial love and support, detailing how teaching through relatable, simple yet profound lessons can help foster healthier behaviors in children. As Nikki juggles her demanding career and responsibilities as a mother, she and Miles also highlight the importance of resilience and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

• Teaching Through Animals: Miles and Nikki Burdine explain how using their dog Grunt's behavior teaches valuable life lessons for children.
• Overcoming Challenges: Nikki shares her journey with OCD and Tourette syndrome, emphasizing the importance of resilience and support.
• Impact of Literacy: The importance of early literacy and how the book "Live Like Grunt" aims to inculcate good habits and empathy in children.
• Community Engagement: Both guests discuss their extensive roles in community service and their dedication to fostering supportive environments for families.
• Innovative Parenting: Insights into creative ways of parenting and mentoring through relatable and engaging methods.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Grunt offers something that we all should offer: unconditional love, loyalty, and support." - Miles Burdine
2. "I needed a creative outlet and had faith that my daughter was going to be fine." - Nikki Burdine
3. "Your daughter gave my daughter hope." - A parent speaking to Miles about Nikki.
4. "These normal and basic life lessons can come from observing our pets." - Nikki Burdine
5. "Successful leadership is about making a difference with your dash – the time between birth and death." - Miles Burdine.

Resources:

• Nikki and Miles Burdine’s Book: Live Like Grunt
• Jan-Caroll Publishing: Jan-Caroll Publishing
• East Tennessee State University: ETSU
• Ballad Health: Ballad Health

For more inspiring stories and valuable insights, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more enlightening content on "Growing Stronger Together."

Dr. Amanda Witte is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Her
research is focused on family-school partnerships, early learning, and rural education. She has been
involved in several projects related to early learning and development – particularly the experience of
children ranging in age from preschool through third grade. She also serves as a family-school
consultant, training supervisor and project manager for Teachers and Parents as Partners (TAPP).
She has recently worked with the Nebraska Department of Education to investigate teacher retention
in Nebraska, specifically special education teachers.

Amanda delivers workshops and training in family-school partnerships to parents, educators, and
service providers throughout North America, and facilitates the ongoing coaching of TAPP
consultants. AND she has also served as the project coordinator for federally funded family-school
partnership studies. In this role, she managed collaborative teams of consultants, parents, and
teachers; maintained partnerships with school personnel; and developed working relationships with
new schools and communities.

In this episode, Amanda and Kim discuss Tele-TAPP, a research project currently underway in rural
Appalachian school districts in NE TN, SW VA, and W NC. TAPP stands for Teachers and Parents as
Partners (TAPP). This is a proven, research-based intervention that brings parents, and teachers
together to address behavioral and social concerns that get in the way of student learning.
Consultants use TAPP to lead parent-teacher meetings, solve problems, and assist in developing
student behavior plans. 

More information can be found at tapp.unl.edu or reach out to the project
manager, at [email protected] or 423/262-7607.

Amanda also shares resources developed at the University of Nebraska Lincoln related to early
learning. These resources are available at earlylearningnetwork.unl.edu. Finally, Amanda discusses
a current project with the Nebraska Department of Education to investigate the retention of teachers,
particularly special education teachers. More information about this project can be found at
getsetNebraska.org.

Growing Stronger Together A podcast for people who care about children.
This podcast was developed by faculty at East Tennessee State University, including
members of the Department of Pediatrics, the ETSU Center of Excellence in Early Childhood
Learning and Development, and the ETSU Child and Family Health Institute. The podcast is
made possible by MayPop Media and the financial support of a Community Health
Improvement Site grant from the Department of Population Health at Ballad Health, a
healthcare system that

Thank you for listening to this episode of our podcast. I hope you will join us next time for another
episode of Growing Stronger Together. We want to help you and our community to raise healthy
children

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

About the Guest:

Chapple Osborne-Arnold: Chapple Osborne-Arnold is the Director of Save the Children for the State of Tennessee. With a profound passion for early childhood development and family support, Chapple leads numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting children in rural and under-resourced areas. She has dedicated over 13 years to Save the Children, driving significant impact and fostering strong community relationships.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Growing Stronger Together," hosted by Kim Hale. In this episode, Kim converses with Chapple Osborne-Arnold, the inspiring Director of Save the Children Tennessee. Broadcasting from Maypop Media Studio in Johnson City, they delve into the imperative work Save the Children is doing across rural Tennessee, emphasizing early childhood development, literacy programs, and community engagement.

Throughout the conversation, Chapple highlights the pivotal initiatives that Save the Children Tennessee spearheads, particularly focusing on the Read Tennessee program. This episode provides invaluable insights into the organization's holistic approach—ranging from prenatal support and early childhood programs to school-age literacy and family engagement activities. By addressing the needs of underserved communities, the episode underscores the profound difference that well-structured support can make in the lives of children and families.

Key Takeaways:

• Save the Children Initiatives: Chapple outlines various programs aimed at aiding children from prenatal stages through 8th grade, focusing on health, literacy, and overall development.
• Read Tennessee Program: A literacy campaign designed to promote reading and parental involvement, fostering a love of reading among children in rural areas.
• Community Engagement: The importance of community and business participation in enhancing resources and support for school-aged children, demonstrated through creative initiatives like book distributions and literacy-centric community events.
• Barriers to Literacy: Addressing challenges such as lack of access to books, outdated school libraries, and the necessity of integrating reading into children's daily routines.
• Sustainable Impact: The significance of continuous and adaptive support in driving long-term positive outcomes in children's educational and social development.

Notable Quotes:

1. “A champion is a person who is enthusiastic about supporting and defending and advocating for others.”
2. “We realize there was an unmet need in serving underserved children in rural communities.”
3. “We want all children across rural America to have a healthy, strong foundation to thrive as learners and in life.”
4. “It's about having the knowledge of how to help or what to do or just having that person convene the right people in the right location.”
5. “Our reading ambassadors would get some volunteers, and instead of candy, they have a wagon they pull behind and handing out books.”

Resources:

• Save the Children Tennessee Facebook Page: Save the Children Tennessee
• Save the Children USA: savethechildren.org
• Renaissance Learning MyOn: MyOn

Tune in to this deeply informative episode to discover more about the transformative efforts of Save the Children in Tennessee and learn how impactful community-driven initiatives are fostering a brighter future for our young learners. Stay tuned for more engaging content on "Growing Stronger Together," where we prioritize the well-being and education of children across our communities.

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

About the Guests:

Tish Jones-Tish Jones is the dedicated Coordinator of the Ready by 6 initiative in Hamblen County, Morristown, Tennessee. With a fervent passion for early childhood education and community development, Tish has been instrumental in spearheading various programs aimed at ensuring children are prepared to excel in school. Her assertive and enterprising personality has been a key driver in the success of Ready by 6.

Barbara Simmons-Barbara Simmons is the Family Resource Center Coordinator for the Ready by 6 initiative. With a career spanning over 25 years in community service and family support, Barbara brings a wealth of experience in resource coordination and family advocacy. Her recent retirement did not dampen her dedication, as she continues to contribute significantly to the community through this role.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, hosted by Kim Hale. This episode features two dynamic champions for children, Tish Jones and Barbara Simmons, who share their insights and experiences from the Ready by 6 initiative in Hamblen County, Morristown, Tennessee. This community-driven program is designed to promote educational excellence and readiness among children from prenatal stages to six years old.

In this episode, listeners will delve into the origins and impactful programs of Ready by 6, from health and housing to finance and early learning. Key discussions include the collaborative efforts with local organizations, the creation of tip sheets, and the distribution of practical toolkits for new parents. Discover how prenatal support, community engagement, and innovative projects like the Born Learning Trail and the Family Resource Center have transformed early childhood preparation in the Morristown area. Join us to explore how a community’s collective effort can lead to sustainable development and improved quality of life for families.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Collaboration: The Ready by 6 initiative showcases the power of various local organizations working together to support early childhood development from prenatal to school entry.
• Educational Resources: The program offers comprehensive toolkits containing essential tips and resources for new parents, including guidance on health, finance, housing, and early learning.
• Innovative Programs: Initiatives like the Born Learning Trail and Healthy Habits program provide interactive and educational experiences for young children and their families, enhancing physical and cognitive development.
• Resource Accessibility: The Family Resource Center and the creation of a web-based app ensure parents have easy access to vital community resources and support systems.
• Continual Development: Ready by 6 is focused on evolving and improving its strategies to better serve families, with future plans for further engaging and impactful community initiatives.

Notable Quotes:

1. "If children enter school unprepared with the skills they need to succeed, very few of them end up succeeding." - Tish Jones
2. "We need to start prenatal to six years old because this is our future. This is our future government, this is our future community, this is our future world." - Tish Jones
3. "One of the biggest challenges we have is gaps and overlaps. We don't know about one another. People are doing good work, and they don't know about one another." - Barbara Simmons
4. "One of the best things about the ready by six council is we only meet once a month, and we meet by conference call." - Tish Jones
5. "We are very lucky to have so many organizations interested in promoting what we are doing." - Tish Jones

Resources:

• Ready by 6 Initiative\ Ready by 6 Website
• Hamblen Resource Guide\ Hamblen Resource Guide
• Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation\ Supporting early literacy and community initiatives.

Immerse yourself in the full episode to gain deeper insights into how the Ready by 6 initiative is transforming early childhood development in Hamblen County. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Growing Stronger Together podcast!

The idea for a READY BY 6 Council was formed when the Hamblen County Foundation for Educational
Excellence and Achievement (HC*EXCELL) learned through their work that Hamblen County’s children were
entering school without the tools they needed for success. The READY BY 6 Council focuses on 4 KEY
elements including Early Learning, Financial Stability, Heath Equity, and Secure Housing.

The READY BY 6 Council Toolkit is offered to all birthing families at Morristown Hamblen Health System
Hospital. The Toolkit includes the Hello Baby – A Guide for Parents book as well as other helpful information
and resources for new parents to support their baby’s development.
The READY BY 6 Council sponsors a Car Seat Program that provides a safety training session along with a
new car seat to families who are in need. The training and car seat distributions are held on the 3 rd Friday of
each month at 10:00 am for English-speaking families and 1:00 pm for Spanish-speaking families.
READY BY 6 Council New Moms Time program is a peer-to-peer private Facebook page that connects new
moms to one another in the Hamblen County/Lakeway TN area. This facebook group provides easy access to
educational resources and supports a network of diverse moms/families.
READY BY 6 Council Storybook Trail at Civic Park in Morristown, is an enriching outdoor reading
experience for children and their families. The Storybook Trail connects literacy with fun and physical activity
by presenting a children’s storybook on child-height panels along a short trail in Civic Park. Each panel
features a reading tip to engage families to share storybooks.
READY BY 6 Council Hamblen Resource Guide is a database of community and non-profit organizations,
social services, and other helpful resources in the Lakeway area.
READY BY 6 Council Family Resource Center was created to enhance supportive systems, programs and
policies, and environments that nurture children and families to their full potential. The Center is located at
Morristown Hamblen Central Services.

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

About the Guest:

 Patti Woodby is the esteemed Mayor of Carter County, located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Tennessee. With demonstrated dedication towards enhancing her community's quality of life, Mayor Woodby has been pivotal in numerous initiatives from early literacy programs to transformative regional projects. Known for her hands-on leadership and ability to foster important partnerships, Mayor Woodby has contributed significantly to regional recovery centers and community development projects.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Kim Hale from East Tennessee State University sits down with Carter County Mayor Patti Woodby. They discuss Mayor Woodby's numerous contributions to the local community, spanning across various initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for all residents. Whether it’s her involvement in regional recovery centers or promoting outdoor activities and early literacy, Mayor Woodby exemplifies the role of a true community champion.

Throughout the episode, Mayor Woodby delves into the substantial efforts behind the Regional Recovery Center projects funded by Baby Doe money, highlighting their focus on helping individuals with substance abuse issues regain control of their lives. Furthermore, she shares her journey of securing $6.3 million for the expansion of the Tweetsie Trail, advocating for healthier lifestyles and community connectivity. In a heartfelt segment, Mayor Woodby also discusses the emotional experience of reading a children’s book to students at her alma mater, Little Milligan Elementary, during its final days of operation.

Key Takeaways:

• Transformational Recovery Programs: Mayor Woodby elaborates on the innovative Regional Recovery Centers developed in Carter County, funded by Baby Doe money, aiming to provide a second chance to those affected by substance abuse.
• Community Engagement in Health and Recreation: The episode highlights the $6.3 million expansion of the Tweetsie Trail, underscoring the importance of outdoor activities and quality of life improvements for the community.
• Early Literacy Advocacy: The introduction of Storybook Trails and other early literacy initiatives demonstrate Mayor Woodby’s commitment to promoting reading among young children.
• Collaborative Leadership: Mayor Woodby shares insights on how effective partnerships with various stakeholders have led to significant community advancements.
• A Personal Touch: The nostalgia and community spirit are palpable as Mayor Woodby recounts reading "Live Like Grunt" to students, showcasing her deep-rooted connection to her community.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I think these roles should be, you know, there's the daily mayor things like you said we can do, but these are the things that matter, and these are the things that matter to community members."
2. "Be persistent and never give up on your dreams. Eventually, they will drop food."
3. "Therefore was another stepping stone for Carter County to look and ask for any other opportunities that may come around."
4. "I want to see us use it and be admirable of what our natural beauty has in Carter County and northeast Tennessee."
5. "So sometimes those appreciations go a long way to our leaders. We don't hear it very often."

Resources:

• Ballad Health: Community Health Improvement Site
• ETSU Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development: ETSU Child and Family Health Institute
• Read and Play Book Bus: ETSU Pediatrics and Governor's Early Literacy Foundation
• "Live Like Grunt" by Nikki Burdine and Miles Burdine: [Link to the book]

For comprehensive insights and more inspiring stories from Mayor Patti Woodby, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more episodes of Growing Stronger Together, where we explore how to raise healthy children and strengthen our communities.

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media

Uniting Tennessee for Early Literacy: A Collaborative Effort

In this episode of the Growing Stronger Together podcast, host Kim Hale, a faculty member at East Tennessee State University and director at the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development, welcomes Katie Elam from the statewide early literacy education collaborative, Select, associated with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF). They discuss Select's aim to break down barriers, facilitate collaboration across the state of Tennessee, and share insights on various initiatives focused on early literacy, such as the Imagination Library, literacy buses, and innovative community and caregiver engagement programs aimed at fostering literacy from birth through school age. The episode underscores the importance of community collaboration, sharing resources, and the significant role of various systems in supporting children's literacy and development.

00:00 Welcome to Growing Stronger Together: A Podcast for Child Advocates
00:32 Introducing Katie Elam: A Champion of Early Literacy in Tennessee
01:37 The Mission of Select: Uniting for Early Literacy
03:43 Exploring the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) Initiatives
05:25 Innovative Literacy Support: From Book Buses to Literacy Trails
06:35 Empowering Parents and Caregivers: Literacy at Home
09:57 The Challenges of Connecting Early Literacy Systems
12:19 Leveraging Community Systems for Family Support
17:30 Looking Ahead: Regional Convenings and Expanding Literacy Support
21:58 Closing Thoughts: Celebrating Literacy Efforts in Tennessee

Financial support for Growing Stronger Together is provided through a Community Health Improvement Site Investment from Ballad Health’s Department of Population Health and through competitive funding from Tennessee Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Prevention program.

Music derived from Song: Justhea - Happy

Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.

Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0

Unported Video Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/h8RmuRCZCWg⁠⁠⁠

Produced by Mitch McGarry with Maypop Media