In this engaging podcast episode, host Kyle Gillette speaks with Executive Director Melinda Herrera and Director of Communications and Development Maddy Halverson from Communities in Schools (CIS). 

They delve into how CIS operates nationwide, with over 300 affiliates in 28 states. CIS offers integrated student support services, from whole-school initiatives to small-group and one-on-one interventions. The episode highlights the lingering effects of COVID-19 on students, including heightened mental health challenges and missed formative milestones in their education and development.

Melinda and Maddy share personal anecdotes and success stories from local CIS initiatives, such as fun family engagement events and creative school activities that foster better relationships with students. They emphasize the importance of being a trusted adult in a child’s life and how community partnerships are vital for bolstering school culture and driving positive outcomes. The conversation concludes with CIS’s ambitious plans to double its reach from 15 to 30 schools in the coming years, supported by expanded volunteer programs and community-based events.

5 Key Discussion Points

1. COVID-19’s Lasting Impact
   The pandemic not only disrupted students’ academic progress but also took a toll on their social skills and emotional well-being, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and isolation.
2. Integrated Student Support Model
   CIS employs a three-tiered service approach (whole-school, small group, and one-on-one) to holistically address school communities' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
3. Importance of Community Engagement
   Fun events like movie nights and glow dances draw families to school activities, bolstering trust and support among students and allowing local community members to get involved.
4. Trusted Adults in Schools
   Having a caring, consistent adult available can significantly improve a student’s sense of belonging and motivation to stay in school, reinforcing the power of mentorship and relationship-building.
5. Expansion Goals and Volunteer Opportunities
   CIS aims to expand from serving 15 schools to 30 in five years. To support and further its mission, it emphasizes volunteer programs, board memberships, and creative fundraisers—like a trivia night.

For more information contact:
[email protected]

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In this episode of the Hey Bellingham Podcast, host Kyle Gillette sits down with Jacqueline Rae, the Global Director of In Focus Ministries. Jacqueline shares her journey as a nonprofit leader, offering valuable insights into managing organizations that make a real impact. 

We explore topics like leadership qualities, the challenges of balancing vision with operations, and actionable advice for sustaining nonprofit initiatives. Jacqueline’s passion for empowering mission-driven organizations shines through, making this episode both inspiring and practical for listeners from all walks of life.

Three Key Insights from the Episode

1. Balancing Vision and Execution: Nonprofit leaders are often visionaries driven by a passion for change. To succeed, they must ground their vision with clear plans, measurable goals, and robust administrative support.
2. The Power of Tenacity and Boundaries: Nonprofit leadership demands tenacity, resilience, and a commitment to self-care. Establishing clear boundaries helps prevent burnout, enabling leaders to sustain their efforts long-term.
3. Fostering a Supportive Community: Volunteers and donors are central to a nonprofit's success. Building meaningful relationships with them through clear communication and genuine appreciation creates a thriving support network.

Memorable Quote from Jacqueline Rae

"You have to remember who you are and what fuels you—not who others expect you to be—because only then can you lead effectively."

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In this episode of Hey, Bellingham, host Kyle Gillette interviews Dr. Caroline Hernandez, co-owner of Natural Way Chiropractic in Ferndale. Dr. Hernandez shares her journey from military service to becoming a chiropractor, emphasizing chiropractic care's holistic, inside-out approach. 

She discusses the importance of spine alignment and the body’s healing ability. She offers insights into how chiropractic treatment can prevent injuries, improve overall health, and even help with conditions like infertility. Dr. Hernandez also touches on her life in Whatcom County, sharing her love for the local community and lifestyle.

Three Key Insights:

1. Holistic Healing from the Inside Out: Dr. Hernandez explains how chiropractic care focuses on the body's innate ability to heal by ensuring proper communication between the brain and body through the nervous system. This process helps correct subluxations and allows the body to function optimally.
2. Chiropractic Care as Preventative Medicine: Many people only seek chiropractic care when in pain, but Dr. Hernandez advocates for regular adjustments to prevent injuries and maintain overall health. She compares it to brushing your teeth—you don’t wait for cavities to start brushing; similarly, you shouldn’t wait for pain to visit a chiropractor.
3. Chiropractic’s Broad Impact: Chiropractic care can influence many areas of health beyond back pain. Dr. Hernandez shares stories of patients who have experienced improvements in fertility, reduced migraines, and even better emotional regulation in children after receiving chiropractic treatment.

Quote from Dr. Hernandez: "Everyone's body has an innate ability. It's the ability of the brain to communicate down into the body through the nervous system, through every single nerve. And when we have subluxations, it causes the brain and the body not to communicate properly. So, chiropractic care helps remove that interference and allows the body to heal itself."

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In this episode of the Hey Bellingham podcast, host Kyle Gillette chats with Erin Cohen, the owner of Personal Touch Travel Design, about her journey into the travel industry, her experiences with planning luxury travel, and the benefits of exploring local and international destinations. 

Erin shares insights into her passion for travel, how she creates personalized itineraries and the value of having a travel advisor when planning unforgettable trips. Whether it’s organizing multi-generational family vacations or road trips through California, Erin’s expertise helps travelers craft seamless, stress-free adventures tailored to their desires.

Key Insights:

1. Personalized Travel Experiences Matter: Erin emphasizes the importance of creating curated travel experiences that cater to individual desires, whether a luxurious multi-generational trip or a simple road trip. Her ability to anticipate client's needs and use her extensive network ensures unique, tailored journeys.
2. The Value of Travel Advisors: Having a travel advisor helps with the logistics and stress of planning and provides clients access to exclusive amenities and insider knowledge. Erin highlights how her services often include perks like free upgrades, private tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
3. Local Exploration is Just as Important: The pandemic taught many people the value of exploring their own country. Erin points out how places like national parks and historical cities offer incredible experiences without international travel and how there’s much to discover even within Washington State.

Quote from Erin Cohen:
“Anytime you get to spend time with your children one-on-one, it’s really special. It makes your kids feel special, it gives you that extra bond, and it's something you’ll both cherish for the rest of your lives.”

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In this episode of the Hey Bellingham Podcast, hosts Kyle Gillette and Cheung Vong sit down with Tyler Johnson, the owner of Lone Pine Auto Glass. They explore Tyler's journey from a career in pizza and fireplaces to becoming a skilled auto glass technician and opening his business in Bellingham.

Tyler shares insights about the importance of high-quality workmanship in the auto glass industry, the challenges of starting a new business, and why he chose to establish Lone Pine Auto Glass in Bellingham.

Listeners will also hear about Tyler's love for mountain biking, his connection to the Pacific Northwest, and his favorite local restaurants.

Key Insights:

• Quality Over Quantity: Tyler emphasizes that his goal for Lone Pine Auto Glass is to provide the highest quality service, not to be the biggest business. His focus on meticulous work and attention to detail ensures that customers receive the best care.

• The Structural Importance of Windshields: Most people view their windshield as a simple barrier against the elements, but Tyler explains that it plays a critical role in vehicle safety, particularly in rollovers and with airbag functionality.

• Starting a Business Requires Just Taking the Leap: Tyler highlights the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment to start a business, as there's always something that could hold you back. Instead, he advises future business owners to go for it and adapt as they go.

Quote from Tyler Johnson:
"I always knew that starting my own business was going to be my end goal. I’ve written like 12 business plans throughout my life... but you just have to do it if you want to. It’s never going to be the perfect time."

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In this episode of Hey Bellingham, Kyle Gillette chats with Tyson Simmons, Director of Human Resources at Hardware Sales, a landmark family-owned business in Bellingham. 

Tyson shares his journey from a small town in Eastern Washington to his current role, emphasizing the importance of community, customer service, and adaptability. He reflects on Hardware Sales' 60-year history, its connection to Bellingham, and its commitment to supporting local businesses. 

Tyson also highlights his love for snowboarding, Mount Baker, and Bellingham’s unique local culture.

Three Key Insights:

• Local Roots and Adaptability: Hardware Sales has thrived for over 60 years by adapting to the changing needs of Bellingham’s economy. Initially selling dynamite to loggers and miners, the store transformed into a full-fledged hardware business that now caters to DIYers, contractors, and industrial clients.
• Focus on Customer Service: Tyson emphasized how Hardware Sales prioritizes knowledgeable and attentive customer service, differentiating itself from larger chain stores. Employees are empowered to provide personalized solutions, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Leaning into Lean Management: Tyson discussed how lean manufacturing principles have helped Hardware Sales operate efficiently while maintaining a human-centered approach. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Quote from Tyson Simmons:

“You can have the best ideas in the world, but if you don’t have the people that can execute those ideas, then your business isn’t going to go anywhere.”

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In this episode of Hey Bellingham, Kyle Gillette interviews Kathy Young, the president of the Ferndale Kiwanis Club. They discuss her journey with Kiwanis, an international service organization focused on improving the lives of children. 

Kathy shares her passion for community service, highlights some impactful projects her club has undertaken, and describes how she has helped the club grow and triple in size over the last three years. 

The episode also explores how Kiwanis connects members to meaningful service opportunities while remaining flexible for modern, busy lives.

Three Key Insights:

1. Community-Focused Service: Ferndale Kiwanis engages in various local initiatives, including food drives, leadership programs, and honoring veterans, with a key focus on supporting children and families.
2. Inclusive and Flexible Membership: Kathy emphasizes that Kiwanis welcomes all levels of involvement, from attending meetings to participating in specific events. Members are encouraged to contribute in ways that align with their schedules and passions, making it accessible to many.
3. Personal Impact of Service: Kathy shares several personal stories highlighting the emotional rewards of serving the community. Her efforts have touched countless lives, from organizing veteran tributes to launching leadership clubs for middle schoolers.

Quote from Kathy Young: "We want people to participate. We want them to be plugged in… If you can do one service hour a month, and maybe that's mowing your neighbor's lawn who's in the hospital, that counts."

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In this episode of Hey Bellingham, hosts Kyle Gillette and Cheung Vong chat with Andrew Shelton, a local real estate agent with an inspiring and unique background. 

Andrew shares how his experiences in commercial fishing and charity fundraising shaped his vision and work ethic in real estate. The conversation covers his commitment to community support, his approach to the current real estate market, and the vital role of grit in business success. 

Andrew also highlights his practice of donating to local nonprofits after every sale, reflecting his belief in giving back and staying grounded.

Three Key Insights:

1. Grit and Resilience Are Crucial in Business: Drawing from his time as a commercial fisherman, Andrew emphasizes the importance of perseverance, explaining that in both fishing and real estate, you must keep pushing forward regardless of the obstacles.
2. Community-Focused Business Model: Andrew donates part of his earnings from every real estate transaction to a local nonprofit chosen by his client. This initiative not only supports local causes but also keeps him grounded in his values of service and gratitude.
3. Tailoring Real Estate to Client Needs: Andrew believes that the right time to buy a home is when a buyer finds something they love and can afford. He avoids blanket advice and instead focuses on the client’s personal circumstances and long-term happiness.

Quote from Andrew Shelton:
“You just have to work and work and work, no matter how hopeless it seems, until you get where you're going. A lot of grit, both of those jobs imbued in me.”

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In this episode of Hey Bellingham, Kyle Gillette, Cheung Vong, and guest Michael Blaney, owner of Groundbusters Northwest, discuss Michael's journey from pursuing a medical career to starting a landscaping and handyman business.

Groundbusters Northwest, which has grown to include three divisions (landscaping, handyman, and carpentry), serves the Whatcom area and focuses on professionalism, communication, and inclusivity.

Michael shares how the company went from humble beginnings shoveling manure to becoming a successful business emphasizing systems, ambition, and treating employees like family. They discuss the importance of systems in business growth and the beauty of Bellingham and its surrounding areas.

Michael also advises aspiring entrepreneurs: "Just go for it."

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Ambition and Mindset: Michael Blaney's success is rooted in his determination and belief that he would be successful no matter the challenges. He emphasizes the role of ambition in his journey from humble beginnings to owning a growing business.

• Systems Are Key to Business Growth: Michael highlights how implementing systems in his business has allowed him to step back, improve cash flow, and scale effectively. He believes having structure is essential for long-term success.

• Professionalism and Inclusivity in the Service Industry: Groundbusters Northwest focuses on professionalism, communication, and inclusivity, setting itself apart from other landscaping and handyman businesses. Michael wants to professionalize the industry by providing high-quality services and building a positive, supportive environment for employees and customers.

Quote:
"You can literally say you've shoveled crap to get to where you are now." — Kyle Gillette

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In the first episode of the "Hey Bellingham" podcast, hosts Kyle and Cheung Vong introduce themselves and share their personal and professional journeys. 

Kyle, who moved to Bellingham in 2014, talks about his diverse work history and his business, Gillette Solutions. 

Cheung, a graphic and web designer, recounts his career path and his move to Bellingham around 2009-2010. 

The podcast aims to build community by highlighting local businesses, events, and artists. Kyle and Cheung share the importance of storytelling in connecting listeners with the vibrant Bellingham community.

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