Inspiring Good

Ever wondered how an inclusive environment can profoundly impact mental health support? Francis Disori, the executive director of Lexington House, joins us to discuss the transformative clubhouse model and its origins with the WANA group in 1970s New York City. Discover how this model fosters a supportive community in Elkhart County, where staff and members collaborate as equals, promoting mutual respect and engagement. Francis highlights the courage of individuals reclaiming their confidence and the community's rich tradition of generosity, painting a vivid picture of human-centered support at Lexington House.

We also shed light on the indispensable role of community organizations like Oaklawn and Faith Mission of Michiana in supporting mental wellness. Reflecting on professional experiences with high-acuity mental health cases, we delve into proactive wellness practices and the structured "work order day" of the clubhouse model. Hear a heartwarming story of helping a clubhouse member secure their first job and vehicle, illustrating the transformative power of community support. Lastly, we discuss the importance of partnerships and integrity in building successful nonprofits, offering valuable advice for new executive directors and insights on the future focus on fulfillment and social impact.

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

The conversation revolved around leadership, community impact, and philanthropy in nonprofit organizations. Cien Asoera emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, while Marshall V. King highlighted the organization's growth and change over the past decade. Kevin Deary, Pete McCown, and Asoera discussed the significance of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking in nonprofit organizations. The speakers also discussed the Community Foundation's initiative to build stronger brains in Elkhart County, Indiana, and its potential impact on the community's educational system and future viability. Cien expressed hope for the community's future due to the emergence of young leaders with a passion for giving back.


00:00:26: Introduction of Cien Asoera and his service

00:00:41: Introduction of Pete McCown and the Community Foundation

00:01:04: Cien's journey and involvement with the Community Foundation

00:02:30: The impact of the Community Foundation

00:03:00: Cien's career and his role as a soccer referee

00:04:20: Leadership traits and community impact

00:05:25: The relationship between CEO and Board Chair

00:07:03: Pete McCown on reporting to the board

00:09:20: Communication and relationship dynamics in organizations

00:10:31: The importance of communication and support within the Foundation

00:11:35: The importance of intentional relationships in leadership

00:13:04: Cien’s greatest moments with the Community Foundation

00:15:08: Elkhart community's vision and development

00:16:11: Impact of David Gundlach's gift

00:17:20: Philanthropy and organizational growth

00:18:03: Future vision of the Community Foundation

00:20:08: Building Stronger Brains initiative

00:23:02: Collaboration for Building Stronger Brains initiative

00:23:34: Introduction to the Community Foundation's role

00:24:01: Vision for the community 25 years from now

00:25:36: Future leadership development

00:26:33: Encouraging community investment

00:27:35: Mentorship and board governance

00:29:00: Personal reflections and motivation

00:31:00: Closing remarks and expressions of gratitude

00:32:10: What gives hope for the future

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Ever wonder how community foundations manage to significantly impact local communities? In today's episode, our hosts, Kevin Deary and Marshall King, get insights from Dr. Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, about strategies for managing diverse funds, including scholarships, endowments, and donor-advised funds. The discussion covers the mission and vision of such foundations, emphasizing their goal to improve community life through strategic charitable giving and partnerships with local nonprofits.

00:00:23: Introduction of Doctor Pete McCown

00:00:36: Role and Responsibilities of Pete McCown

00:01:03: About Community Foundations

00:02:01: Establishment of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County

00:02:40: Definition and Function of Community Foundations

00:05:09: Donor Advised Funds

00:08:22: Examples of Donor Advised Funds in Action

00:11:13: Investment Strategies for the Community Foundation

00:14:32: Endowments and Nonprofit Organizations

00:17:13: Grant Process for Nonprofits

00:20:20: Pete’s Role as President

00:22:27: Intersection of Generosity and Personal Faith

00:24:08: Pete’s Involvement in Economic Development

00:26:19: Elkhart county's manufacturing economy

00:26:51: Definition of servant leadership

00:27:49: Pete's 13th anniversary and role

00:28:17: Inspiration and hope in the role

00:29:00: Show credits and acknowledgments

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this empowering episode of "Breanna Allen on rebuilding Tolson Center," we delve into the transformative journey of the Tolson Center for Community Excellence. We witness the transformation of this community center since its humble beginnings in the 1920s, touching on its cultural, inclusive, and empowering roots. The visionary leadership of the Tolson family laid a foundational path for unity, family, and empowerment that would guide this bastion of community development for years to come.

We shed light on Dr. Breanna Allen's transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to community lifting up others. Despite significant challenges, she ensures that Tolson is a steadfast pillar of resilience, support, and growth for the community. This episode also covers the profound influence of Dr. Allen's single mother, whose strength, discipline, and dedication shaped Dr. Allen's leadership philosophy.

00:40: Introduction and Welcome

00:43: The history of the Tolson Center

02:03: Challenges of starting as CEO and Director

02:32: Early Days and Inspirations

03:36: Influential People in early career

04:54: Personal Background and Work Ethic

05:25: Side jobs and responsibilities

10:02: Key programs at Tulsa

13:15: Partnership with Oak Lawn

13:32: Outreach in the community

14:55: About summer camp initiative

16:39: Outdoor campus project

18:29: Incorporating diversity

18:46: Connecting with the larger community

21:52: Leadership Tips

22:16: Reflections on Career and Advice for younger self

23:23: Biggest surprise at Tolson Experience

24:10: Emotional ties to Tolson Center

24:55: Advice to Younger Community Leaders

00:25:40: Path towards leadership influences

00:26:28: Motivating self and Dr. Allen's experiences

00:27:34: Future vision for Tolson Center

00:28:42: What gives hope

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this captivating episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary engage Brittany Short in a stimulating discussion on creating, expanding, and transforming communities in Elkhart County via trails and pathways. Brittany Short, a trail advocate and principal player in the local Connect initiative and Pumpkinvine Cyclery, shares her inspiring journey of advocating and implementing trail systems that have significantly enriched Elkhart County.

Delving into the importance of trails in community development, Brittany's passion and dedication shine through as the trio discuss the relevance of trails not just as recreational routes, but as vital components of community infrastructure. They highlight how the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail epitomizes the community's commitment to health, environmental sustainability, and strengthening the social fabric. Join us to explore the triumphs, challenges, and transformative potential of trail planning.

00:20:09: Overview of Trail Usage in Elkhart County

00:22:03: Importance of Trails in Communities

00:23:03: Fundraising for Trails

00:24:09: Expansion of Trails to the West

00:25:19: Connecting Napanee and Wakarusa by Trails

00:26:23: Discussing the trail project

00:27:31: The project's celebration

00:28:12: Upcoming celebration events

00:28:52: Trail maintenance responsibilities

00:30:02: Rethinking trails as transportation corridors

00:31:30: Future of community with trail expansion

00:33:28: The hope for more trail connectivity

00:34:13: The power of partnerships

00:34:50: Outro and acknowledgments

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Navigating the tumultuous sea of grief is a journey that necessitates empathy, understanding, and profound support, especially when dealing with children. On this podcast episode of "Aileac Deegan on Navigating Grief", we delve into the transformative journey of Aileac Deegan, the CEO of Ryan's Place, a children's grief support center in Goshen. Aliyak's story is not just about passion and dedication, but a life mission born out of personal experiences with grief and the identified lack of specialized support for grieving children.

Over the years, the significance and impact of Ryan's Place have transcended beyond Goshen, touching lives regionally and serving as a blueprint for grief support nationally. With its unique approach of integrating volunteers’ deep-seated empathy and understanding of grief with professional social work, the center has become a pivotal resource during community tragedies. The journey not only highlights the power of community and dedicated support for grieving children but underscores the transformative effect of empathy and care navigates complex loss.

00:00:19: Introduction of guest

00:00:23: About Aileac Deegan, her work, and her journey

00:01:13: Welcoming the guest

00:01:24: Talk about growth, experiences, and challenges

00:01:42: Discussion about migration and experiences

00:03:28: Experiences in the field of Education and journey into grief counseling

00:04:39: Aileac's introduction to Ryan's Place

00:07:23: Mission of Ryan's Place

00:08:56: Importance and impact of Ryan's Place in the community

00:09:42: Challenges faced and services offered

00:13:03: Personal grief experiences and learning

00:17:53: Broadening understanding of grief beyond death

00:21:17: Activities for children to understand their grief journey

00:22:45: Children's experience of grief

00:23:10: Use of artwork in grief therapy

00:24:08: Advice on interacting with grieving people

00:26:50: Importance of truth in difficult circumstances

00:27:24: Succession planning and the future of the organization

00:29:39: Service costs and sustainability

00:30:12: Retirement and future personal plans

00:31:20: What gives hope in grief counseling

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this episode of "Eric Garton on tending Wellfield's gardens," we plunge into the vibrant world of Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a sanctuary of nature in the center of Elkhart, Indiana. A dream meticulously nurtured with dedication and passion, the gardens now stand as a community heart, uniting people in their shared love for nature. Today, we dive into this fascinating journey of how ordinary spaces were transformed into extraordinary landscapes.

Join Marshall King, Eric Garton, and Kevin Deary as they navigate the lush legacy of Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a testament to what a community vision can achieve. Unfurl the story of Eric Garton, the visionary who champions the gardens, sparking not only growth of plants but that of a community. The combined leadership and expertise of these individuals have paved Wellfield's trajectory, cultivating a deeper bond between people and their natural surroundings.

https://wellfieldgardens.org/

00:00:24: Introduction of Eric Garton

00:01:10: Discussion about Wellfield Botanic Gardens

00:03:19: About the vibrancy in Elkhart County

00:03:37: Eric talks about the garden programs

00:06:13: Staff commitment and evolution as an organization

00:09:33: Personal life and family

00:12:07: Attraction to the mission of Wellfield

00:15:57: About the new building at Wellfield

00:18:19: Partnership with Community Foundation of Elkhart County

00:19:14: Eric as a husband and father

00:19:36: Advice for New CEOs of Nonprofits

00:20:31: Introduction to the property and gardens

00:26:31: Discussion of future plans and the importance of beauty

00:28:32: Overview of programs offered year-round

00:29:44: Information on free admission days

00:30:09: Reflections on hope and community

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

In this transformative episode of "Inspiring Good," hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary unravel the touching history and virtues of the Bashor Children's Home, an enduring beacon of hope for the children of Elkhart County. This incredible organization, founded by John and Emaline Bashor, has been transforming lives for nearly a century, standing firm throughout the decades as a haven for needy children. Explore the remarkable metamorphosis of the once orphanage-turned-comprehensive treatment center and the deep-rooted values it carries within its heart-warming legacy.

As our conversation progresses, listen as President and CEO Sean McCrindle passionately shares the narrative of growth, innovation, and steadfast commitment to serving as many children as possible under the Bashor Children's Home. Discover the sublime beauty and tranquility of the unyielding embodiment of hope that this campus signifies. Learn about Shawn McCrindle's succession from mentor Don Phillips and how this continuity of leadership has helped preserve and create even stronger connections to communities for Bashor.

00:00:24: Introduction to guest Sean McCrindle

00:04:54: Why did Sean choose Bashor for his career?

00:08:14: The legacy of Don Phillips, the former CEO of Bashor

00:10:12: Expansion and breakdown of Bashor's services

00:14:18: Impact of Bashor on Kevin's family

00:15:37: Bashor's influence and role in the community

00:16:52: Program highlights; Teen Court

00:19:20: Success story of a benefited kid from Bashor's services

00:20:31: Host's personal narrative about Shawn's father and son

00:20:55: Discussion about family and bagpipes

00:22:49: Children's educational paths and future career prospects

00:23:14: Vision for the organization in the next ten years

00:24:27: Stories related to Bashor and people involved with this organization

00:25:22: Introduction to volunteer Jay and his contribution to Bashor

00:27:17: What brings hope amidst challenges

00:28:32: Show closing and acknowledgments

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

William (Bill) Purcell returns to Crossroads United Way of Elkhart, LaGrange & Noble Counties after almost 30 years, from when he was Vice President of the United Way of Elkhart. Prior to returning to United Way, Bill was a faculty member, advisor and administrator at the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame for over 18 years. He also served in nonprofit and ecclesial leadership roles before that in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Our conversation with Bill is about what he's finding as he returns to serve this community.

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

Rebecca Shetler Fast is president and CEO of CAPS, which works to keep kids safe from harm and help support families in Elkhart County.
Rebecca grew up in Canada and graduated from Goshen College. She worked in Haiti with Mennonite Central Committee, but came back to Goshen to be closer to family and is now a key part of one of Elkhart County's important organizations.
Our conversation with her is about how she does her job as a new president and CEO and how partnerships and volunteers are key as we all work together.

This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in the Viaggio Studio at weIMPACT in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.