KZ Community Beat

Deric Kimler, the Director of Peoria’s hottest musical, “In The Heights”  and Executive Director of Central Illinois Friends takes us on his journey of finding acceptance and liberation! Theater initially became his escape and now it’s his passion to help fight against stigmas! 

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Meet Brian M. Gorsich and Nicole Stephens, two members of our community who live with multiple sclerosis. If there is one thing I can say is, they each have had their struggles.. their crosses.. set backs and continued moments of peaks and valleys.. yet they face life with laughter and optimism! The great work of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council and lived in experience of MS is the focus of the podcast, but what I walked away with is… a greater perspective and understanding of resilience.

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Consistency… that word summarizes the journey both Ray Flacko and Mario Young have experienced. A perfect story of Ying and Yang. Through it all, through every trial they experienced, they still have a big heart and passion for Peoria! Mario and Ray have lived through variations of lost. Mario has experienced the cruelty of his father being killed and the devastation of cancer. Ray was imprisoned for 1000 plus days. Through it all, they both were able to become the best versions of themselves!

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Meet Christell Frausto! Owner of TequilRia Wine and Spirits in Peoria. Also She is the VP on The Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce! We hear the story of a proud Latina businesswoman! Christell takes us on  her journey of security, redirection and finding her purpose here in Peoria! 

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Meet John Morris who is the President and CEO of the Peoria Riverfront Museum! On this episode, John walks us through the rich history of Peoria, IL! From Richard Pryor, REO Speedwagon, prohibition, WW 2 contributions and soo much more!

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Meet Kenneth Godbolt! From trauma, failed suicide attempts to providing a safe and consistent environment for himself, his daughters and for our community to feel loved and at peace! This episode focuses heavily on mental health.. acceptance and forgiveness! Amazing time spent with a new friend!

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Meet Angel Cruz. A kid from Chicago, who never felt safe to grow with love. Always on survivor mode. Angel takes us on his journey. A path filled with pain, trials and valleys. Through it all he learned humility and how to receive love. Angel opens up about mental health, working with recidivism and how the love a good woman has saved his life! Enjoy his story.

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Mr. Jorell Glass known for his style, and happy demeanor underneath that joy is  a man who's seen dark days. Mr. Glass takes us through mental health, near death experience and short comings. Through it all he stays faithful in life and it's "seasons". I hope you enjoy his story!

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Meet Marcellus Sommerville, a local Peorian. Marcellus found his passion in basketball. From courts in Peoria, Illinois to overseas playing with big NBA names. He gave the game up to be a full time father and he hasn’t looked back since. Marcellus now puts his passion into the community as the head of Peoria’s Friendship House. Listen in as we look through the journey of a kid who loves the game, his community but more importantly, his family! 

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Meet Heddy Elliot! Her name is well known in Peoria! For 25 plus years, Heddy has opened her heart to our community. Teaching, empowering and providing consistency to our youth and imprisoned! Enjoy a story of a teacher with a BIG heart!

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