Letters from the Lunchroom

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with four members of a group focused on improving Communities In Schools' work on equal opportunities. The episode was recorded on site at the 2019 Leadership Town Hall in Chicago, Illinois, and contains clips from a panel discussion presented by this group.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America. 

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad SnacksSearch 

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Anais Hernandez, student at CIS of Los Angeles. Anais is one of the spokespeople for the Mosaic Project, which is part of the "What We Are Made Of" Campaign. In this episode, we talk about her journey with her CIS Site Coordinator, as well as her experience with the Mosaic Project and her plans for the future.

Check out Anais' blog here: https://simplyanaaisblog.wordpress.com/

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Jami Reever, former Executive Director of United Way of the Flint Hills and now current Executive Director of Kansas Appleseed. Jami has long been a champion of non-profits, both in her professional and personal life, and we sit down with her to see where it all started. Join us in the Lunchroom as we find out what happened when Jami was just 5 years old that changed the course of her life forever.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan | Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools, a nationwide non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we kick off our new “Town Hall Series” with Dale Erquiaga, President & CEO for Communities In Schools. We start off with an abbreviated version of Dale’s State of the Union address, which he presented at the 2019 Leadership Town Hall. Afterwards, Victoria and Dale talk about the unique path that led him to become the President of this organization; a path which includes hard work, a little luck, and a motivated heart.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with LaChelle Nichols, CIS Site Coordinator at Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri. This episode is particularly touching, as it was recorded during the week that the school held a memorial for a student who was recently taken from them due to gun violence. Please join us as we remember Zavian Hall, and hear how a CIS Site Coordinator helps students who are mourning the loss of a friend.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Chris Ayers, CIS of Mid-America Site Coordinator at Garden City High School. Chris has been a Site Coordinator at this school for six years, and during this time, he has worked with many students - who each have their own unique barriers and challenges. Please join us to hear Chris share some powerful stories of students he has helped, as well as the secret to his success providing supports for more than 2,000 students.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Chasity Hurd, a CIS of Mid-America Site Coordinator at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Mission, Kansas. Chasity's story travels through multiple states, and begins with her working with AmeriCorps before connecting with CIS of Mid-America. Through her experiences, she has learned the importance of not judging people by their first impression, as well as taking a step back to determine what type of imprint YOU want to make on this world.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Sophie Archuleta, Volunteer and VISTA Manager with Communities In Schools of Mid-America. For the past five years, Sophie has held a variety of titles with our organization. When asked what the main thing she takes away from her experience with us? The importance of asking questions. Whether it be for help or for understanding, questions help you (and those around you) grow. Tune in as we welcome Sophie to the Lunchroom.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Credits: Victoria Partridge (host) | Camille Abdel-Jawad (audio engineer)

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Martin, Site Coordinator, and Jessica Griffin, Principal at Logan Avenue Elementary School in Emporia, KS. Together, they started the CIS program at this school in the fall of 2017. As we talk, they share the moments that made them laugh, the ones that made them cry, and the ones they learned from.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Credits: Victoria Partridge (host) | Camille Abdel-Jawad (audio engineer)

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks

Letters from the Lunchroom is a podcast that shows you a new side of Communities In Schools of Mid-America, a non-profit which provides support services for at-risk students. As someone who has worked with non-profits for the past 10 years, Victoria Partridge knows that people who engage with non-profits have a story to tell, and she wants to hear that story. From students to staff members, and alumni to volunteers, Victoria connects with people of all backgrounds to discover the journey they took which brought them to Communities In Schools. Join us in the lunchroom to hear these stories, which are always touching, occasionally heart-breaking, and often surprising.

In the season finale episode of Letters from the Lunchroom, we take a look back at some of our favorite moments from the top episodes. These episodes include CIS Site Coordinator Michael Williams, CIS Director Jania Wester, Kansas Superintendent Richard Proffitt, and CIS CEO & President Malissa Martin. Please join us as we reflect on all the times we laughed, cried, and got inspired during season one.

Want to be a guest on the show and share your own story? Contact Victoria at [email protected].

Letters from the Lunchroom is a production of Communities In Schools of Mid-America.

Credits: Victoria Partridge (host) | Camille Abdel-Jawad (audio engineer)

Theme song: "Like a Polaroid" by Spazz Cardigan

Transition song: "Game Plan" by Bad Snacks