Lights, Camera, Community Action – The New York State Community Action Association’s (NYSCAA) Podcast

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Andy shares his 40+ year journey from energy auditor to state leader, explains the evolution of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and breaks down how the work goes far beyond energy savings — offering real outcomes like safer homes, lower utility bills, and even life-saving interventions.

We discuss:

What weatherization is and why it matters

How NYSWDA trains and certifies a statewide workforce

Success stories that show the human side of the program

The future of weatherization as a recognized skilled trade

How Community Action Agencies can collaborate to reach more families

Whether you're new to the program or a longtime advocate, this episode will leave you inspired by the powerful connection between housing, health, and hope.

In our first episode of Season 3, we sit down with Tia Nunziato, Early Childhood Program/Human Resources Officer at the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO), and Marianne Suchocki, Associate Deputy Director at Fulmont Community Action Agency. During this conversation, Heidi, Tia, and Marianne explore the transformative impact of Head Start in New York and across the country. From early childhood development to family support, the group discusses how this vital program continues to break the cycle of poverty and strengthen communities. Tune in to hear firsthand insights on Head Start’s legacy, its ongoing challenges, and why it remains a cornerstone of opportunity for children and families.

In our second episode of Season, 2 we sit down with Mike Borges, Executive Director of the NYS Rural Housing Coalition, and Josiah Lamp, Director of Housing and Community Development at Chautauqua Opportunities and Board President for the NYS Rural Housing Coalition. In this conversation, they delve into the pressing issues surrounding the preservation and maintenance of affordable housing in New York State. Mike and Josiah share their experiences and discuss the challenges they face, as well as the significant strides they have made in securing funding to address these issues. Tune in to hear about their successes and ongoing efforts to ensure affordable housing for all New Yorkers.

In the first episode of Season 2, we sit down with Tina Zerbian, CEO at Connecting Communities in Action, and Wendy Robords, Director of Culture and Workforce Development at Pro Action of Steuben and Yates. Tina and Wendy discuss the steps they’ve taken to make their Community Action Agencies (CAA) more trauma-informed, and provide helpful tips and resources for CAAs looking to begin this process.

Resources:

• Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope

Click here for the full transcript. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jacki Evans, Parent Engagement and Male Involvement Coordinator for Head Start/Early Head Start at PEACE, Inc.; Scott Leach, Director of Fatherhood Initiatives and Community Engagement at NYC Department of Youth & Community Development; and Al Meyers, Safe Harbor Coordinator at Connecting Communities in Action. Jacki, Scott, and Al discuss the importance of fatherhood initiatives, their agency's programs, the challenges associated with engaging with the fathers in their community, success stories, and more. Also, stick around until the end of the podcast to hear from one father who participates in Connecting Communities in Action’s fatherhood program.  

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Ehlers, Seneca Programs & Food Security Director, Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca, and Lisa Gardner-Goodrow, Community Outreach Program Director, JCEO of Clinton & Franklin Counties, to discuss addressing food insecurity in their communities. Hear from Chris and Lisa about their innovative programs and solutions to eliminate food insecurity.

In this month's episode, we sit down with Andrea Bernard, Adult & Youth Services Manager at PEACE, Inc.; Melinda Daniels, Executive Assistant at Community Action of Orleans & Genesee; and Janelle Hartwell, Community Services Director at Delaware Opportunities, Inc. to discuss NYSCAA's Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI). Hear from Andrea, Melinda, and Janelle about their experience in ELI, the projects and programs they designed as part of their ELI 2.0 curriculum, and how these projects benefited their communities.

Click here to view the transcript.

In this month's episode, we sit down with Maureen Abbott, Executive Director of Tioga Opportunities, Inc.; Danielle Harrington, CEO of Tompkins Community Action; and Michele McKeon & Charlie Quinn, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director of RECAP. Listen to Maureen, Danielle, Michele & Charlie speak about the housing needs in their communities, finding innovative solutions to address these needs, building sustainable housing programs, and more!

Click here to download the transcript.

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Greg Richards, Executive Director of Cortland County Community Action Program, Inc. (CAPCO), Diane Hewitt-Johnson, CEO of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., and Renee Hungerford, Executive Director of Community Action of Orleans and Genesee; all who are members of NYSCAA’s board of directors. Renee, Greg, and Diane talk about Community Action, the importance of Community Action in improving communities and changing lives, how the needs of their communities have changed over time, pivoting services to meet the needs, their relationship with the New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA), the strength of New York’s CAA network and more!

Click here to download the transcript.