From creating a summer camp experience for the kids of MY Place to a tie dye near disaster, the partnership with Kiwanis and MY Place has a rich history. Today's episode features Liz Paul, Kiwanis Club President. Liz and Erin share some great stories and exciting updates including the Kiwanis donation of a playground for MY Place's new location.

Andy Nessler is the chair of the MY Place Board of Directors. He's our guest on the MY New Place Podcast today with Laura Stevens. Andy talks about his experience with MY Place from being on the founders committee to now being the board chair. He also talks about the importance of the new space as renovations continue at 1315 Stadium Road.

Dr. Katie Smentek + Dr. Nancy Dobson with Mankato Clinic are the guests on the MY Place podcast today. The pair talk about how MY Place contributes to wellness for the kids they serve. They will discuss nutrition, gaps in healthcare for kids experiencing poverty and the importance of movement and play. As well as how the new MY Place location will lead to additional wellness opportunities for kids.

Laura Bowman is one of the founding board members of the MY Place organization. Laura is our guest on the podcast today, she is sharing her experience as a board member and advocate for the kids of MY Place. She also shares an important message about how the community can get involved and spread the mission of MY Place.

Today's episode is full of love and truly showcases how the community comes together to lift up the kids of MY Place and enrich their lives. Natasha is the owner of The Wooden Spoon, her restaurant provides hot meals to MY Place at no cost to the organization. Chef B. shares stories of how far the nutrition program has come. Rachel Jones with the University of Minnesota Extension teaches MY Place's Cooking Club. Rachel shares how she meets kids where they are and helps them learn important skills in the kitchen.

Learn more about the MY Place capital campaign here.

Community volunteers are an integral part of MY Place's ability to fulfill their mission. Today on the MY New Place podcast, volunteers Dr. Steve Haugen and Ben Greer are sharing their 'why'. Learn more about the importance of volunteers as well as how working with the kids at MY Place impacts Steve and Ben's lives. Executive Director, Erin Simmons, speaks to the importance of having male volunteers - specifically when it comes to boys and reading. Steve and Ben talk about the excitement and need of the new MY Place location.

For more information or to support MY Place's capital campaign click here.

Dr. Dani Scott from MSU is our guest today on the MY New Place podcast. Dr. Scott helped bring the Rec & Read program to MY Place - which is a favorite of the kids. Dr. Scott is talking about the impact that the program has on the kids and the MSU students who facilitate it. Dr. Scott is a wealth of knowledge on literacy, inclusion and representation. Tune in to hear why these important topics matter and how Dr. Scott and MY Place are local leaders on the implementation of these tools.

Learn more about MY New Place here.

It takes a lot of patience, dedication and love to be on the MY Place staff. These are the individuals working with the kids day in and day out. Today on the podcast we're talking to 4 of the MY Place staff, Brandon, Manuel, Anna and Gracie. They're sharing heartwarming moments, challenges and excitement about the new location.

Learn more about MY New Place here.

Welcome to the MY New Place podcast! This podcast features an inside look at the stories and people who help create a space for area youth to feel safe, develop relationships and reach their full potential. 

On today’s podcast we have MY Place Executive Director Erin Simmons and Founding Board Member Les Koppendrayer.