The Visibility Project Podcast

If you would like to submit your pandemic story, you can do so at the link below - https://forms.gle/wXSCg5e7cXCtfKdY7

If you would like to submit your pandemic story, you can submit it at the link below - https://forms.gle/wXSCg5e7cXCtfKdY7

If you would like to submit your pandemic story, you can submit it at the link below - https://forms.gle/wXSCg5e7cXCtfKdY7

“Loser”, “dead beat”, “druggie”... How do you see homelessness? Our guests give us a lens to see the reality of an invisible population. People who are homeless are individually unique and deserve our empathy and dignity. Renea Pettinger and Marty from Open Door and Renee Deckrow representing Midland’s Midtown area share stories and information to give us a true picture of people who are homeless. Learn more about neighboring week | https://www.midlandfoundation.org/neighboringweek/To learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---BIOSRenee Pettinger serves as the executive director of Midland's Open Door, a crisis shelter and soup kitchen ministry serving the Midland County community. Renee has served as an advocate for children at risk and for the homeless for the past 20 years. She completed her undergraduate studies in urban ministry at Moody Bible Institute and her MBA in nonprofit management at Hope International University. Marty Cooper is a New Jersey native who moved to Beaverton shortly after September 11, 2001, to be closer to family. Marty has lived in the Beaverton/Gladwin community for nearly 20 years where he worked in industrial manufacturing. Wife to Aaron (Chemical Engineer at Dow) for 26 years and mom to 2 young adult (Ethan & Jordan) men and two teenage daughters (Lindsey & Lauren) Reneé Deckrow has lived in Midland since 1997 and permanently in 1999. Founder & Owner of Live Oak Coffeehouse, Real Estate Developer and photographer for Captured Photography, Reneé wears many diverse hats, but she most loves being called mom, wife, friend, sister and neighbor. She is passionate about creating space for others to pause, connect, create and grow. Her lens is one of her favorite tools to capture the Imago Dei in people and encourage them to keep living their beautiful and redemptive stories. “When you have more than you need, build a longer table and not a higher fence” has been a quote that inspires her to live life loving and sharing her gifts in community with others.

Are you brave enough to face the truth? Are you able to face the fear when you learn something new and it causes you to question? In the middle of discourse creating division are you willing to consider another’s perspective, educate past ignorance and ask yourself why you think or feel the way you do? Eric Krause did and continues to embrace the uncomfortable opportunities to learn something new. Join him as he shares his journey of consideration and commitment to expanding his awareness beyond the limits of how he was raised. Transition into a chat with Sarah Weisbarth as they consider their roles as adult role models, especially in education, encouraging youth to embrace their diverse strengths and support inclusive belonging. Guests | Eric Krause & Sarah WeisbarthEPI 013 Resource Document | https://bit.ly/3k54g05To learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---BIOSEric Krause is currently beginning his 26th year as a Mathematics teacher at Midland High School. He also is beginning his 20th season as the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach. Eric didn’t enter the teaching profession until he was 37 after various jobs in the business industry. He has been married for 37 years to his wife Kelly and has 3 sons, Christopher, Brandon and Dominic with respective ages of 32,29, and 18.Sarah Weisbarth is the current chairperson of The Visibility Project. Sarah is a professional facilitator, trainer, and coach serving in education with The Rock Center for Youth Development as the Discover You Director. With a certificate in coaching from the Co-Active Training Institute, Sarah uses her education in Health and Fitness and Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and Creating Wellbeing to support adults and youth. For more on Sarah’s background and experiences including her volunteer work check out her profile on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-weisbarth428925117/---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group members from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.

In this episode, we will hear about the older population's experiences living alone in senior apartments or assisted living facilities, especially during the pandemic. We found out that the gifts of connection, friendship, and time are priceless. As we emerge from isolation and into understanding one another, our guests speak plainly from the heart on the importance of creating bonds with others regardless of our differences. ---Guests | Shirley Debolt, Heather Savage & Dr. Sasha SavageEPI 012 Resource Document | https://bit.ly/2V5Y6E7To learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---BIOSDr. Sasha Savage is a lifelong Michigander who enjoys sports and great food. He’s been married to his wife, Heather, for 28 years and they have 8 children, whom he counts as his best friends. He is a family physician and absolutely loves his job.Heather Savage is a native of California but has enjoyed the 4 seasons of Michigan for the last 26 years. She has many hobbies including volleyball, watching movies, and doing remodeling projects. She is married to Sasha and enjoys spending time with her family. She recently started a new career teaching preschool.Shirley Debolt was raised on a farm in Michigan. She was married for 60 years to her late husband and has 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She is a cancer survivor and currently lives in senior housing in Midland.---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group members from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.

The stigma of addiction (substance use disorder) leads to miss information and understanding. Substance use disorder impacts family members, co-workers, and communities. What you don’t know is the image of the junky on the ‘bad side’ of town is not the only picture of substance abuse. Kindly listen to the brave stories in this episode of the impact of substance use and the mental process that leads to dependence.Part two of this series will be released on Directions NOT Included on Wednesday, July 7. | https://soundcloud.com/directionsnotincluded/epi-011Guests | Jeremiah Lee, Juli Strauer, Lori ZiolkowskiEPI 011 Resource Document | https://bit.ly/2UbgKdBEPI 011 Transcript | https://bit.ly/3zowPvwTo learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group member from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.

With the Great Lakes Bay Pride Month in June, we will be speaking with three guests on the topic of LGBTQ+ youth. We want to encourage support for Pride Month. You can learn more at greatlakesbaypride.org. Today, our guests are Andy Grossmeyer and Madi Brooks who are a couple and Amy McDonald who is a therapist with expertise in support for LGBTQ+ youth. Andy Grossmeyer is a non-binary, transgender, and pansexual individual who uses he/him and they/them pronouns. He recently graduated from SVSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Gender Studies and Psychology. In the future, they plan to get their Master of Social Work to further learn about and help LGBTQ+ individuals. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching cartoons, and hanging out with his cat, Beans. Madi Brooks is a non-binary and pansexual individual who uses they/them pronouns. They are planning to finish their Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at SVSU. While still trying to figure out what to do in the future, they are working as a florist designer at a small business in Midland. They have always been passionate about the LGBTQ+ community, and will be pursuing that passion in the future. Amy McDonald is one of two American Association of Sex Education Counselors and Therapists certified in the Great Lakes Bay, Michigan region. She is currently the Counseling Services Director at The Shelterhouse of Midland. Amy is also working at Connections for Mental Health as an outpatient therapist. As a therapist employed by Family & Children’s Services, she developed and ran two LGBTQ+ psycho-educational support groups for teens and adults and provided counseling for individuals and their partners. She was instrumental in the formation and development of Gay-Straight Alliance student groups at high schools in Midland County. After spending a career in advocating for victims of abuse, Amy strongly believes that openly discussing sexual health will lead to stronger relationships while mitigating sexual abuse and trauma.EPI 010 Resource Document | http://bit.ly/tvp010rdTo learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group member from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.

This month, we will be speaking with two guests on the topic of autism and cognitive disabilities. We will be talking with Hollie Kayden who has autism as well as her mother, Trisha Fenby, who is an advocate for the disability community not only for her daughter but for the entire community. We will begin our episode today with a short segment of a conversation with Hollie directly followed by a more in-depth conversation with Trisha. Hollie Kayden has a passion for Theater, Languages, and Music. She enjoys studying foreign languages and is currently improving her skills in German and Russian, with the anticipation of visiting those countries in the near future. She has been cast in several plays in our community as well as performing on stage and helping back-stage at Saginaw Valley State University. She is exploring her interest in theater and languages at Saginaw Valley State University as an independent learner. She resides in Midland.Trisha Fenby is a strong advocate and ally for the disability community. With over 20-years of experience, Trisha brings a great deal of knowledge to the community, as a parent and a professional. Raising a child with autism has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences that prepared Trisha for her role as Community Inclusion Manager at the Arnold Center. Trisha has certifications as an advocate, an independent facilitator, a SibShops® Coordinator and in Applied Positive Psychology. Trisha strives to empower others to live their best lives and bridge the gap between the disability community and the inclusive community.EPI 009 Resource Document | https://bit.ly/3t9BHRTEPI 009 Transcription | To learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group member from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.

This month, we will be speaking with two guests who both have to overcome physical disabilities on a daily basis. They are both extremely talented and intelligent people who will shed light on their own physical disabilities and the stereotypes and discrimination they have faced. One of our guests is Bart Maxon who is a scientist at Dow. The other guest is actually the producer of the Visibility Podcast and has been instrumental in its success. Adam J. Salgat is the owner of Push Productions, which provides digital content for businesses while specializing in videography, photography, and podcast production.He has also worked for the Greater Midland Community Center for over 16 years. He started in a sales position and has now worked his way up to become their Digital Content Specialist. Adam has produced award-winning videos, commercials, and hundreds of interactive social media posts. He currently hosts a national podcast for the Champman Foundation for Caring Communities and is a producer of two other podcasts including the Visibility Project.Listen close to his explanation of his business name and how he has done his best to find motivation through his difficult physical changes.Bart Maxon is a Senior Technical Service & Development Scientist and has been with Dow for over 25 years in a variety of roles within the Home & Personal Care business. He has over 38 years of experience in the personal care, healthcare and medical diagnostics industries and is the Global Technical Leader for 2 of Dow’s priority Beauty Care customers. Bart has 20 patents and has two Bachelor of Science Degrees from Central Michigan University and Northeastern Illinois University.Bart is very active in various Inclusion and Diversity initiatives at Dow and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM).Bart has been very active in the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and was recognized as a SCC Fellow , Co-founder, and first chairperson of the SCC Michigan Chapter. Bart will tell us about his experiences growing up as a 4’6” achondroplasia dwarf and has also had 6 spinal surgeries and has had to use a walker for mobility since 2009.EPI 008 Resource Document | http://bit.ly/3c9m9bsEPI 008 Transcription | https://bit.ly/3szcbFXTo learn more about The Visibility Project, follow us!Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/thevisibilityprj/Contact us at [email protected] podcast was produced by Push Productions | https://pushpromi.com/---Spearheaded by members of the Cultural Awareness Coalition the Project is the brainchild of several organizations and individuals with shared values who sit on the Project Steering Team. The current Team includes staff from Northwood University, Midland Kid’s First, the Midland County Inclusion Alliance, The Legacy Center for Community Success, Our Community Listens, the Midland Wellbeing Task Force, and several Employee Resource Group member from Dow; the intention is to expand this Team to include other like-minded groups in the region.The Project’s vision is to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive community by listening to and learning from individuals whose stories are too often unheard.