In the world of social services, burnout is real—but so is hope.

In this episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast, Beck and Heather sit down with Amy Misunas and Raelyn Jackson, two passionate professionals from Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc., and STEP, Inc., who share powerful insights on the emotional toll—and deep rewards—of Community Action work. Amy shares what motivates her as a caseworker and why asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do. She brings forward inspiring stories of clients who have found housing, employment, and confidence through small steps and consistent support. Raelyn joins the conversation with her insights on wellness, leadership, and disaster case management. She reflects on what it means to model empathy and accountability, and how personal experiences shape her deep commitment to helping others.

Together, they unpack strategies to prevent burnout, celebrate client wins, and build a supportive workplace culture. From honoring client autonomy to making space for rest and reflection, this episode offers encouragement—and practical wisdom—for anyone working on the frontlines of Community Action.

Whether you’re a seasoned caseworker or new to the field, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that caring for yourself is a necessity.

From childcare shortages to rural transportation gaps, STEP, Inc. is redefining what’s possible in Community Action. In this episode, CEO Rachelle Abbott joins Beck Moore to explore how STEP is breaking barriers with innovative childcare solutions and tackling transportation deserts in rural Pennsylvania.

Rachelle also shares insights on trauma-informed intake processes, the economic impact of Community Action, and how these initiatives create lasting, sustainable growth for local communities. Don’t miss this conversation on the power of bold, forward-thinking solutions!

In this episode of ThinkingCAAP, Beck Moore and Amanda Hoprich sit down with Jen Wintermyer, CEO of Tri County Community Action, to uncover how data-driven strategies are reshaping the fight against poverty. Jen shares the innovative ways her organization leverages data to address social determinants of health, foster meaningful partnerships, and develop programs that truly meet community needs.

From surprising insights—like the role of refrigerators in maternal health—to actionable advice for collaborating with healthcare systems, this episode dives into the intersection of data, equity, and impactful community action. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, advocate, or simply curious about the transformative power of data, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how we build stronger, healthier communities.

Tune in to learn how Tri County Community Action is leading the charge in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties—and how you can invest in your community’s success.

What makes a leader truly effective? In this episode of ThinkingCAAP, Heather Holloway takes the host seat to interview Beck Moore about his leadership journey and the experiences that shaped his approach to creating a positive workplace culture. He opens up about why vulnerability is a leader’s greatest strength, how gratitude-driven mentorship can empower teams, and the importance of fostering a supportive, growth-focused workplace culture. Tune in to hear Beck's take on balancing priorities as a leader, his inspiring stories from community action work, and his passionate call to advocate for the transformative impact of community action agencies. Whether you're an established leader or just stepping into management, this episode is packed with lessons to help you lead with purpose and heart.

In this episode, host Beck Moore is joined by Heather Holloway of Holloway Media Services to discuss the art of storytelling in Community Action. Heather shares her expertise on crafting authentic content, building brand awareness, and telling your organization's story in a way that connects with your audience. Discover practical strategies for creating content that not only informs but inspires, helping your agency amplify its mission and engage the community. Tune in to learn how powerful storytelling can drive real impact and elevate your brand.

Join hosts Amanda Hoprich and Beck Moore in an insightful conversation with the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) as they dive into the organization's impactful mission and programs. Learn how BCOC is making a difference through health initiatives and community engagement strategies that empower residents and foster resilience. From addressing critical needs to driving long-term change, this episode unpacks the essential work that supports communities in Bucks County. Tune in for a deep dive into the innovative approaches that fuel their mission and inspire collective action.

In this episode of The ThinkingCAAP, we sit down with Denise Harlow, CEO of the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), to celebrate 60 years of Community Action. Denise helps bust common myths about Community Action Agencies, discusses the importance of funding flexibility, and dives into the critical difference between outcomes and outputs. Tune in for a powerful conversation on how our agencies continue to create lasting impact across the nation.

Beck Moore, CEO of Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), and Amanda Hoprich, COO at CAAP, discuss the role of social determinants of health in improving community outcomes in this episode of the ThinkingCAAP. From cross-sector partnerships to reframing existing programming and potential funding opportunities, this inspiring discussion shows the power of community action to drive transformative change from the ground up. In this episode, Beck and Amanda welcome Karin VanZant from ClearLink Partners. With a wealth of experience in building partnerships between healthcare and CBOs, Karin brings valuable insights into the impact of community action on healthcare costs and improved community health outcomes. Her work with the PA Navigate project and community engagement has delivered tangible results in reducing healthcare costs and enhancing overall community well-being. Karin's expertise and dedication to this vital area make her a valuable guest whose insights will undoubtedly benefit all healthcare professionals and community action professionals alike seeking to make a positive impact on social determinants of health.

With so much to discover in this episode, we hope you'll tune in and send us your questions about community action topics you want to know more about! Email [email protected] with the subject "Thinking CAAP." We can't wait to continue this community conversation with you! Thinking CAAP Talking Points

[0:00] Introduction and Gratitude

• Amanda and Beck welcome listeners back and express gratitude for the feedback received on the last episode. 

• They also share their excitement about being co-hosts.

[1:08] CAAP Updates and Rise Conference

• Amanda and Beck discuss their recent travels to the RISE conference on social determinants of health. 

• They highlight the importance of showcasing the innovative work of community action agencies and their partnership with the National Community Action Partnership.

[4:37] DEI Summit and Keynote Speaker   

• The hosts discuss the recent DEI summit and highlight its success, including the positive feedback received from participants. 

• They also thank the keynote speaker, Clint Smith, for his impactful contribution.

[7:45] CAAP Conference and Awards Nomination   

• Amanda and Beck announce the upcoming CAAP conference and encourage members to submit proposals for best practices. 

• They also mention the captivating awards ceremony and the nomination process for recognizing outstanding staff members.

[12:09] Introduction of Guest Karin VanSant   

• Amanda introduces the special guest, Karin VanZant from ClearLink Partners, and shares her excitement about having Karin as the first official podcast guest. 

• Karin introduces herself and expresses her enthusiasm for being on the podcast.

[13:22] Personal Journey and Advocacy Work   

• Karin shares how her pregnancy and experience with Medicaid redefined her life, leading her to advocate for social services and community action agencies.

[15:53] Importance of Community Action Agencies  

• Karin emphasizes the crucial role of community action agencies in supporting vulnerable populations and believes they are doing essential work in society.

[21:04] Impact of Social Determinants of Health 

• Karin discusses how social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, affect healthcare outcomes and the challenges individuals face in accessing and maintaining care.

[24:20] Social Determinants of Health as a Long-Term Focus 

• Karin expresses her hope that addressing social determinants of health is not just a trend but a long-term commitment, citing the difficulty and importance of this work in healthcare and community support.

[28:23] The localized response to the pandemic  

• The pandemic crisis and solutions were localized, not just in hospitals.

• Local community action agencies played a crucial role in connecting with people and providing services, demonstrating the importance of localized care and partnership opportunities.

[29:43] Importance of high touch response in healthcare  

• Large managed care companies and small public health plans prioritize high-touch response and understand the need for patient engagement to manage care effectively. 

• The focus is on providing the right services at the right time for better health outcomes.

[31:49] CAAP's resources for member agencies and healthcare partnerships  

• CAAP has developed a value proposition case study and a training program to help member agencies and healthcare partnerships understand the importance of working with community action. 

• These resources highlight existing programs and services that align with healthcare needs.

[34:37] Leveraging Community Action's experience in maternal health  

• Community action agencies have extensive experience serving pregnant women and have valuable programs in place. 

• Translating and communicating this experience to healthcare entities is necessary to secure sustainable funding and support for maternal health initiatives.

[42:27] Translating community action's work for healthcare  

• Community action's two-generation programming and continuity of care align with healthcare's whole family and whole person care approach. 

• Translating the terminology and effectively communicating the existing solutions to healthcare systems is crucial for better collaboration and outcomes.

[43:30] Introduction to the PA Navigate project  

• Beck and Amanda introduce the PA Navigate project, a statewide community information network designed to connect Pennsylvanians to community services and address their health and social care needs.

[44:08] Functionality of PA Navigate 

• PA Navigate will provide a seamless, referral-based way to connect healthcare to community-based organizations and other health-related social needs-serving organizations. 

• The platform will also allow the general public to access services.

[45:21] Questions from the Community  

• Beck and Amanda encourage the audience to submit questions for future episodes to [email protected]. 

• They also discuss the importance of community engagement and the benefits of value-based contracts for community-based organizations.

[49:53] Busting Myths about Community Action  

• The conversation focuses on debunking myths about community action, emphasizing the long-standing work of community-based organizations in addressing social determinants of health and the potential for these partnerships to reduce healthcare costs and improve community well-being.

[54:30] Future Conversations  

• Beck and Amanda express their intention to continue discussing community action and its partnerships with healthcare in future episodes. 

• They also reference resources available for further exploration of the topic.

• CAAP impact report

• Healthy People 2030

Thank you for being part of our first episode of the Thinking CAAP podcast. Please send your questions for Beck & Amanda to [email protected] with the subject "Thinking CAAP." And please join us in fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. We can't wait to continue this community conversation with you! Connect with us on social media! www.facebook.com/CommunityActionAssociationofPA

www.instagram.com/communityactionassociationofpa

www.linkedin.com/company/community-action-association-of-pennsylvania

www.twitter.com/CAAPNewswww.youtube.com/@CAAPYouTube Connect with Karin VanZant from ClearLink Partners www.linkedin.com/in/karinvanzant/

www.linkedin.com/company/clearlink-partners/

In the first episode of "The Thinking CAAP" podcast, hosts Beck Moore, CEO of Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), and Amanda Hoprich, COO at CAAP, focus on enhancing workplace culture through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens. Beck shares super practical and actionable ideas for making simple but meaningful improvements to boost staff morale and retention. Together Beck and Amanda walk you through an easy "staff favorites" exercise that helps managers better connect with and support their teams. We hope you'll tune in and send us your questions! Email [email protected] with the subject "Thinking CAAP." We can't wait to continue this community conversation with you!