In this episode, Courtney Kramolis, the Food Access Director at the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, discusses her efforts to ensure everyone has access to nourishing meals. She oversees programs like Y on the Fly and the Mobile Market, and collaborates with other organizations to enhance food security. Recognized as a 30 Under 30 Emerging Leader, Courtney's work has made the YMCA Food Program a USDA Award-Winning initiative. Today, she will talk about how these programs support children's health and family bonding through nutritious meals and educational activities.

Learn how the Nekoosa School District is addressing food insecurity through its new Food Pantry, supported by a former AmeriCorps member and a grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program. This episode explores how community engagement, student-led food drives, and monthly food packages are making a lasting impact. Tune in to hear how Nekoosa is nourishing families and strengthening connections—one meal at a time.

In this episode we explore the critical importance of high-quality staff in 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) programs. Join Kelly Coulthard as she discusses the essential characteristics and skills needed for OST staff to foster meaningful connections with youth, create cohesive and mission-driven teams, and transform basic supervision into impactful youth development programming. Learn about the mandatory staffing requirements for CCLC programs and explore practical strategies to elevate the quality of out-of-school care.