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.

Discover practical strategies for fostering family-school partnerships, effective communication methods, and overcoming challenges to ensure families are actively involved in their children's education. Tune in to learn how family engagement can significantly impact student outcomes and enhance the quality of out-of-school care.

In this episode, Allyson Cummings shares her insights on aligning afterschool program activities with the goals and objectives of the 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant. She discusses strategies for ensuring that programs support students' academic, social, and emotional needs while engaging families and the community. The conversation highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement and addresses challenges in aligning activities with grant objectives.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for enhancing the quality of out-of-school care and making a positive impact on youth and families.

Join us as we converse with Dr. Kommisetti, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in adult mental health. In this episode, we delve into the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace. Dr. Kommisetti shares insights on recognizing early signs of mental health struggles, creating a supportive work environment, and encouraging open communication about mental health. Learn practical strategies for supervisors to balance productivity with employee well-being and discover valuable resources to manage and support mental health in the workplace. Gain actionable tools and fresh ideas to enhance your practice and make a positive impact on your team.

Join us as we chat with Ashley from Badger State Farms LLC, an educational and small event farm in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Ashley, who holds a master's degree in international business and an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Marketing Communications and Business, shares her journey and passion for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Discover how Badger State Farms' CSA program is making a difference in the community by addressing food insecurity and providing fresh, locally grown produce to families in need. Learn about the origins, benefits, and impact of the Food Share CSA program, and find out how you can get involved in supporting this vital initiative.

In this episode, we explore the "Connect With Me" cards, a unique tool designed to foster meaningful conversations with youth. These cards cover a range of topics, including relationships, mental health, technology, and more, making it easier to engage in open and honest dialogues. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, learn how to use these cards to build deeper connections and support the young people in your life.