Beyond The Blog

Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop Parker Foundation and a respected Suncoast leader for twenty‑five years, who shares the Foundation’s rich place‑based history and its deep commitment to Manatee County. We explore North River Manatee County’s rapid growth and diversity, the origins of the Growing Together initiative, and why the partnership with The Harwood Institute has become such a powerful force for community‑centered change. Wendy reflects on the recent Harwood Public Innovators Lab, where more than fifty people came together to focus on North River Manatee County. She highlights the newly released Growing Together in North River report built directly from conversations with residents and local leaders. She reminds us that the tent is open to all; every voice and aspiration matters in shaping North River Manatee County’s shared future.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps

• 1:12 — What Is the North River Region?
• 2:29 — Bishop-Parker Foundation’s Legacy in Manatee County
• 5:57 — Why North River Became the Focus
• 10:45 — How Bishop-Parker, The Patterson Foundation & The Harwood Institute Aligned
• 13:46 — What the Growing Together Report Revealed
• 17:45 — How the Harwood Approach Is Being Put Into Practice
• 20:16 — The Vision for North River’s Future
• 22:21 — Why Your Voice Matters in Shaping the Community

Links to Learn More

NRMC Initiative Description

NRMC Harwood Report

Blog: Community at the Center: Wendy Deming on Listening, Learning, and Leading

Connect Beyond The Blog

Wendy McCarthy Deming

Bishop-Parker Foundation

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Karen Windon, consultant with The Patterson Foundation, joins host Leah Verier-Dunn on Connecting Communities to talk about THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School. Developed out of necessity during the pandemic, this initiative sprouted with overwhelming success. Karen shares about the evolution of this initiative and how it’s grown into a prominent program for teachers in the Suncoast region, reaching tens of thousands of students over the years and serving as a great home-school connector.

Timestamps

• 00:28 - Introduction to Karen Windon
• 01:15 - Karen explains what THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School is and how it came to be
• 02:38 - Karen notes the reading gap THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School continues to fill
• 04:05 - How is this program worth teachers’ time?
• 06:07 - How does this program help kids learn outside of the classroom with their families at home?
• 09:33 - Karen discusses the data of how many teachers and classrooms are involved in this year’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School program
• 11:42 - What is required of teachers to join the program?
• 13:01 - Karen explains how THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School aligns with the overall Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading initiative
• 16:12 - Karen shares her final statements, noting the rewarding feedback she’s received regarding THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School

Links to Learn More

• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Teacher Resources
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School Registration
• Blog: THIS BOOK IS COOL! In School: Low Stakes. Big Reward.

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Kennedy and Avery Cole, two young Sarasota County (almost) voters, joined host Leah Verier-Dunn on the Civic Sparks podcast to talk about the efforts of future voters in our region and why we should listen to them. Hear about the civic involvement of teens, their influence on local elections, and why those 16+ should preregister to vote.

Timestamps

• 00:13 Introducing Avery and Kennedy Cole, Students at Sarasota County Schools
• 02:12 What Inspired Their Civic Engagement
• 04:07 Encouraging More Young People to Use Their Voices
• 07:00 Responding to Adults Who Dismiss Young Voices
• 10:02 Having Civil Conversations With People Who Disagree
• 13:50 Helping Young People Find Their Own Way to Get Involved
• 15:16 The Power of Peer-to-Peer Civic Engagement
• 18:17 Engaging Young People Beyond Election Cycles
• 21:30 Turning Passion and Awareness Into Action
• 23:14 Why Preregistering to Vote Matters

Links to Learn More

• Register to Vote
• Find Ballot Information

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Beyond the Spectrum knew that expanding its mission would require more than grants and charitable giving. Through The Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition initiative, the organization launched two earned-income ventures, an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Clinic and H.I.V.E (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment), that have generated more than $10 million in revenue while creating new opportunities for the individuals and families it serves.

Host Read Corley is joined by Lora and Loryn Carpenter, who share how outside guidance, detailed business planning, accountability, and a willingness to start small helped Beyond the Spectrum turn ambitious ideas into sustainable ventures.

Timestamps

01:38 Why Beyond the Spectrum explored earned income

04:58 Why an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinic was the right first venture

13:11 Raising startup capital and preparing for the Fast Pitch

15:47 The ripple effects of the first MMI venture

20:02 Why Beyond the Spectrum launched H.I.V.E

22:26 How MMI changed the organization’s approach to innovation

26:20 The impact of more than $10 million in earned revenue

28:38 The personal impact of H.I.V.E. (Helping Individuals Through Vocation & Enrichment)

30:31 Advice for nonprofits considering earned income

Links to Learn More

Beyond The Spectrum Website

Margin & Mission Ignition website

Blog: How Earned Income Helped Beyond the Spectrum Expand Its Mission

Connect Beyond The Blog

Beyond the Spectrum

Lora Carpenter LinkedIn

Loryn Carpenter LinkedIn

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What really goes into running an election? Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and planning involved in helping voters confidently participate in an election. From creating and tracking different ballot styles to reaching young voters, expanding voting accessibility, and assisting voters in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals, Ron shares some of the work voters may never see. The conversation also explores voter confidence and misinformation, how voting options have evolved, and what Sarasota County voters should know before the next election.

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introducing Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County
• 0:52 What does the Supervisor of Elections do?
• 3:56 What it takes to run an election in Sarasota County
• 7:58 Voter outreach and engaging young voters
• 12:58 Building voter confidence and combating misinformation
• 15:53 Voter turnout and how Sarasota County residents vote
• 19:02 How different ballot styles are created and tracked
• 20:59 How voting options have evolved and increased accessibility
• 23:18 Helping nursing home, assisted living, and hospitalized voters
• 27:29 What voters should know before the next election

Links to Learn More

https://www.sarasotavotes.gov/

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In this episode of Connecting Communities, Leah Verier-Dunn is talking about Suncoast Remake Learning Days with four fabulous, long-time hosts, one from each county. Guests include Neirda Thompson-Pemberton, Executive Director of Funducation; Becky-Sue Mercer, Executive Director of Arcadia Housing Authority; Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and Amanda Clyatt, Title I Achievement and Family Associate at Sallie Jones Elementary.

Timestamps

00:28 – Meet Amanda Clyatt of Sallie Jones Elementary

02:22 – How Sallie Jones Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

05:06 – How Community Partnerships Extend the Impact Beyond SRLD Funding

07:05 – The Ripple Effects of Suncoast Remake Learning Days

11:44 – Meet Becky-Sue Mercer of Arcadia Housing Authority

13:12 – Engaging Families Beyond Suncoast Remake Learning Days

16:05 – What Strengthens Multigenerational Family Engagement?

17:56 – Partnerships Powering Learning and Family Activities

25:34 – Meet Neirda Thompson-Pemberton of FUNducation

29:15 – How FUNducation Got Involved With Suncoast Remake Learning Days

31:04 – How Parent Involvement Has Grown Over the Years

32:50 – Turning Esports Into a Learning Experience Through Partnerships

34:56 – How FUNducation Builds Community Partnerships

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

39:24 – Meet Justin Gomlak of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

43:18 – Justin’s Favorite Suncoast Remake Learning Days Events & Partnerships

48:27 – How to Engage Both Children and Adults at Your SRLD Event

49:49 – Justin’s Advice for Future Hosts, Partners & Families

Links to Learn More

• Suncoast Remake Learning Days
• Neirda Thompson-Pemberton
• Becky-Sue Mercer
• Justin Gomlak
• Amanda Clyatt

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Growing Together: North River highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River Manatee County. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Norma Kennedy, a lifelong resident and community leader, and octogenarian who rediscovered her purpose after a season of deep personal grief. Norma shares her dedication and servant leadership to North River Manatee County, and how it is fueled by her desire to preserve what makes the community special while helping it evolve to meet the needs of future generations. She sees her service as a way to honor her roots, support her neighbors, and contribute to a shared vision for a stronger, more connected North River.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 1:17 – What Is North River Manatee County?
• 3:45 – What Inspired Norma to Join a New Civic Path Book Circle?
• 4:32 – Finding Purpose Through Community Action
• 8:30 – How the Harwood Institute Helps Communities Create Change
• 9:14 – Listening to the Community: Growing Together in North River Manatee County
• 10:10 – Harwood Labs: Learning to Lead Community Change
• 11:40 – Shifting Your Mindset to Put People First
• 12:43 – Turning Outward: Putting People and Communities First
• 14:36 – Honoring Norma's Leadership and Community Impact

Links to Learn More

• North River Manatee County Initiative Description
• North River Manatee County Harwood Report

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In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and Susan Flores, Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of SCGLR’s core pillars, attendance!

Together, they discuss two different initiatives: the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest and Motivating Improved Attendance. Each guest shares their insight on the impact of these initiatives and how both have strengthened efforts to improve attendance across the Suncoast region.

Timestamps

• 00:47 - Introduction to Donna Puhalovich
• 01:07 - What is the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest?
• 02:05 - Why attendance is a big deal
• 07:27 - What students do after receiving a poster template
• 15:06 - How schools can participate in the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• 15:58 - Donna’s final thoughts: Consistent attendance creates a strong student.
• 19:19 - Introduction to Susan Flores - How social work relates to attendance
• 20:26 - How the pandemic shifted concerns about attendance and in-person learning
• 21:09 - Chronic absenteeism. What is it and why is it a big deal?
• 28:43 - Criteria and purpose of Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) Program
• 33:00 - Successful community messaging: the March Madness competition of attendance
• 40:20 - Susan’s final thoughts: Attendance is primary and foundational

Links to Learn More

• Donna Puhalovich
• Susan Flores
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Attendance
• Attendance Awareness Poster Contest
• Motivating Improved Attendance

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Donna Puhalovich

Susan Flores

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What happens after you complete Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?

Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing at Parenting Matters, joins the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast to share how the program helped her organization strengthen its fundraising infrastructure and put new strategies into action.

Rebekah discusses what she learned through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, from donor stewardship and board engagement to annual planning and building a case for support. She also shares how the program’s ongoing education and one-on-one consulting helped Parenting Matters develop a major donor program, strengthen donor relationships, and create a more intentional approach to fundraising.

Hear how Parenting Matters turned the lessons from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising into systems and strategies that continue to shape the organization more than a year later.

Timestamps

• 00:39 What is Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?
• 01:27 Why Rebekah chose to participate
• 02:42 What an experienced fundraiser relearned
• 03:51 Helping board members engage in fundraising
• 08:54 The value of one-on-one fundraising consulting
• 11:58 Donor stewardship, case for support, and annual planning
• 13:47 Building an intentional fundraising calendar
• 18:09 Creating a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• 20:28 Rebekah’s biggest accomplishments since the program
• 21:32 How Parenting Matters’ fundraising has changed

Connect Beyond The Blog

Rebekah Prieto on LinkedIn

Links to learn more

Blog: Building the Foundation for Stronger Fundraising

Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Initiative Webpage

Indiana Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Website

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On this episode of Civic Sparks, Leah Verier-Dunn and Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and playwright, talked about the acclaimed one-act play,Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect.

A staged reading and powerful theatrical experience, Beth and Leah discuss the impact of this opportunity to look back at our country’s history through an artistic lens that provides space to take a deeper dive.

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had opposing views and lived very different lives, but through deep listening and consideration, they found themselves at the meeting place of respect. This effort led to an unsuspecting friendship, and Beth’s discovery of this friendship inspired the crafting of A Walk to Respect.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction
• 00:44 How A Walk to Respect Began
• 05:12 Lincoln and Douglass: Different Views, Mutual Respect
• 09:36 What Makes the Play Unique
• 10:49 The Post-Show Discussion Experience
• 13:11 How Audiences Have Responded
• 16:29 Creating Conversation Without Blame
• 18:09 Where the Play Goes Next
• 20:38 What Lincoln and Douglass Can Teach Us Today

Links to Learn More

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect

Voter Education Initiative

Ticket Information for A Walk To Respect

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Growing Together: North River Manatee County highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together.

In this episode of Growing Together: North River Manatee County, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Cheri Coryea, initiative lead for the Aspirations to Actions initiative at The Patterson Foundation. Together, they discuss Cheri’s deep roots in North River and her public‑service leadership. We offer a thoughtful look at community growth, collaboration, and trust. We explore the history and rapid expansion of North River and the multi‑year partnership among the Bishop Parker Foundation, The Patterson Foundation, and The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation a long‑term effort to strengthen civic culture and support residents in shaping a shared future.

Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together.

Timestamps

• 00:55 – About North River and Its Growth
• 3:07 – Investing in North River with The Harwood Institute and the Bishop Parker Foundation
• 10:31 – Lessons from the Growing Together in North River Manatee County Report
• 16:25 – Why Meaningful Community Change Takes Time
• 18:07 – How You Can Get Involved and Help Shape the Future

Links to Learn More

North River Manatee County Initiative Description
North River Manatee County Harwood Report

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In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Rich Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a nonprofit advancing positive community action by inspiring people and communities to turn outward.

Working with Rich Harwood and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade, The Patterson Foundation has provided the community with an additional tool for changing how it approaches challenges and developing innovative, collaborative partnerships that might not otherwise form. Through its Aspirations to Actions work in DeSoto County and North River Manatee County, as well as its book circles series, the Foundation has helped introduce new ways of thinking and working together.

Most interestingly, Debra and Rich pull back the curtains and share how the alignment of leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity, and culture amongst their two organizations has been critical to a successful and evolving partnership.

What You'll Learn in This Conversation:

• Why people-centered approaches help communities move from identifying challenges to taking meaningful action together.
• How alignment in leadership, culture, readiness, and shared values has sustained a successful partnership between The Patterson Foundation and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade.
• The meaningful impact and ripple effects that can emerge when organizations invest in community-driven relationships, collaboration, and public innovation.

Timestamps

• 2:03 – Why TPF and Harwood Have Worked Together for More Than a Decade
• 3:36 – The Harwood Approach Explained
• 6:52 – What Communities Across the Country Have in Common: Lessons from DeSoto, Alamance, Reading, and Beyond
• 9:18 – How Harwood Practices Took Root in DeSoto and North River
• 10:35 – Shifting from Problems to Possibilities
• 19:20 – Why We Created Book Circles Instead of Book Clubs
• 23:11 – How Debra Jacobs and Rich Harwood Met
• 25:19 – A Real-World Example of Partnership in Action
• 27:25 – The Truth About Long-Term Partnerships: Highs, Lows, and Growth

Links to Learn More

• The Harwood Institute
• DeSoto County Coming Together: Unleashing the Community’s Potential (2024)
• Growing Together in North River Manatee County: Shaping a Shared Future
• Blog: The Power of Partnerships To Create Meaningful Impact

Connect Beyond The Blog

Rich Harwood

The Harwood Institute

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On this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn sat with Ben Tollefson, consultant with The Patterson Foundation, to discuss the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! program.

The summer slide is a real concern, particularly for our asset-limited families. Research spanning more than a century has shown that students can experience academic learning loss over the summer when they are not engaged in educational activities.

These losses can widen existing achievement gaps, making it even more difficult for students to stay on track academically. Without intervention, students may fall further behind year after year. SCGLR creates opportunities to prevent the “summer slide” and help close the achievement gap.

Timestamps

00:30 – Meet THIS BOOK IS COOL!

01:28 – How a Simple Idea Became THIS BOOK IS COOL!

04:09 – Combating the Summer Slide Through Reading

06:59 – Who the Program Serves and Why It Matters

09:36 – What’s Inside a THIS BOOK IS COOL! Backpack

16:48 – Getting Started: Ben’s Tips for Families

Links to Learn More

Season of Sharing (Community Foundation of Sarasota)

THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisode Library

Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR)

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In this episode of Civic Sparks, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, about why TPF cares about investing in civic responsibility.

Together, they discuss the history of The Patterson Foundation and its continued commitment to knowledge sharing and widespread participation. Identifying that voting is perhaps the most important place to encourage widespread participation.

Listeners will hear about:

• TPF’s voter education efforts
• Voting resources
• Why TPF cares

This conversation addresses the need to remove barriers, make resources accessible, and demystify the voting process to encourage more turnout at the polls.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction to Civic Sparks and voter education
• 00:43 The Patterson family history and connection to civic responsibility
• 04:46 How census work led to the voter education initiative
• 08:42 How civic responsibility strengthens people and communities
• 11:37 Encouraging widespread participation in voting
• 13:54 Why every vote matters
• 15:13 Voting resources and making election information easier to understand
• 17:19 Removing the chaos from election season
• 18:43 You do not have to vote on every item to participate meaningfully
• 20:16 Sharing voter education resources through community partners
• 22:20 Voting as a way to build the society we want
• 23:52 Multilingual voter education resources and county-specific information
• 24:20 Voting matters at every age
• 25:36 Closing thoughts and call to learn more

Links to Learn More

The Patterson Foundation’s Voter Education Initiative

The League of Women Voters

http://vote411.org

Flyer in English

Flyer in Spanish

Blog: Engaging Voters: Why The Patterson Foundation Promotes Civic Responsibility

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series of Beyond The Blog, a Podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host Read Corley talks with Rick Yocum, executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County, about his experience with Margin & Mission Ignition. Rick shares how the program helped his team focus its veterinary clinic around community needs, build a stronger business plan, and keep every decision tied to the organization’s mission. He also discusses the role of board and staff buy-in, listening to the public, expanding dermatology services, and using clinic revenue to support the shelter and keep more pets with the families who love them.

Timestamps

• 00:00 Introduction to Rick Yocum and Margin & Mission Ignition
• 01:29 The first Margin & Mission Ignition venture
• 03:14 Listening to staff, board members, volunteers, and the public
• 06:02 Investing in staff and capacity to grow clinic revenue
• 08:38 Tracking impact beyond dollars
• 10:02 Expanding into dermatology services
• 11:40 Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business plan
• 14:56 Why board involvement mattered from the beginning
• 18:20 The waves created by Margin & Mission Ignition
• 23:23 Rick’s advice: be open and transparent with stakeholders

Links to Learn More

• Margin & Mission Ignition
• Humane Society of Manatee County
• Blog: How Margin & Mission Ignition Helped the Humane Society of Manatee County Grow With Purpose

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In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Ericia Henry, TPF Fellow 2024/26,right before she launches to the Kiwanis International Headquarters. Both reflect on her TPF Fellowship experience and what happens when someone actually leans into possibility even when it’s uncomfortable. In this conversation, you'll….

• Hear what it really looks like to choose courage over comfort because Ericia doesn’t sugarcoat the unknowns, she walks through the fear, the decision-making, and what it takes to say yes anyway.
• Get an inside look at the TPF Fellowship experience, not just the structure, but how it actually stretches you, builds new skills, and shapes who you become along the way.
• Walk away with a clearer sense of what can happen when you explore possibilities for your own path.

Whether you’re considering the Fellowship or just navigating your next step, her journey sparks that “what if I did it too?” feeling.

Timestamps

• 1:18 - About Fellowship
• 3:53 - About Ercia Henry
• 4:11 - Indiana University Southeast
• 5:40 - Learning About The Fellowship Through Avery Crews Prado de Lima
• 6:15 - Getting to Know TPF Through the internship with Neurochallenge
• 8:27 - TPF’s Immersive Impact: Through Engagement, Experience, and Expertise (Aka Study Away)
• 9:48 - The Flexibility & Opportunity of The Fellow Day-to-Day Experience
• 11:20 - Developing Intellectual Muscles & Connections While at TPF
• 13:17: Learning To Work High Level with Intention, Strategy, and Organization
• 15:40 - Ericia’s Plans to Make the World a Better Place
• 16:43 - Launching to Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Steewardship and Engagement Officer
• 17:45 - Reconnecting and Reconvening Fellows During TPF Beyond
• 19:41 - Why Apply to be a Fellow?

Links to Learn More

• About Ericia Henry
• The Patterson Foundation Fellowship
• Blog: Reflecting on Ericia Henry's Confidence and Courage Throughout Her TPF Fellowship

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In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2.

They discuss the practices that have shaped both The Harwood Institute and The Patterson Foundation — listening deeply, not arriving with the answers, turning outward, and meeting communities where they are. These principles are woven into TPF’s culture and continue to guide Aspirations to Actions efforts across people, organizations, and communities in our region.

Listeners will hear about:

• How communities across the country are rediscovering hope through small, intentional actions — and how those actions create ripple effects that strengthen trust, connection, and belief in one another.
• Why shared aspirations can bridge our differences. The conversation explores how The New Civic Path offers a way forward in a time of division, inviting people to leave politics at the door, focus on what matters most locally, and take meaningful action together.

This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work of building hope one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time.

Timestamps

• 02:16 — How The Harwood Institute Shows Up in Community
• 06:51 — The New Civic Path: What It Is and Why It Matters Right Now
• 10:04 — Adapting the Work for Each Community While Centering Local Agency
• 13:13 — Why and How The Patterson Foundation Launched The New Civic Path Book Circles
• 17:55 — Creating Space for Wide Participation Across People, Organizations, & Communities
• 19:48 — Partnership Spotlight: William & Mary
• 23:45 — Join the National New Civic Path Book Circle (June 2, 2025)
• 26:23 — What’s In It for You?
• 33:14 — Real Examples: How Book Circles Sparked Ripples of Change

Links to Learn More

• Register for The National Book Circle
• Blog: Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic Possibility

Connect Beyond The Blog

The Harwood Institute

Facebook: Rich Harwood

Instagram: Rich Harwood

LinkedIn: Rich Harwood

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In this episode of Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host and consultant Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, to talk about all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days–an annual 15-day FREE hands-on learning festival taking place April 18, 2026, to May 2, 2026.

As a gift to the community by The Patterson Foundation, this 15-day celebration will feature 380+ free, hands-on events hosted by more than 335 community partners across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. With learning themes like Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, Youth Voice, and Professional Development, each event encouraged imagination and made room for meaningful discovery.

Now in its fifth year, the Suncoast edition of this global learning movement continues to grow. As part of the worldwide Remake Learning Days initiative, these events are more than fun. They are building stronger family bonds, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating brighter futures for all.

Timestamps

• 00:28 - Intro
• 01:25 - Beth shares how Suncoast Remake Learning Days (SRLD) aligns with the work of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR).
• 02:27 - Beth talks about how she first discovered Remake Learning Days.
• 03:50 - Beth explains why family engagement is so important in the sphere of learning.
• 07:57 - Beth discusses how SRLD demonstrates TPF’s approach of Connecting, Learning, Sharing, Evolving, and Strengthening (CLSES).
• 11:23 - Beth talks about the strengthening programs unique to Remake Learning Days in the Suncoast.
• 12:49 - Beth dives into the details of SRLD 2026!
• 15:27 - Beth explains how people can find out about the events.
• 17:36 - Beth highlights some of the upcoming events she’s excited about.
• 22:12 - Beth shares how to get involved and host your own event next year.
• 25:53 - Beth encourages people of all ages to come and experience this year’s festival.

Links to Learn More

• Suncoast Remake Learning Days Guide
• SRLD2026 App (Mac App Store)
• SRLD2026 App (Google Play)
• The Grable Foundation Website
• The Patterson Foundation Website
• Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR) Website
• Remake Learning Days (National)
• Blog:

Connect Beyond The Blog

• LinkedIn: Beth Duda
• Facebook: Beth Duda
• Instagram: @SuncoastCGLR
• Facebook: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
• Instagram: @remakelearningdays
• Facebook: RemakeLearningDays

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series, a Beyond the Blog Podcast, Read Corley sits down with Jesse Coleman, General Manager of WSLR + Fogartyville, to talk about what it really looks like to step into nonprofit leadership and figure out fundraising on the fly. Jesse shares how going through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped him move from uncertainty to having a clear plan by breaking down donor strategy, strengthening stewardship, and learning how to confidently make the ask. They also get into how WSLR + Fogartyville is building a culture of philanthropy with full team buy-in, and how their work with Margin & Mission Ignition is turning unused space into a new revenue stream while staying true to their mission. It is a grounded, honest conversation about learning as you go, building systems that actually work, and growing an organization without losing what makes it special.

Timestamps

00:47 – What is WSLR + Fogartyville and its role in the community?

02:02 – Why Jesse joined Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and his initial experience

03:48 – The most impactful lesson from the fundraising training

05:36 – How Jesse implemented fundraising strategies after the course

06:47 – The value of collaborating with other nonprofit leaders

08:11 – What strategies were applied immediately vs. saved for later

09:48 – Jesse’s leadership transition and stepping into the GM role

11:04 – Biggest wins achieved after completing the program

13:56 – Strengths and ongoing challenges in fundraising execution

16:32 – Introduction to Margin & Mission Ignition and the earned revenue model

Links to Learn More

• WSLR Website
• FDF Page on TPF website
• MMI Page on TPF website
• Blog: How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Facebook
• Linkedin

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!

Join The Journey

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Traci Willingham, Community Relations and Engagement Director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, about her experience as an exhibitor at the DeSoto County Ahead community event.

From the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes, the one that resonated during our conversation was theme #3, “Nonprofit, Business, Resident and Economic Opportunities to Support DeSoto County.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and residents. Traci and the DeSoto County Ahead event are a perfect example of this theme in action. As an exhibitor and community advocate, Traci not only shared the mission and programs of the Neuro Challenge Foundation but also actively engaged with residents, organizations, and local leaders to build connections that could spark future collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, youth, and community members under one roof, the event embodies the idea of supporting economic and social opportunities in an action-oriented way.

Hearing Traci reflect on her experience is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, invest their time, and commit to building something stronger together. The energy from the event continues to ripple outward, influencing how organizations connect and how individuals access support.DeSoto County Ahead is a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around shared aspirations.

I encourage you to stay connected through DeSotoCountyAhead.org and to learn more about the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes.

Timestamps

• 00:25 - Introduction to Traci Willingham
• 01:12 - Alicia outlines The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in DeSoto County
• 02:56 - Traci’s role with the NeuroChallenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
• 04:06 - Traci reflects on exhibitor experience at DeSoto County Ahead Community Event 2026
• 05:58 - How NeuroChallenge works with community partners and resources
• 07:35 - Traci’s winning Newcomer Booth Award
• 08:47 - Further discussion on resources for Parkinson’s disease
• 10:28 - Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead Community Event as an exhibitor in 2025 and 2026
• 13:12 - Traci advises future DeSoto County Ahead Community Event exhibitors
• 14:55 - Traci shares her two Discover DeSoto gems, Jim Space Park and Yellow Deli

Links to Learn More

Neuro Challenge

DeSoto County Ahead Initiative

Public Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming Together

DeSoto County Ahead anthem

Celebrating the Winners of the DeSoto Ahea

Join The Journey