Advertise on podcast: Barrier Breakers

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sat down with Changemaker Challenge grantee Gilly Shaw, founder of Nu Momish, and Tiffany Hembry, a mom supported by this on-demand village. Through monthly in-person events, Nu Momish nurtures and supports women at every stage of motherhood—offering connection, encouragement, and real resources. Listen to hear more about how Nu Momish unleashes the caring power of communities.     Mother's Day can be a sensitive time for many. We want to acknowledge this episode talking about motherhood can be triggering for some. Please honor your feelings and take care of yourself. 

Knowing the candidates on the ballot, the steps you need to take before November 5 and avoiding mis and dis information, are all crucial elements as the 2024 elections nears. Learn more about exercising your right to vote in this episode with Windy Deese of United Way of Central Maryland and Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections. 

As the 2024 election approaches, guest host Windy Deese sat down with Natasha Murphy of Black Girls Vote and Indira Obichere of United Way of Central Maryland to talk about the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process. Listen to learn more about how you can make your voice heard on the issues that impact you and your neighbors most. 

In this episode, we sat down with three women connected to United Way of Central Maryland whose passion for childcare leads them to work to transform the childcare industry, building stronger futures for children, parents, providers, and communities. Hear from United Way’s Molly McGriff and Nalia Frisby and long-time Women United members, Vickie Cosby to learn more about the child care and early education space in Central Maryland. If you’re left wanting more, consider registering for our upcoming Women’s Forum on September 26: uwcm.org/WUForum September 26 from 2 pm – 6:30 pmPort DiscoveryFeatured speaker, panel, networking, and more!

From Chef Daphne, who saw something special in him, to opening his own restaurant, Chef Saon Brice has become an impactful community leader. Hear from Chef about the role of mentorship in his journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way.

If you would have asked young Saon Brice if he thought he’d become a chef, he would have laughed and said no, a cowboy. Hear how Chef went from wanting to be a cowboy to becoming a musician, chef, and mentor. 

In this episode, we sat down with three women (and 2021 Changemaker Challenge grantees) who work every day to empower women to rewrite their stories. Hear from Veronica Jackson of Pivot and Angeles Evans and Diana Beeson of TurnAround, Inc. to learn how they work to drive equity, access, and opportunity for the women they serve.  To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites:  Pivot Program  TurnAround, Inc. 

Workforce development, a bystander intervention program, and art therapy for cancer patients are just three of the ideas pitched at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. We sat down with three grantees of the Changemaker Challenge, Van Brooks, Sonia Su, and Dawn Volkart, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants. Applications for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge are open now: uwcm.org/changemakerchallenge To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites: Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education Sonia Su, Kits to Heart Dawn Volkart, Owls in Action

2023 has been quite the year for us at United Way of Central Maryland. Hear from two staff members about their highlights from this past year and take a look back at what we’ve done to strengthen the lives of our neighbors in Central Maryland. 

During Hunger Action Month, we sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Evan Lutz, Founder and CEO, of Hungry Harvest to discuss food insecurity and what their community organizations are doing to tackle the issue to support their neighbors. Learn more: Anne Arundel County Food BankHungry Harvest

Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering. Certain communities face stigmas and barriers to accessing the help they need. In this episode, we talk with Dominiece Clifton, CEO and founder of Move X Still, and Gwen Schemm, a former Division II athlete who now works at United Way. Listen and learn how you can guide your own healing journey--and help others. Resources mentioned in this episode: United Way 211 HelplineSchool of Healing Podcast InstagramSchool of Healing Podcast page  Gwen Schemm's Instagram post

We launched this podcast during the pandemic to share stories in a safe way about the people we help, the United Way team, and our work to strengthen our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. In this episode,  we share some of our “best of” moments from this series so far—and the clips that made our team even more passionate about working for United Way.

Many men and women who fought for our country face another fight when they return home. Some have a hard time finding and keeping a job and a home, or experience mental health or substance use issues—which can lead to minor law offenses. The Veterans Treatment Court, supported by United Way, supports them on their journey to a stable civilian life and helps them avoid charges that can preclude their job and housing options. In this special episode of Barrier Breakers, we speak with program staff about how this program works, and with two veterans about how the Veterans Treatment Court changed their lives.

The Way Home Project, fueled by United Way's Leaders United membership group, helps make a house a home for those who have experienced long-term homelessness. Listen to learn more about this incredible team effort and hear from project volunteers as well as Jess Leopold, Director of Housing for Health Care for the Homeless, about the meaningful and lasting impact this initiative had for them and the clients served.

Improving accessibility for people with disabilities and preparing low-income students for college are just two of the ideas pitched at prior Changemaker Challenge events. We sat down with The Horizon Foundation, and past winners of The Changemaker Challenge, Dr. Lisa Shoenbrodt and Dr. Leah Saal, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants.