Advertise on podcast: Together, We're Better!

In recent years, literacy has emerged as a prominent national issue, prompting a call to action in communities across the country. Building Our Future has stepped forward to confront the reading crisis in our own Kenosha County. Through strategic partnerships with schools, agencies, and organizations, an important initiative unfolded, leading to the introduction of Wisconsin Reading Corps as a literacy support at Brass Community School and Wilson Elementary School during the 2021-2022 academic year. The success story continues, with its expansion to additional schools: Jefferson Elementary, Grewenow Elementary, Somers Elementary School, Frank Elementary and Riverview School in Silver Lake. In this episode, we sit down with Felicia Dalton, Director of Strategic Initiatives with Building Our Future, Eric Hoffman, Director of Wisconsin programs with Wisconsin Reading Corps, and Kristy Makowka, Interim Principal from Jefferson Elementary. Together, they shed light on the power of literacy and the strides being made to equip K-3 students with the essential reading skills they need. Discover the passion, dedication, and impact of these literacy champions as they discuss their experiences, the challenges faced, and the victories achieved in the pursuit of a more literate and empowered future for the youth in Kenosha County. Tune in, be inspired, and share this episode with others to spread the word about the efforts underway to build a brighter, more literate future for our community.

Step into the New Year with Episode 28 of The Together We're Better podcast: 'New Year, New Library!' This month, we sat down with our partners from the Kenosha Public Library to explore the highly anticipated Uptown Children's Library project. Join Barb, Brandi, and Kahlil as they share the strides, they're making to ensure the Kenosha Public Library remains a vital community space. From innovative projects to heartwarming stories, this episode is a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that's sure to resonate with library lovers and community enthusiasts alike. Don't keep the excitement to yourself – hit play, listen in, and share with others! Learn more about KPL by visiting their website here: https://mykpl.info/

Welcome to Together, We’re Better, where we dive deep into conversations that matter. In this episode, join us for a discussion with Chief Chris Bigley and members Ezekiel Thompkins and Tim Lewis from the Kenosha Fire Department's Diversity & Recruitment Committee. Discover how this committee is reshaping the landscape of fire department recruitment in Kenosha. In partnership with Building Our Future, UW-Parkside, and other community collaborators, they've embarked on a journey to reimagine recruitment strategies, striving to reflect the demographics of the community they serve. This episode is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven initiatives. Chief Chris Bigley and his team showcase how a forward-thinking mindset can bring about positive change in an essential public service sector. Join us as we explore the inspiring story of the Kenosha Fire Department's Diversity & Recruitment Committee and discover that anything is possible when we work together! Learn more about the fire department here: https://www.kenosha.org/departments/fire-department Visit the Kenosha Fire Department YouTube page here: kenosha.org/departments/fire-department

Welcome to the Together, We're Better Podcast, sponsored by Building Our Future (BOF), a place-based partnership dedicated to supporting young people in Kenosha. In this episode, we delve into BOF's Continuous Improvement Cohort, featuring representatives from three local organizations: April Gunther from KAFASI, Jasmine Alvarez from the LGBT Center of Southeast Wisconsin, and Jennifer Pain from Women and Children’s Horizon. These organizations received roughly 24 hours of training and coaching on the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Results Count framework, exploring crucial questions about their services. In the cohort we explored the answers to hard questions like, who is benefiting the least from your services? And from there identifying the reasons, deeply understanding them, and then developing solutions. Tune in and be inspired by their dedication to continuous improvement. Don't forget to share this episode with your networks!

In this episode, we sit down with Leigh Ann Martinez and Katie Tuttle from United Way of Racine County to explore the transformative Walking School Bus project. This initiative, in partnership with Racine Unified School District, offers a safe, supervised walk to school for students. From its humble beginnings at one school to expanding to three, discover the impact it's making. Plus, gain insight into BOF's upcoming Walking School launch in Kenosha. This episode showcases the power of community-driven initiatives, inspiring us all to enhance the educational journey for students in our communities. For more information on the Walking school Bus project in Racine please click the link: https://www.unitedwayracine.org/walking-school-bus#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Walking%20School,to%20school%20with%20adult%20supervision.

In this episode, we're delving deep into the world of partnerships, and we've brought together two exceptional guests to guide us on this journey. Join your host, Kirby, as he engages in a captivating conversation with JP Moran, the President and CEO of LMI Packaging, and President John Swallow of Carthage College. Partnerships are the backbone of progress, and in this insightful episode, we'll uncover the secrets to their success. From the boardroom to the classroom, we'll explore the power of collaboration and the pivotal role it plays in driving both businesses and educational institutions towards unparalleled achievements. Whether you're a seasoned business enthusiast or a dedicated education advocate, this episode has something in store for everyone. You'll gain valuable insights into the dynamics of collaboration and discover how it can pave the way for innovation, growth, and a brighter future. Be sure to check out the Sparks Program, a remarkable initiative that bridges the worlds of academia and industry, bringing tangible benefits to both. Visit https://www.carthage.edu/life-at-carthage/aspire/for-employers-community/carthage-spark-at-lmi/ to learn more about how this partnership between Carthage College and LMI Packaging is making waves. And if you're on the lookout for an exciting career opportunity, look no further than LMI Packaging. Explore the possibilities and apply for a fulfilling career with them at https://www.lmipackaging.com/

Join guest host Felicia Dalton, BOF's Director of Strategic Initiatives, as she interviews Lawrence Kirby, our Community Engagement Network Manager. Listen as they dive into the history of BOF's CommUNITY Conversation series and what led to its recent rebranding as The Collaborative Community Network. Tune in and share it with your networks!   Learn more about Building Our Future, please visiting our website: https://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/

In this month’s episode, you’ll learn about BOF’s Youth Leadership Cohort! The Youth Leadership Cohort is an opportunity for high school students to lead and engage in specific projects that elevate their voice. The cohort provides tangible tools to help students develop and exercise skills such as conflict resolution, continuous improvement, organizing and event planning. In March, a total of 8 students created and executed a Town Hall: School Board Candidate Forum.  This project allowed them to learn more about the school board and its responsibilities; and build community awareness around school board candidates for the 2023 KUSD school board election. Today, we have Jacob Puhr, a senior from Tremper High School, Kennedy Kirby, a junior from Indian Trail School and Karma DeGrazio, a freshman from Indian Trail School to tell us about their experience during the 3-month leadership cohort.   Check out this episode and don’t forget to share it! Learn more about the Youth Leadership Cohort here: https://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/youth-initiatives.html

This month, we’re speaking with Chief Christopher Bigley (Kenosha Fire Department), Mitch Ferraro (Owner, Family Legacy Real Estate), Crystal Miller (CEO, Frontida Assisted Living), and Tamarra Coleman (Executive Director, Shalom Center) to discuss how their involvement in the Racial Equity Institute Phase 1 workshop has impacted their lives, careers, and organizations. Since January 2020, BOF has partnered with the Racial Equity Institute (REI) as part of our responsibility to better understand diversity, equity, and inclusion. To date, BOF has trained more than 200 local leaders in Kenosha County representing almost every sector! Thanks to the investment from Snap-on Incorporated, BOF will continue to offer workshop opportunities in 2023! Learn more about the Racial Equity Institute here: https://racialequityinstitute.org/

This month we had the privilege of sitting down with Chief Patrick Patton, Deputy Chief Thomas Hansche, and Inspector Joe Labatore of the Kenosha Police Department. With so much debate and public opinion around the issues of modern policing strategy, policy, and practice, it was important to discuss how KPD is approaching community engagement and how they work with and in the communities that they serve. Tune in!

We are kicking off 2023 by talking about the work of building local civic infrastructure in Kenosha County and how it brings people, ideas, and resources together to build stronger communities. So, I am here with Tatjana Bicanin, Kevin Meagher and Felicia Dalton who along with myself make up the staff at Building Our Future. “So... What do you do?"  is one of the most frequent questions asked when having an initial conversation with someone. And in my role at BOF, I realize that we operate in a unique space. It's one of those jobs that requires more explanation! So, I thought it made sense to dedicate an entire podcast episode to explaining the work that we do because the concept is still pretty unique. Discover more ways to stay connected to BOF on our website: https://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/

This month we sat down with Barbara Sanchez, Principal of Edward Bain School Of Language Arts and Rhonda Lopez, Principal of Wilson Elementary School, two schools that serve the Wilson Heights neighborhood. Both schools — EBSOLA and Wilson participate in Building Our Future’s monthly community conversations to help the overall success and experience of their students and families.  We had a great conversation as each of the principals reflected on their experiences leading schools and their work of engaging the community to build stronger relationships with the schools and students.