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In this ICYMI episode of This Is Beacon, Reuben and Brandon are joined by Jamie from Faregrounds to recap a some community work in action. They highlight the Back 2 School Block Party, 138 supply kits distributed, and the 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K securing their fundraising goal for their Making a Difference scholarship. They introduce Turkey on Every Table and discuss what’s next with community fridges. Want to support local community fridges or need food today? Visit Fareground.org or contact Jamie Levato at (845) 375-7194

In this episode of This is Beacon, hosts Reuben and Brandon engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Shandi Speller, a seasoned family peer advocate with CoveCare Center for over eight years. Shandi shares her journey from being a classroom teacher in the South Bronx to becoming a family peer advocate. She discusses the importance of addressing children's behavioral issues by involving the entire family, the role of community resources like public libraries and recreation departments, and the necessity of building robust support systems for effective advocacy. Shandi also emphasizes the critical need for parental involvement in special education and the benefits of persistence in navigating available services. Her inspiring stories and valuable advice shed light on how communities can come together to support the mental health and well-being of families. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:43 Meet Shandi Speller: Family Peer Advocate 01:02 Shandi’s Journey to Advocacy 04:21 Hobbies and Personal Interests 10:47 Building a Village: The Importance of Community 14:31 Challenges and Strategies in Family Support 22:39 Advocating for Special Education 34:09 Success Stories and Community Impact 40:20 Teaching Life Skills and Community Engagement 42:29 The Importance of Community Centers 45:02 Supporting Families and Youth 47:46 Community Resources and Services 53:22 Challenges and Success Stories 55:43 The Role of Empathy and Advocacy 58:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections

This episode of 'This is Beacon' features Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcoming special guest Courtney Rovere, PhD, LCSW(NY), LICSW(MA) as part of the #Jointheconversation series. The conversation centers around the importance of mental health, wellness, and Courtney's journey in the field. Courtney shares her experiences working in the Hudson Valley, her education in Boston, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her decision to return home. She highlights the need for systemic change in the mental health field, particularly emphasizing the role of women who constitute a majority of the workforce. Courtney discusses her research and thesignificant issues like burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and workforce turnover.She suggests solutions such as creating safe and affirming workspaces,elevating the voices of those with lived experiences, reducing rigid fundingconstraints, and focusing on collective care. The episode underscores theimportance of small, everyday efforts to foster community and support mentalhealth.

In this episode of This is Beacon, part of the #Jointheconversation series, hosts Brooke, Rueben, and Brandon sit down with Licensed Mental Health Counselor JoAnn Streany, whose work spans New York, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, and Delaware. JoAnn brings over two decades of experience as a former school counselor and now runs a remote private practice specializing in Integrated Nutrition for Mental Health. She shares how nutrition, movement, and sleep play a foundational role in mental wellness and elaborates on how she supports clients using Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with Journey Clinical. Listeners will learn how KAP differs from traditional talk therapy by targeting healing at both the biological and psychological levels. This episode explores: JoAnn’s transition from school counseling to private practice The intersection of nutrition, sleep, and movement with mental health The science and safety of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) What Journey Clinical is and how it partners with providers KAP’s psychiatric medication management model Key FAQs on KAP, including pricing, modalities, and insurance Real-life applications of KAP in areas like mental health, athletics, and eating disorders The importance of adaptability in leadership and communication How policy, training, and emotional regulation play a role in educational and workplace environments Why modeling contentment and resilience matters Whether you're a mental health professional, a leader, or someone seeking better self-care, JoAnn offers practical insights and thoughtful strategies that foster understanding, connection, and growth. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest JoAnn 02:47 JoAnn's Professional Journey and Insights 32:34 The Culture of Productivity and Its Impact 38:53 Balancing Mental Health and Workplace Expectations 40:28 Reevaluating Workplace Priorities 42:26 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 01:01:39 Addressing Emotional Regulation in Education 01:04:09 The Importance of Policies and Training 01:17:20 Understanding Skill Deficits and Choices

In this episode of 'This is Beacon's #jointheconversationseries, hosts Reuben, Brandon delve into an insightful discussion with actress, writer, and director Rachel Handler. As a disability advocate and a recent participant in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Rachel shares her inspiring journey in the film industry, her relocation from Jersey City to the Hudson Valley, and the profound impact of authentic disability representation in media. The conversation covers the challenges and triumphs of her career, the significance of the Disability Film Challenge, and the crucial need for inclusiveness in Hollywood. Rachel also highlights her personal experiences and creative endeavors, providing a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and artistic passion.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 Meet Rachel: Actress, Writer, and Advocate 01:03 Life in Beacon and Personal Background 09:19 Challenges and Triumphs in the Film Industry 13:01 The Disability Film Challenge Experience 18:53 Community Support and Filmmaking in Hudson Valley 28:51 Backlash and Representation in Media 29:48 Authentic Casting and Inclusivity 31:25 Challenges and Stereotypes in Hollywood 33:04 Intersectionality and Disability 34:08 The Disability Film Challenge 37:10 Promoting the Film Challenge 39:21 Impact and Opportunities from the Challenge 43:24 Personal Experiences and Microaggressions 45:33 Behind the Scenes of Filmmaking 49:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Community Insights & Future Plans: Beacon's Q1 2025 RecapIn this episode of 'This is Beacon,' hosts Reuben and Brandon provide updates on community events, notable achievements, and future plans for Beacon, New York. The episode starts with shoutouts to community members Brooke and Brianna for their personal and business milestones. The hosts share their personal experiences attending local events and discuss the return of Dunkin' Donuts to Beacon, including debates around drive-thrus and traffic concerns. They also highlight Beacon's local donut shops, Glazed Over and Peaceful Provisions.The conversation then shifts to community initiatives, notably the launch of 'Easter Dinner Baskets' as an extension of the 'Turkey on Every Table' program. The hosts thank all contributors and emphasize the importance of community involvement.Upcoming events include the 'Volunteerism: The Fabric of Our Community' panel discussion aimed at encouraging community engagement and volunteering. They also talk about the 'Join the Conversation' series focusing on mental health, with this year's theme centered around building support systems and resilience.The episode closes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the recent loss in the Murphy family due to a tragic fire, and information on how the community can assist with donations. The hosts emphasize the importance of community support during tough times.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:34 Meet the Hosts: Ruben and Brandon00:43 Shoutouts to Brooke and Brianna01:07 Recap of Recent Events02:27 Dunkin' Donuts Debate04:37 Drive-Through Controversy09:10 Community Development and Traffic Concerns13:54 Bicycle Safety and Future Planning18:08 Donut Love: Peaceful Provisions and Glazed Over19:54 First Quarter Reflections and New Initiatives20:18 Shoutout to Junior and Easter Dinner Baskets20:43 Recalibrating Community Efforts21:41 Reintroducing Turkey on Every Table23:22 Easter Dinner Baskets Initiative24:33 Community Support and Gratitude27:03 Upcoming Events and Initiatives28:08 Volunteerism and Community Engagement37:48 Mental Health Awareness Series45:52 Community Tragedy and Support49:29 How to Support This is Beacon

In this episode of the 'This is Beacon' podcast, hosts Brooke, Ruben, Brianna, and Brandon recount the highlights of 2024, share personal growth stories, and discuss their organizational goals for 2025. They talk about the impact of events such as the Back to School Block Party, the I Am Beacon 5K, and the Turkey on Every Table initiative, expressing gratitude to sponsors and community partners. Additionally, they detail their mental health resilience workshops for high school students and adults. Looking forward to 2025, the hosts emphasize the importance of community collaboration, personal well-being, and sustaining growth while maintaining the organization's authentic spirit. 00:00 Welcome to This is Beacon 00:31 Reflecting on 2024: Personal Growth and Achievements 11:51 Community Events Recap: Highlights and Successes 28:50 Mental Health Initiatives: Workshops and Impact 36:47 Community Foundation of Hudson Valley 36:49 Early Days and Impact 37:50 Challenges and Successes 39:06 Reflecting on Growth 41:31 Collaboration and Community 46:07 Looking Ahead to 2025 52:48 Authenticity and Inclusivity 01:06:27 Gratitude and Support

In this special episode for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are honored to sit down with Tara Simmons, founder of Flip It for Life and a powerful voice for change. Tara shares her personal journey, shedding light on the challenges she has faced, the strengths she has discovered along the way, and what drives her to help others overcome adversity. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and empowerment, making this a conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us as we dive deep into Tara's mission to uplift and inspire those impacted by domestic violence.

In this episode, Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon chat with Beaconite Command Master Chief from Submarine Squadron One. With a distinguished career in the US Navy, Command Master Chief shares his remarkable journey and offers deep insights into leadership and personal development. Discover how his experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy and how he’s now channeling these lessons into his podcast, Leadership State Of Mind, co-hosted with Armon Owens. Tune in to learn how you can explore new avenues for personal growth. To learn more about Leadership State Of Mind and gain insights from seasoned Navy leaders, visit: Leadership State Of Mind" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer nofollow">Leadership State Of Mind

On this episode of This Is Beacon, Reuben, Brooke, and Brandon are back with the latest updates from Beacon. They recap the I Am Beacon Making A Difference Scholarship, discuss the Elks 100th Celebration Parade, and the Brain and Body Coalition's Mental Wellness event. The team also explores the current discussion surrounding Veteran Banners. - Register for the Back to School Block Party: https://iambeacon.org/beacon-back-to-school/ -Register for I Run Beacon 5K: https://iambeacon.org/i-run-beacon-5k/ - Learn more about the Brain and Body Coalition: https://brainandbodycoalition.org/ - Check out City Council meetings and recordings: https://youtu.be/ybw9xdfH0sk?si=MkzWW-ORH42sKK55

In this episode, Brandon and Brianna welcome two Beacon talents, Teron Wright and Devon Howard. Teron Wright, a visual artist, shares his journey from Beacon to rediscovering his passion for art. Follow his work on Instagram at thewrightexpressions. Devon Howard, also known as Noetic, discusses his music and entrepreneurial career, emphasizing community support. Connect with him on Instagram at noetic_pclawd and safecreatives. Listen as Teron and Devon talk about their experiences, the impact of Beacon, and their visions for fostering a creative community. Hear about Teron’s “Synergy” art show on July 6th at 6:00 PM in Troy, New York, and their efforts to inspire the next generation of artists.

In this episode, we talk with JC Calderon, a Beacon resident and architect, about the critical role of good architecture and urban spaces in community development. JC shares his journey from Brooklyn to Beacon and discusses the importance of city planning that prioritizes public benefit. As chair of the Fishkill Avenue Corridor Ad Hoc Committee, JC provides insights into upcoming projects and the vision for Beacon’s future. Join us to learn about the impact of thoughtful urban planning on economic growth and community well-being.

In this episode, lifelong Beacon resident and music aficionado Bosco Faison, along with passionate community advocate and organizer Star Gorton, share their unique perspectives on growing up in Beacon and the importance of preserving community spirit. They reflect on the rich history and cherished traditions of their city, and dive into the significance of the upcoming Juneteenth festival. From their personal stories and community involvement to the challenges of organizing large-scale events, Bosco and Star provide a heartfelt look into what makes Beacon special and why it’s crucial to celebrate its diverse heritage.

Welcome back to another episode of "This is Beacon," part of our #JoinTheConversation series, where we break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Michael Hanrahan. Michael's incredible journey from a diverse upbringing in Upper Manhattan to a dedicated career in mental health counseling is nothing short of inspiring. Michael shares his unique path, including his time as a college student, his struggles with alcoholism, and his transformative experience working in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. His candid storytelling offers a deep dive into his time at Beacon High School, where he pioneered the role of a student assistance counselor, advocating for students and creating safe spaces for those in need. Through heartfelt anecdotes and powerful insights, Michael discusses the importance of non-judgmental listening, the impact of creating supportive environments for adolescents, and his ongoing commitment to mental health even in semi-retirement. Join us for this engaging conversation as we explore the vital role of mental health support in schools and communities. Tune in to hear about Michael's legacy and the lasting impact he has had on countless lives. This episode is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the importance of breaking down mental health stigmas. Don't miss it! Call to Action: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that help is available. Reach out, talk to someone, and know that you are not alone. #JoinTheConversation

In this episode of our #jointheconversation series on "This is Beacon," aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health, we are thrilled to welcome Jeff Hartford. Jeff, a lifelong athlete and a professional dedicated to the study and teaching of wellness practices, brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist and fitness trainer. From his initial plans to become an elementary teacher to his profound shift towards health and wellness due to economic and personal revelations, Jeff's journey is a testament to following one’s passion and the deep interconnection between mental and physical health. Today, Jeff will share insights on the influence of mindset on physical health, the critical roles of the nervous system, including the vagus nerve in wellness, and practical advice on incorporating breathwork, gut health management, and exercise into daily routines. His holistic approach not only encompasses physical health but extends to emotional and mental well-being, recognizing the interconnectedness of our entire body system. Join us as we delve into how small changes in perspective and behavior can lead to significant life enhancements. Welcome, Jeff Hartford, to "This is Beacon." Let’s dive into this enriching journey together and continue our conversation on mental health.