Advertise on podcast: Community Difference Makers

What does it take to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive? In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore the intersection of disability services, health, education, and equity in Central Iowa. Join us as we discuss how to create a more inclusive community where people of all abilities can participate, contribute, and succeed. Featuring: •Dr. Teri Wahlig, ChildServe  •John Claes, Gigi’s Playhouse Des Moines  •Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

Graduating from high school is an important milestone. But what happens the morning after graduation? For more than one in five Central Iowa graduates—22%—there isn't yet a clear plan that includes education or training beyond high school. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss the importance of helping young people leave high school with a sense of what comes next.  Featuring: •Melanie Campbell, Des Moines Public Schools Foundation  •Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) •Kate Bennett, United Way of Central Iowa Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

Preventing youth violence takes more than a justice system. It takes families, schools, mentors, community organizations, and young people working together. In this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore Central Iowa’s Safe & Thriving Youth Community Plan, the progress being made, and how a coordinated community effort can create safer, brighter futures for local youth. Featuring:  •Kimberly Graham, Polk County Attorney  •Bridget Cravens-Neely, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa •Tone Roddy, United Way of Central Iowa  •Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust  Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

Explore two innovative housing solutions making a difference in Central Iowa: transforming extended stay hotels into supportive housing and creating affordable homeownership through a community land trust. Discover how creative thinking is helping expand access to safe, stable housing for more people. Featuring:  •Jaqueline Chico, Central Iowa Community Land Trust / Home, Inc. •Emily Osweiler, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing  •Michael Berger, United Way of Central Iowa •Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust  Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we discuss how central Iowa’s health and human services organizations responded to United Way’s Thriving Community Survey and what it tells us about the demand they’re experiencing, their ability to meet it, and what they expect in the months ahead in the Des Moines metro.  Featuring:  • Janice Schroeder, Children & Families of Iowa • Alicia Vermeer, Community Youth Concepts • Joseph Jones, United Way of Central Iowa • Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust  Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, we explore how food pantries can serve as a gateway to additional support for families and individuals facing challenges with housing, transportation, healthcare, employment, and more.  Featuring: • Kathy Underhill, DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council) • Zuli Garcia, Knock and Drop Iowa • Luke Lynch, United Way of Central Iowa • Emily Abbas, Bankers Trust  Hosted by: Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa Production: Snaadt Media Group

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa recap the conversations we had throughout the season on food insecurity, housing, childcare, and safe and thriving youth.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about how public safety, public health, and community impact can work together to address youth violence with United Way of Central Iowa's Luke Lynch, Chief Michael McTaggart of Des Moines Police Department, and Juliann VanLiew of Polk County Health Department.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa discuss the power of mentorship, with guests Natasha Ratliff, Tone Roddy, and Saaliyah Singleton.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa discuss how youth violence and engagement show up in Des Moines, highlighting Safe & Thriving Youth, a collaborative effort focused on long-term solutions, with guests Cheryl Werner, Jordan Colbert, and Zamiratu Dainkeh.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa discuss how youth violence and engagement show up in Des Moines, highlighting Safe & Thriving Youth, a collaborative effort focused on long-term solutions, with guests Mary Sellers, Jaquie Easley McGhee, and Bridget Cravens-Neely.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about the state of childcare in Central Iowa with United Way of Central Iowa's Dave Stone, and Jillian Herink of Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about the state of childcare in Central Iowa with United Way of Central Iowa's Kate Bennett, Kay Strahorn of Conmigo Early Education Center, and Brittany Brown teacher and parent at Conmigo.

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about the state of childcare in Central Iowa with United Way of Central Iowa's Erin Davison-Rippey, Kim Bonjour-Eiteman of Perry Child Development Center, and Boaz Nkingi of Iowa Congolese Organization and Center for Healing (ICOACH).

On this episode of Community Difference Makers, Bankers Trust and United Way of Central Iowa learn more about the state of childcare in Central Iowa with United Way of Central Iowa's Mary Sellers, Janice Lane Schroeder of Children & Families of Iowa, and Deidre DeJear of Oakridge Neighborhood.