Southern Arizona Nonprofits - IMPACT

Welcome Back to this popular Podcast Hosted by Barbara McClure. Her guests are Carolyn Gorst Director of Community Engagement for Compass and Emilia Honkasaari, Vice President of Communications and Development at The Haven. These two ladies are responsible for doing wonderful jobs for the Tucson and beyond community. Barbara goes in depth of how these two non profits do incredible work in affordable housing and for helping women heal from substance use disorders and breaks the cycle of intergenerational trauma. You'll learn a lot more. Have a listen!

14/06/2025 • 59:25

Barbara has two nonprofit leaders for this episode. Logan Greene the Director of Groundworks in Tucson where he heads a team of artists, musicians and educators with the shared goal of developing creativity and talent in Tucson's youth arts scene and Dena DiGiacinto, Managing Director/Director of Education, a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, has  everywhere from Europe to Asia to Broadway. Two superheroes unleashing creativity in our community, providing performance and art opportunities to youth through music and other expressive mediums. Showcasing Tucson Talent.

13/12/2024 • 59:11

Barbara's guest, Thomas (Tom) Roblee, Commander Oro valley Post 132 discuss the American legion. Any Veteran is welcome with family if you would like too. There are great nights to be had at the American Legion. Lisa Hopper, Executive Director Arizona Heroes Memorial. Long time coming project that will be featured in a beautiful set up in 810 Noranja Park, Oro Valley. All donations are Tax Deductible!

12/10/2024 • 49:44

In this episode of Southern Arizona Not for Profits, Barbara McClure has two guests who have been working together to improve our community. David Thatcher is the Principal of Edge High School, Northwest Campus and Gary Coxon, Member Chair of Oro Valley Rotary. Great work done by Rotary for many causes and Edge High School, how about no cost for tuition? It's an informative and giving episode. Listen and enjoy!

13/09/2024 • 58:31

McKinley Madril Program Director, Equine Specialist for the Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids otherwise known as Trak is a special guest with Amy Serafin from Children's Clinics who is the Development & Communications Specialist make up this enjoyable and informative episode of Impact. Listen to how these organizations impact the children of Tucson.

13/08/2024 • 53:37

Barbara McClure, Executive Director of IMPACT of Southern AZ, host of this show features two Executive nonprofit Leaders. Two women representing nonprofits working to improve driving safety for the public, and for our local Law Enforcement teams. We will be talking about Distracted Driving Awareness, Teen Road Skills for Emergency situations, a BIG GIVE, and more.

13/05/2024 • 53:21

Barbara introduces two organizations, both created to honor the memory of Husbands who have passed away. The Terrance Pickrel Heart Fund gives assistance to patients dealing with Heart problems and Katrina Powell from the Erik Hite Foundation that supports families who have lost loved ones who were first responders. A unique episode to listen to.

12/04/2024 • 56:00

Barbara hosts two ladies from different non profits, one helping  to save lives and another providing a safe place for children, teens, and young adults to find comfort, hope and support while dealing with a serious medical condition or death of a family or special loved one.

15/03/2024 • 55:00

Barbara has another heart & soul podcast with two great people that work within the community. Jeff Grobe Executive Director, Coyote TaskForce (Our Place Clubhouse, Café 54, Rethreads) just how good is the downtown restaurant that gives to all. Jennifer Tersigni with Raise the Bar has raised more than $350 million for clients, helping more than 200 clients stabilize, grow, and flourish. Jennifer also she serves as the Interim CEO at Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona,

30/12/2023 • 51:57

Barbara has Anthony L. Young, Esq., Executive Director of Southern Arizona Legal Aid INC. and John George, Executive Director of the Beauty From Ashes Ranch both enlighten our listeners with the incredible work their organizations do in our community. Don't miss this one!

17/12/2023 • 56:06

What would the Audubon Society have to do with the Non Profit "Reach for the Stars?" This is a fascinating look into what is really going on with our grasses, animals and the effect wildfires have on them plus a couple of years on how is this fabulous new Non Profit going and how do the kids and families benefit from it?

08/10/2023 • 58:39

Barbara hosts two wonderful people who do incredible work with Teen Challenge women and men in these challenging times. Hear from Patti Connor and John Awada about Adults and Teens Life Trauma recovery including families. You're invited to the great events they have coming up this year.

13/08/2023 • 60:59

Barbara hosts two well known hard working Tucson personalities for this episode. Two women working to solve local important causes. Linda Laird for the marvellous 'Books for Classrooms' and Ashlie Counts-Jenkins from the Assistance League Tucson Chapter. There are 126 chapters across America. Both organizations do an amazing job for school children albeit books, clothing or a million other things.

16/07/2023 • 59:28

Barbara has two gentlemen from one organization that provides economic access and opportunity for people in Southern Arizona. This includes Micro Loans for BIPOC Entrepreneurs and more!

24/06/2023 • 57:22

Barbara interviews Program Coordinator of the Tucson Community Tennis Project as well as the Executive Director of Ben's Bells about their experience with 100+ Women Who Care and the impact that their organizations have had in the community.

19/05/2023 • 60:34

With Barbara in this episode are two ladies from two different non profits doing different things. One recently participated in a competition called "Fast Pitch" which we will hear all about, the other provides a wonderful service to children in need that helps them feel secure!About ~ Patti Lopez Dr. Patti Lopez, Director Hi my name is Patti Lopez and I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve the children and community of Tucson as an educator for many years. I have transitioned into a new role of serving children as I currently work as the Executive Director for Angel Heart Pajama Project. Angel Heart is a nonprofit organization with a Mission of providing new pajamas, books, and cuddle pillows to children in need. The children we serve are living in distressed situations. They are in shelters, foster care or adoption processes, abused, neglected, possibly abandoned or seriously ill. Many children arrive at a new facility with only the clothing that they are wearing. The new pajamas give them a sense of being gifted something special, warm, and cozy. In a time of distress they can get lost in a story or book and escape, if only temporarily from a difficult situation. The cuddle pillow provides them with something small and soft to hold tight and give them a sense of security when no one else may be holding or cuddling them. My passion and hope is that all children who receive the Angel Heart gift will feel, loved and cared for. Please join me on this journey of supporting children in need. About ~ Caroline Isaacs Executive Director/ Just Communities Arizona Caroline has two decades of experience advocating for just and effective criminal justice policy in Arizona and is a leading voice in the movement to end mass incarceration. Originally from Northeast Pennsylvania, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the College of Wooster and a Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University.

18/04/2023 • 55:19

These days, since COVID, there has been a lot of new found awareness and discussion about the importance of finding our life balance. Our health and wellbeing depend upon mindful self-care and intentional time spent on things that bring us joy and inner peace. People seem to be focused more on their health; seeing doctors more often and discovering myriad alternative methods to keep us happy, healthy, poised, and calm. Today we bring two people to the table who help individuals manage their physical and mental health, and also give employers a way to support their employees with a variety of programs to teach people how to be healthier, and not let work and stress dominate our days.ABOUT ~ Daniel Johnson I was raised in Tucson and began working at 10 years old as a shoeshine boy at Armando Sierra's barbershop on Broadway & Swan next to the Kon Tiki restaurant. By the time that I was done at the age of 12, I had assumed the title of Shoeshine Preservation Expert & Consultant. That was my first experience in free enterprise which I pursued until I was 40 years old. I feel in love with human dynamics at the age of 20 & read everything that I could related to motivation and well-being. In high school I began working at European Health Spas as a spa attendant, I became a personal fitness trainer then a manager. Over the next 2 decades I co-owned & operated over 20 fitness centers & athletic clubs. For 8 years I was a sponsored professional club racquetball player having held contracts with Wilson Sporting Goods & Ektelon Racquet Sports. I became the Executive Director of the Wellness Council in 1995, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. I published a book in Jan. 2022 titled Twelve Insights For Mindful Living- An Awareness Approach To Health and Happiness. ABOUT ~ Kimberly Mayfield Kimberly Mayfield | Marketing Director Kimberly has over 20 years of experience in healthcare marketing, and public relations in internal and external communication, media relations, social media, content development, and brand management. She is successful at developing strategies to increase brand awareness and online reputation.  Kimberly enjoys the dynamics of communication and collaboration with teams. Before joining MHC Healthcare, she worked in the beautiful White Mountains of Northern Arizona at Navapache Regional Medical Center, later known as Summit Healthcare. Kimberly is actively involved in the volunteer work, currently for PACC.

23/03/2023 • 59:04

Acupuncture and Headache disorder are two major topics covered with Barbara for this episode. Tammy Rome and Danube Jacobs offer fabulous insight into their respective health studies and cures. Learn and be a good resource for your friends and family.About ~ Tammy Rome Executive Director, The Headache Warriors Network After living with migraine and cluster headaches for decades, Tammy finally got serious in 2007 when she entered graduate school. She knew that frequent attacks could derail her career plans. Determined to finally get both migraine and cluster headache attacks under control, she went online in search of answers. That search changed her life. Connecting with other patients and advocates eventually led her to find a solution that put both migraine and cluster headache in remission. Tammy is a telehealth therapist, specializing in trauma and headache disorders. This is the career that was nearly derailed by migraine and cluster headache many years ago. In addition to serving the mental health needs of the community, Tammy devotes countless volunteer hours to educate patients, caregivers, physicians, and the general public about the burden of headache disorders.About - Danube JacobsDanube made her way to Tucson in 2013 seeking sun and the magic of the desert after several years in Portland, OR earning her masters degree in Chinese Medicine (BS in Journalism from CU Boulder). Originally from MA, she has also lived in SF, Maine and a couple of years working on a cruise ship which circumnavigated the globe. After past careers in copywriting and woodworking, she is so happy to have landed in the holistic medicine field. She loves yoga, cooking and hiking with her mutt, Cosmo.I was fortunate enough to attend one of the most prestigious acupuncture schools in the States, OCOM, in Portland, OR 2017-2010. There, I treated patients in the school clinic under clinic supervision using acupuncture, herbs and manual therapies such as shiatsu and cupping. Immediately after school I went to Chapagaon, Nepal, where I worked in an acupuncture clinic in a rural farming community for 3 months, 15-20 patients a day in a low-cost clinic. Upon my return to Portland, I opened my own practice 2 days a week, while also working at a chiropractor's office, a community acupuncture clinic and volunteering at a homeless shelter one day a week.One year later, I accepted an offer I couldn't refuse, leading the wellness programming for Holland America Cruise Lines as their "Lifestylist", teaching daily Qi Gong and exercise classes, guided meditation and giving wellness lectures, on their longer 3-4 month cruises, such as the World Cruise. Once the cruise life was over, and having gotten used to sunny weather, I chose Tucson as my permanent home. I initially started my own practice upon arriving and taught at one of the two acupuncture schools at the time. After about a year, I jumped at the opportunity to take an associate acupuncturist position at Jade Star Acupuncture. I've been here for over 8 years now.In addition to offering acupuncture, I also provide cupping, herbal and flower essence consults and prescriptions, craniosacral therapy, cosmetic acupuncture and colorpuncture. The clinic also offers facial cupping and cosmetic acupuncture as well.

20/02/2023 • 58:53

Sky Island Alliance has been protecting and restoring the diversity of life and lands in the Sky Island region of the U.S. and Mexico for over 30 years. Barbara's guest is the Executive Director who shares the science, education, and advocacy to connect the binational landscapes, people, and wildlife of the Sky Islands for the benefit of all.Personal Bio ~ Louise Misztal Executive Director - Sky Island Alliance Louise grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado at 8,000 feet and has been in love with mountains ever since. She came to Tucson, to attend college because of, you guessed it, the beautiful mountains, and the wonderful science programs at the University of Arizona. She studied Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and then years later studied Geographic Information Systems. Louise loves hiking creeks, looking for birds and swimming holes, learning new plant names and snoozing in her hammock. Louise Misztal has worked at Sky Island Alliance for the past sixteen years in various positions ranging from volunteering to serving as Conservation Director. She now serves as Executive Director and is committed to crafting creative solutions to pressing conservation issues and building collaboration among diverse partners. Previously, Louise was the principal architect of a regional climate change adaptation workshop series designed for resource managers to advance understanding of impacts on ecosystems and wildlife. This led to critical new work to survey, protect, and restore fragile spring ecosystems. She was also principal investigator on a project to collaboratively develop a climate-smart landscape conservation design for the Sky Island region, focused on springs, streams, and grasslands. Sky Island Alliance has been protecting and restoring the diversity of life and lands in the Sky Island region of the U.S. and Mexico for over 30 years. We work primarily in Arizona and Sonora and are the only organization dedicated to conserving the entire Sky Island region. We use science, education, and advocacy to connect the binational landscapes, people, and wildlife of the Sky Islands for the benefit of all. Each year our 13 staff members work with hundreds of volunteers and students from the local community to study wildlife and springs, and to bring damaged ecosystems back to thriving health.

17/01/2023 • 57:30

Today I am joined by two women leaders from two different Tucson nonprofits with something fun in common; opportunities for you to recycle your household GOODS, to help them do GOOD for the community!IRIZ YAZNO is Director of PMHDC Southwest Medical Aid (PSMA), and LIA ROBLES is Program Director of Youth and Family Services- for the COPE clinic for youth called Thrive. Lia will be sharing the kinds of services COPE offers to support mental wellness in both adults and youth. The youth stories are surprising and a bit scary. They have a thrift shop and bike recycling program that benefits donors and buyers, but also provides job training for an important group of community members. If you have medical equipment sitting around the house, you will want to hear what Iriz has to say, and what her organization can do with it. IMPACT partners with them, and even I was surprised at some of what she had to share!About - Lia RoblesBorn in Guadalajara, Mexico, but I have been raised here in the United States. I completed my Undergraduate education at the University of Arizona and my Masters Degree at Arizona State University in Social Work. Immediately after my undergraduate program I joined COPE Community Services Inc. and have been with the agency for 8 years. During my time at COPE, I have held different positions from Case Management up until now as Program Director, while working with different populations. For nearly five decades, COPE has continuously expanded services and extended its reach — keeping the mission to serve the community and to increase access to care as a top priority. COPE, is currently an integrated health agency, providing services throughout Tucson and Green Valley, for almost 50 years. Services are provided for both adult and youth in the community. Our agency truly places focus on providing well wrap around services and is always searching for innovative ways to assure we are able to serve the community as best as possible. ABOUT- Iriz YaznoI was born in Colombia, South America, at the age of 3, my parents moved our family to Queens New York where I spent my early years. At 18, I joined the US Air Force. I spent my first 4 active duty years in California and later joined the Air Force Reserves. I went to Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. In May 1999, I graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Business Management. I retired from the USAF Reserves in 2016. I started working at the age of 16 as a legal clerk and after High School I served thirty-six years of military service—Air Force Reserve (AFR)/Air National Guard (ANG); Major—Medical Service Corps Administrator; Medical Technician – AFR/ANG, enlisted; Mental Health Specialist, and Active duty. Wide-ranging experiences running a medical unit. I worked for the Department of Energy (DOE) Contractor; Administrative Assistant, Office of Business Services, Contracts, Acquisitions and Environment, Safety and Health Department, Kirtland AFB NM. . I worked as Director, Latinas Unidas (NJ Lutheran Social Ministries Program);Trenton, NJ. I was the leader of non-profit organization that provided 20 Latino families English language skills, legal issues referrals, housing location assistance, counseling, and referral services. Oversaw all human resource functions including interviewing for professional, skilled and semi-skilled positions. I worked as a teacher therapist working with Autistic Adults after I graduated from college. I was also an Ophthalmic Technician working and translating for an Ophthalmologist in Santa Maria California.

23/11/2022 • 54:22

Barbara has a great interview with a Director, Actor, Writer and Producer, Jonni Campbell from Differently Abled Entertainers who is also starting up a new nonprofit in Tucson.A very informative show.Bio ~ Jonni Campbell Founder Differently Abled Entertainment Born in Alaska lived in Colorado, Montana, Arizona a little growing up but mostly Nebraska. Graduated HS in 2000 after car wreck Dec 98. Attended FRCC in Westminster and WNCC in Scottsbluff. Student Govenment Rep at both and Theatre Club President as well as Assistant Director for theatre Department at WNCC Waitress and CNA at Nursing Home before accident junior year. Direct sales and call centers and worked at a newspaper for 2 years. Ran Community Theatre in Nebraska and Tucson called LUNA for 6 years Differently Abled Entertainment our mission is to promote and encourage differently abled artists in the entertainment industry by producing content featuring their talents. (520) 248-6911 Company / Organization Website URL: FACEBOOK.COM/DIFFERENTLYABLEDENTERTAINMENT jonleeactressmodel@gmail.com

11/09/2022 • 52:52

Barbara's guests share the latest news and exciting future of farming with Mission Garden, Friends of Tucson's Birthplace and the Biosphere partnerships. Traditional and future vision farming from vertical farming to new exciting fresh produce ideas.Bio ~ John Adams Deputy Director University of Arizona Biosphere 2 John Adams is a native Tucsonan and graduate from the University of Arizona. For two decades, he has helped drive the evolution of Biosphere 2 through positions of progressive responsibility and oversight. In 2014, Adams advanced to his current leadership role of Biosphere 2 Deputy Director. In part, the promotion marked a return to his roots, engaging as a key member of the team that plans and directs all research and related activities inside Biosphere 2 and the surrounding campus. Biosphere 2 (B2) is a campus of the University of Arizona (UA) engaged in world-class environmental research, entrepreneurship and education leading to solutions to humanity’s grand challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development on Earth and beyond. Activities at B2 span the continuum from research advancing fundamental understanding of Earth system processes all the way to developing commercial and scalable solutions to environmental problems with entrepreneurial and established industrial partners. Global partnerships further leverage this work in communities throughout the world, with an emphasis on under-served people. Activity-based, inclusive education for K-16 students and teachers, equitable undergraduate research opportunities, interdisciplinary graduate and postdoctoral training, and programs to enhance public understanding of science are intrinsic to all these activities. The cornerstone of the B2 campus is the space frame, the world’s largest indoor controlled environment for ecological and climate change research across multiple biomes. The campus also boasts specialized research spaces dedicated to development of co-located food and photovoltaic energy production, alongside human-habitat analogs for the Moon and Mars that emphasize research on life support systems and astronaut training. The B2 campus also hosts a UA Center for Innovation incubator through a cooperative agreement with Tech Launch Arizona. The entrepreneurs supported by the incubator interact with the to mentor and support entrepreneurs creating commercial startups. Bio ~ Kendall Kroesen Community Outreach Coordinator A native of Southern California, Kendall has a BA in anthropology from the University of California Riverside and a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from UC San Diego. In 2002, Kendall joined the staff of the Tucson Audubon Society, where he worked principally in habitat restoration and the creation of urban bird habitat. Kendall has served on a variety of community advisory committees including the Tucson Parks and Recreation Commission. He is now the Outreach Coordinator at Mission Garden. Mission Garden is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants. The Garden is managed by Friends of Tucson's Birthplace, a 501(c)3 non-profit with no religious affiliation. Mission Garden is located at the foot of Sentinel Peak, at the site of the Native American village of S-cuk Son (pronounced Chuk Shon), a place sacred to the Tohono O’odham. Mission Garden’s primary mission is to preserve, transmit and revive the region’s rich agricultural heritage by growing garden plots representative of more than 4000 years of continuous cultivation in the Tucson Basin. The different eras and cultural practices of agriculture during those 4,000 years are portrayed in different garden plots within the walls of the rebuilt Spanish Colonial era garden. This history and diversity of agriculture is the basis for the vibrant farm and restaurant scene in Tucson recognized in 2015 when UNESCO named Tucson a City of Gastronomy, the first such recognition for a city in the United States. As the outreach coordinator at Mission Garden I do a variety of things to help elevate the community visibility of the garden. I recruit volunteers, train docents, plan and promote events, give tours, and do presentations to community groups about the garden. Because of my background in anthropology and archaeology, my interest in wildlife, and my interest in gardening, Mission Garden--which has all those things--is the perfect place for me.

12/06/2022 • 57:56

Have you ever considered Foster care for your family?Do you know of the work that "More Than a Bed" does?In this episode, Barbara talks with Tara Beck from La Paloma Foster Care and Grace Stocksdale the Director of More than a Bed and has them share their causeand great work within the community.About Tara Beck:Tara Beck attended college at Northern Arizona University for both her degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work, which she sought after beginning to work with foster families and children in foster care more than a decade ago. A focus was taken during her studies at NAU on the effects of trauma and how it impacts the developing child in efforts to help families better support children in their care. Tara began working with foster families in the community which led to her becoming a foster parent herself. After finishing her Master's Degree in Social Work, she began working as a clinician for La Frontera Arizona and is now the Foster Care Supervisor at La Frontera's La Paloma Family Services, which is a licensing agency for foster and/or adoptive families in Pima County. Her experiences working with families and children involved with the child welfare system, combined with her knowledge of trauma and how it affects development, helped lead to better supporting families who are supporting children in care. Since 1980, La Paloma Family Services has continually strived to provide solutions for children facing life’s greatest challenges due to abuse, neglect, and abandonment. It is our long history of service that has established La Paloma as one of the leading non-profit family service agencies in Southern Arizona. La Paloma and La Frontera Centers collaborate to provide services to children and families in Pima County. We encourage continued education about the foster care system and provide direct services to kinship, foster care, and therapeutic foster care families, as well as families wanting to adopt. La Paloma recruits, trains, and facilitates the initial licensure process for aspiring foster parents, and we continue to offer support as our families learn to navigate the child welfare system. Company / Organization Website URL: https://www.lapalomakids.org/ About Grace Stocksdale:Born and raised in Ohio, moved to Tucson in ’62- ‘69, attended UofA majoring in education, moved to NY City in ’69 where I was employed with British Airways, and then moved into Wall Street recruiting. Returned to Tucson in 2007 to care for my 87-year-old mother who just turned 101.Became aware of the foster care crises while heading up a group of volunteers at my church. Started talking to the foster families at my church to try and find a way to help in some way. I and 2 families began discussions and More Than a Bed was conceived. After 1.5 years, the time needed to build MTaB became too much for the foster families who had 4-10 children each. Through continuous conversations with the families and teens in foster care, my knowledge and education grew. I began talking to various DCS caseworkers to try and understand the procedures. I did not personally experience being a foster parent, nor did I plan this journey that I am currently on. The stories and experiences of the children broke and continues to break my heart. When I look into these children’s beautiful faces, I want to make sure that they are finally valued and safe and can see a future. The first 3years we worked out of 9 storage units located at Ina and I-10. Then someone heard us on a radio show similar to this telling the audience that we needed a building so that we could offer much more to our foster families. Six months later, we moved into our current warehouse which was donated and built by an anonymous donor especially for More Than a Bed to serve the children. We have now been in the warehouse almost 4 years and are bursting at the seams.Website: http://morethanabed.org/ Address: 3637 North 1st Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85705Phones: (520) 428-5280Personal Cell to reach me directly: 917-612-1915 grace@morethanabed.org

21/04/2022 • 55:12

Barbara hosts an informative and interesting show around Autism and features two leaders: Brie Seward, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona, and Ken Baumgartner, the Director of InterMountain Centers. About Brie Seward: Brie is the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Southern Arizona. She started as a volunteer on the marketing committee lending her publishing experience (Harper’s Bazaar and Gourmet magazines), e-commerce (Bond No. 9 Fragrances and Louis Vuitton), and digital marketing (Perry Ellis brands) in New York City and Miami to support ASSA. Brie is a graduate of The U of A Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program and received her MA in communications from ASU. The Autism Society of Southern Arizona provides unbiased information and referral services at no cost. We are typically the “first call” parents or individuals with autism make when learning about the diagnosis. We provide information on therapy options, legal considerations, transition resources, schooling, and much more. Our website features a comprehensive listing of Southern Arizona providers and resources. We also provide customized autism training to schools, organizations, and businesses about our ever-evolving understanding of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. 1 in 40 or 2.5% of 8-year-old children in an area of Arizona were identified with ASD by ADDSP (Arizona Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program) in 2018. This April, the Autism Society celebrates Autism Acceptance Month. Every day, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully. Be the connection this April to spreading awareness for early diagnosis, promoting inclusion in the greater community, and practicing acceptance in everyday life. Together with the Pima County Superintendent's Office, we have created a proclamation to designate April as Autism Acceptance Month for Pima County. While there is currently no known single cause of Autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully. Company / Organization Website URL: www.as-az.org Company or Guest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autism-society-of-southern-arizona-inc Company / Org Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/Autismsocietyofsouthernarizona About Ken Baumgartner: Ken Baumgartner completed his Master’s degree in Special Education at Northern Arizona University in 2011. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and an Arizona Licensed Behavior Analyst. Ken’s career in serving individuals with disabilities began in 2006 as a Special Education Paraprofessional. Since then, he has worked as a Behavioral Health Technician, Practicum Supervisor, Special Education Teacher, Education Coordinator and Clinical Manager in a variety of school and clinical settings for 15 years. Currently, Ken serves as the Director of Behavioral Consultation Service and Outpatient Autism Services for Intermountain Centers in Tucson, Arizona. Ken oversees clinic, home, and community-based interventions for individuals with a broad range of diagnoses. Ken believes strongly in naturalistic, play-based programming using the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to promote skill acquisition and child development. Ken’s team also implements behavior change programs that are function-based, socially valid, rooted in Positive Behavior Support and promote placement preservation for individuals with challenging behaviors. He is lucky to work with an amazing cohort of individuals who have come to seek quality supervision and work hard to become effective clinicians. Company / Organization Website URL: Intermountaincenters.org Company or Guest LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-baumgartner-aab228114/ Company / Organization Facebook Page URL: https://www.facebook.com/intermountainarizona Other: Bcsaz.org Other: https://tucson.com/opinion/local/tucson-opinion-no-doubt-that-2020-has-been-a-psychologically-toxic-year/article_f0a22e86-516e-520d-8590-6c984641f108.html

19/03/2022 • 52:26

About Christina Bickelmann - Executive Director Her goal is to continue to expand programs and services to everyone in the community, reduce stigma and reach our youth earlier with mental health information, education, and support. Christina Bickelmann, MLA, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona Prior to becoming the Executive Director of NAMI Southern Arizona, Christina had been serving as their Communications and Events Director for nearly seven years. One of her major responsibilities in that role was to plan, execute and handle all activities related to Southern Arizona’s largest annual fundraiser NAMIWalks. She has collaborated with the media to promote the Walk and NAMI’s mission to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness. Prior to becoming the Executive Director of NAMI Southern Arizona, Christina had been serving as their Communications and Events Director for nearly seven years. One of her major responsibilities in that role was to plan, execute and handle all activities related to Southern Arizona’s largest annual fundraiser NAMIWalks. She has collaborated with the media to promote the Walk and NAMI’s mission to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness. Christina Bickelmann, MLA, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Southern Arizona NAMI Southern Arizona cbickelmann@namisa.org 520-622-5582 www.namisa.org Twitter.com/namisoutheraz Facebook.com/namisouthernarizona Youtube.com/namisazAbout Shelly JerniganIf I can ultimately help one parent not go through what I went through with my child dealing with the system, I will have accomplished what I set out to do. My name is Shelly Jernigan and I am the Communications and Event Director as well as the Family Support Group Coordinator for NAMI Southern Arizona. I have my Ph.D. in Psychology with a Bachelor in Journalism. I have volunteered for many years at NAMI until I was hired as an employee last year. I was a single mom to 2 boys for most of their lives.My youngest son has battled numerous mental health issues including schizoaffective disorder. This has caused him a lot of grief and in and out of the system.I have been on a crusade for many years trying to get Juvenile Mental Health Court put into our system here in Pima County. This mental health platform has proven in 52 other counties throughout the U.S. that it keeps our children out of detention centers and placed with the appropriate mental health assistance they truly need.I vow never to give up on our children and to show all who will listen that they deserve the best just as our adults do when it comes to mental health. If I can ultimately help one parent not go through what I went through with my child dealing with the system, I will have accomplished what I set out to do.Shelly JerniganCommunications & Event Directormjernigan@namisa.orgFamily Support Group Coordinatorsupportgroups@namisa.orgAbout Jessica MitchellKnowing that so many children were being injured or dying due to something that was 100% preventable was disheartening. Jessica started working for Safe Kids Pima County back in 2014 just after having her second child.She knew of the importance of keeping kids safe when in the vehicle, at home, and at play, but did not truly realize just how important injury prevention in these areas are. Within her first year as the coordinator for Safe Kids Pima County, Jessica’s passion grew around child passenger safety and she became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Jessica continues today as one of two lead instructors in Pima County for Child Passenger Safety Technician certification courses. Jessica has not only educated over 5,000 families on car seat safety but has also given them car seats to use for their children. Jessica remains focused on other areas of injury prevention as well. This includes collaborating with local schools to provide water safety and bike safety messaging in the classroom, medication safety at parent meetings, and free swim lessons to children who need them. Jessica’s passion for keeping kids safe shows in the work that she has done and the lives she has touched. Jessica.mitchell@tmcaz.com Safe Kids Pima County https://www.tmcaz.com/wellness-and-prevention/kids-safety/safe-kids-pima-county/

13/02/2022 • 53:45

Barbara delves into Big Brothers Big Sisters and the great work being done with children that look up to a mentor and Margaux DeConcini from Tro on just horses can make all the difference with their energy and why this organization is so highly respected.About Margaux DeConcini Margaux is a native Tucsonan and her belief in the power of TROT first stemmed from her volunteer experience at TROT when she was in high school. Margaux has always been involved with horses through 4-H and local shows. Margaux is an Apprentice Graduate of Al-Marah Arabian Horses where she studied Equine Husbandry and Training. Margaux has always understood the healing properties of the human-horse connection leading her to complete a Master of Social Work degree through the University of Southern California. Margaux focused on social change and innovation with a specialty concentration in equine-assisted therapies. Her experience in grant writing, program evaluation, and events will help to propel TROT’s legacy. TROT Team Member Since October 2019 The impact TROT is making on the community is larger than what we do at our facility. Each participant is working on independent life goals in the arena and those transfer into their real world. Whether it be working on social skills, physical stamina, fine and gross motor skills. Those goals translate to parallel skills needed at home from brushing their teeth to getting dressed in the morning, cooking for themselves, understanding street safety, transferring from their wheelchair to a desk, or finding the courage to raise their hand in class. Our participants are having fun in the arena, and improving their lives at home and in their community. We also have a well-established scholarship program that helps make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to receive the services they need. There is a really strong correlation between low income and disability, were most often those of low-income experience some sort of disability and those with disabilities often end up in the low-income bracket. TROT has never turned anyone away for their inability to pay for classes, and we are grateful for the community that has helped us provide services to everyone and every ability.  About Randy PetersonRandy Peterson was named Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Arizona earlier this year, but his relationship with the organization actually goes back three decades. In 1992, while still a college student in Michigan, Randy became a Big Brother for the first time to a young boy named Abe. They were matched for one year. Then came Brandon, and again a one-year match. Randy moved to Tucson in 1999 to work for the nonprofit Foundation for Creative Broadcasting, and not long after that, became a Big Brother again, this time matched with a Little Brother named Corey for almost six years. Then came Little Brothers Stone and Talon, and now Randy is currently matched with his current favorite Little Brother, Miguel, who is an amazing soon-to-be 15-year-old. They are three and a half years into their friendship, and both of them get a lot out of the match while having fun all over town. As Director of Community Engagement, Randy has the joy of recruiting new Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and yes, Big Couples, into the program, while also managing the nonprofit’s marketing and social media, helping with fundraising and special events, and developing new program ideas to help the agency serve even more kids and families in our community.Randy Peterson (He/Him) Director of Community Engagement Big Brother to Miguel O: (520) 624-2447 ext.2687  D: (520) 365-2687  Randy@SoAzBigs.org      www.SoAzBigs.org 160 East Alameda Street, Tucson, Arizona 85701

13/12/2021 • 53:22

Barbara has Tiane Kennedy from Gap Ministries and Darien Mathews AZYP who are everywhere in this episode. Gap Ministries do an enormous amount for Foster Care and AZYP strengthening families through Arizona.About Darien Mathews Darien Mathews is with Arizona Youth Partnership(AZYP). AZYP was founded in 1990 by a group of concerned Pima County citizens who sought to provide rural communities in the county access to the services available in the Tucson metro area. In 2006, AZYP expanded to serve rural communities across Arizona and seeks to employ a root cause approach to fighting poverty builds healthy, self-sufficient youth and families through evidence-based prevention programs and community involvement. He serves as the Coalition Coordinator for the Copper Corridor Substance Abuse Coalition. This Coalition was founded in 2007 and consists of 9 very small towns along Hwy 77 and 177 known as the Copper Corridor. The mission of the Copper Corridor Coalition is to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol misuse through program development, prevention through education, advocacy and services, providing youth-oriented activities so that healthy attitudes towards substance use are formed. The vision of the Copper Corridor is: Committed to providing education and developing resources to address alcohol awareness and prevent drug abuse in the Copper Corridor while embracing and nurturing the many cultures of the area. This coalition is funded by the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Grant to prevent youth substance use. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaYouthPartnershiphttps://www.facebook.com/coppercorridorcoalitionArizona Youth Partnership 7575 W Twin Peaks Rd #165 darien@azyp.org Arizona Youth Partnership builds solid foundations for youth and families by partnering with Arizona communities to prevent and solve local issues such as substance abuse, youth homelessness, lack of educational opportunities, teen pregnancy, and challenging family dynamics. The Copper Corridor Coalition is a community-based coalition working to prevent substance use and misuse throughout Pinal County’s Copper Corridor. Through the collaboration of volunteers like you we strive to reduce substance use and misuse that negatively impact our communities we live in. We build our mission on three core values: Educate, Collaborate, and Champion Healthy Choices. Having people like you will help drive our pursuit for change in our communities and help positively influence the next generation to make healthier choices. We now invite you to be part of this change for Copper Corridor’s brighter future. AZYP provides a combination of relationship education, afterschool programs and youth leadership programs. Our programs equip youth to focus on setting goals and prevent teen pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse and anti-social behaviors. Over the past 20 years, AZYP has grown to serve 28 school districts across 11 counties in Arizona with funding from the Arizona Department of Health Services and Federal grants from the Administration of Children and Families. Our youth programs include the following: Wake UP!™ Alcohol & Drug Prevention Education Program, Healthy Relationship Education using Choosing The Best and Teen Outreach Program curricula funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Classroom and afterschool programs using Botvin’s Life Skills Training and Positive Action curricula, and a 21 day shelter for homeless youth in Kingman funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children. In early 2019, Arizona Youth Partnership integrated the programs of Teen Outreach Pregnancy Services, a Tucson based nonprofit and we now provide education and support services for pregnant and parenting teens. This year marks our 30th year building strong foundations for youth. Beginning in just 3 communities, AZYP now serves more than 22 communities across 11 counties. In 1996, we shared with parents the importance of family time considering how much television youth were watching. Today, we work with parents on the dangers of social media and screen time. We continue to shift to address the current needs of youth. Including how many youths today are buying their drugs through snapchat. So, we continue to educate parents and youth on current trends. Just in 2020 63 Teens died of a Fentanyl overdose. That doesn’t include November and December. All of our Coalitions goals are to provide, education, resources, champion healthy choices and activities for our youth as well.About Tiane Kennedy Tiane Kennedy has worked at GAP Ministries for 10 years next month. When she started at GAP they were primarily known for their SPLASH group homes. They have grown exponentially since then. Besides still having 8 family style group homes, they now also have the GAP Kitchen feeding programs, the Community Warehouse that provides food and basic needs items to struggling families, Second Chance Job Training programs. They have also added more areas impacting the foster care system - foster care licensing and training, Supervised Visitation, and Nurturing Parenting programs to help heal broken families so that they can be reunited if at all possible.She loves all the wonderful ways GAP is able to impact and change people’s lives. Hope is the main word that comes to mind. In the book of Proverbs, it says, “Without hope the people perish”. Once a person has hope for a better future, they are able to begin to do the hard work to make it happen. When they see that there are others who will come around them, support them, and lift them up when they stumble, they begin to have confidence. That is what we try to do at GAP.Tiane is married with two amazing grown children, 2 dogs and 2 cats, and has lived in Tucson for 41 years. Website: www.gapmin.comDirect links to the different areas mentioned:GapWishList.com – Miracle Center, Foster Care, GAP Kitchen, SPLASH group homesYouHaveWhatTheyNeed.com – information on foster careGapTaxCredit.com – tax credit information for both GAP and Miracle CenterGAPCampusofHope.com – capital campaign for our NEW campus!!!TucsonCommunityWarehouse.com – shopping hours and requirementsGapmin.com/job-training – culinary or auto techJobs.gapmin.com – find out all about the different positionsVolunteer.gapmin.com – individual or group volunteer opportunities

28/11/2021 • 57:41

Barbara interviews Dr. Eric Schindler the President and Chief Executive Officer of Child and Family Resources, Inc. (CFR), a statewide community, a non-profit organization based in Tucson. Across 13 cities in Arizona, CFR works in communities to promote strong, healthy families and ensure high-quality early childhood education so children can reach their full potential.Dr Eric SchindlerSince 2005, Dr. Eric Schindler has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Child and Family Resources, Inc. (CFR), a statewide community, non-profit organization based in Tucson. Across 13 cities in Arizona, CFR works in communities to promote strong, healthy families and ensure high quality early childhood education so children can reach their full potential. CFR also partners with teens to prevent pregnancy, drug use, and suicide. Dr. Schindler received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona in 1982. After postdoctoral studies in child and family psychology at U.C. Davis, and pediatric psychology in Chicago, he has spent the last 40 years working in Tucson community settings as an administrator, director, teacher, and practitioner. A licensed clinical psychologist since 1984, he had a private practice focused on marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse, and was an adjunct faculty in the Department of Family Studies and Human Development at the University of Arizona for many years.Eric and his wife Andrea, a family practice physician, have two adult sons. They enjoy scuba diving, travel adventures to different countries, yoga, hiking, and cycling in their spare time.www.childfamilyresources.orghttps://www.facebook.com/ChildFamilyResources

19/10/2021 • 51:17

About Bethany NeumannBethany Neumann is the Director of Development & Communications at Youth On Their Own, a nonprofit organization that supports the high school graduation and continued success of teens experiencing homelessness.She started her nonprofit career with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala in Xela (pronounced Shay-La), Guatemala, where she also served as Development Director.Over the past two decades, Bethany has worked with youth in both the nonprofit and education sectors, both here in the United States and abroad.She is passionate about creating movements for change that empower local communities and the people within them. About Frank HernandezFrank Hernandez is originally from Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico, and is an accomplished musician, composer and teacher.He traveled with the international traveling company for Up with People. His time with the company was spent performing throughout the US and Europe, conveying a message of multi-cultural diversity, acceptance, and community service.After this experience, Frank joined Arts for All to assist with development. He is now the organization’s Assistant Director.Music has always been at the center of his life, and Frank has written the score for productions of Where the Wild Things Are, Antigone, The Hobbit, Babe the Sheep Pig and Arts for All’s own Aladdin.  He has traveled extensively as a motivational speaker while sharing his music.  Former Governor Janet Napolitano appointed him to the Board of Directors of Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind.Mr. Hernandez is the past president of the Children’s Music Network and the Pastor of Worship and Youth at Lifebridge Church. He was chosen by the U.S. Department of Health to present in Mexico City at a conference in 2002. In 1998, he served on the President’s Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities. In 1997, he received a President’s Citation for Volunteerism. In 1990, he was the Program Chair for the National Council on Disabilities’ Youth Leadership Program. www.artsforallinc.org  www.facebook.com/artsforalltucson     You Tube: Arts for All Films About the HostBarbara McClure, Executive Director IMPACT of Southern Arizona 3535 E Hawser Street Tucson, AZ 85739 520-825-0009 / Mobile Phone: 206-915-0919 barbara@impactsoaz.org www.impactsoaz.org SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter |Barbara McClure wakes up each morning passionate about going to work at a place that improves lives and inspires futures every day! She has been the Executive Director of a Tucson social service nonprofit called IMPACT of Southern Arizona, for ten years. What is it that keeps you passionate about your role Barbara? Barbara has been a visionary and planner with decades of experience as a small business owner and in nonprofit leadership; her innovative ideas and strategic thinking, along with a talent for bringing the community together, has helped grow IMPACT five-fold in a very short time. Her talents and interests are diverse but all center around helping people, improving the community, bolstering education, building capacity and sustainability, being vocal about the rights and conditions of others, experiencing art, nurturing all inhabitants of your garden, and enjoying life to the fullest. And now Barbara is about to experience another exciting chapter in her life with hosting a brand-new Radio Show Podcast here on the Tucson Business RadioX Network starting in November. IMPACT of Southern Arizona is a 20 – year old social service nonprofit stabilizing families and seniors, and moving people out of poverty. IMPACT’s programs are designed to stretch household budgets so earned income can be spent on necessities such as improved housing conditions, fuel to get to work, utilizes, and needed medical attention and prescriptions. Its clients are your neighbors! People come to IMPACT because it is a welcoming place where they are always treated with dignity and respect, and where they find resources, referrals, coaching, and help to attain the skills that can move them forward into self-sufficiency. Barbara grew up in Pasadena CA, moved to Long Beach for college, got married and started our family then moved to Seattle area ten years later. Took our youngest son on an 11-month motorhome trip to get to Tucson – Homeschooled for 10th grade. We vacationed at a rustic cabin when I was growing up, where we had no phone or television; and spent all our time outside fishing, hiking, horseback riding, listening to old radio shows, playing pool, reading comic books from the local small grocer, and using our imaginations all day long. I always admired the superheroes who defended people and cities like Gotham and Metropolis, so when our three boys were born, we named them after familiar character: Colin (Bryce for an overlay of Bruce Wayne, Kent, and Parker. Our first grandchild was born last year, and as in the family tradition, named Logan, after the Wolverine. I used to always tell them they were my superheroes – and they still are today! Barbara loves working with numbers and has always loved math and the organization of things, so accounting seemed perfect, but I soon realized that I if I became a CPA I would have to spend many months inside doing tax returns, and that did not appeal to me as a long–term career! I have a great imagination and enjoy creating things, so thought I should find a better path that might nurture that side of my personality. I was working in the shipping industry in SoCal at the time and fell in love with import and export, so shifted my majors to Marketing and International Business. Those were wonderful fits, and I imagined graduating and moving to the largest port on the planet, in Germany; then, I met my future husband and things took a different turn. A little bit about how Barbara got into Nonprofit work: All along with my husband and I were always involved in nonprofits and community volunteer opportunities, and often said it was too bad we could not make a living doing those things we loved so much. Leadership roles in PTO, Boy Scouts, Historical Societies, Junior League, Elks, Rotary and more. Then when we moved to Tucson I looked for a local opportunity to impact my community. A Board position was about to open at IMPACT, and my local bank branch manager, Peggy Smoot, suggested I would be very passionate about getting involved in the mission work there. I worked in the Food Bank. There are thousands of nonprofits in Tucson. What makes IMPACT Unique is that they bring the community together to stabilize families and move people out of poverty. Our true success lies in partnering with a large number of businesses, agencies, social clubs and other nonprofits. We invest $2.5 million in the community each year, and we do it all with a lean staff of amazing professionals supported by more than 170 volunteer shifts each week! We have put great systems in place to run efficiently, effectively and with a commitment to sustainability and integrity, protecting the community’s investment in our work, striving for perfect audits, being innovative, building capacity and most importantly – treating everyone with dignity and respect. We are an award-winning nonprofit with numerous nods to incredible customer service. Our clients are your neighbors… We improve lives and inspire futures of people living in Southern AZ. So, IMPACT is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and you have been at the helm half that time. Share with me the things IMPACT has accomplished over the years, and the things you have planned for this celebratory year.

28/09/2021 • 56:18

Dr. Jen McCormackDr. Jen McCormack is the Sr. Director of Research and Development for NAAF, a community-based nonprofit in the GuVo District, Tohono O’odham Nation. Jen has worked in policy and research with Native Nations for over two decades. A former instructor for Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC), Jen is honored to be working with NAAF and GuVo students and families. From 2007-2013, she was a research analyst with the Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy at the University of Arizona (UA) and wrote on unique issues faced by Native Nations in international border regions. She holds a M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas-Austin and a Ph.D. in Geography and American Indian Studies from UA. Jen has taught for TOCC, UA, Prescott College, Colorado College, Houston Community College and Sul Ross State University.

21/08/2021 • 52:31