Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Antonio Mitchell, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development for the City of Kalamazoo. He discusses how he came to be involved in this work, local business development, community development, and what cities & municipalities can do to advance family prosperity. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon, Guest: Antonio Mitchell Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Community Planning and Economic Development, City of Kalamazoo ..read more

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Alyssa Stewart, Chief Impact Officer from the United Way of South Central Michigan. We discuss the UWSCMI involvement with business development and continuing the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) work to advance family prosperity. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon, Guest: Alyssa Stewart Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Community Planning and Economic Development, City of Kalamazoo United Way of South Central Michigan ALICE Information ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Dr. Trina Shanks – Director, School of Social Work Community Engagement, Harold R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work and Faculty Associate, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research – at the University of Michigan. Dr. Shanks’ research interests include the impact of poverty and wealth on child well-being; asset-building policy and practice across the life cycle; and community and economic development. As Director of the Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-Being, she continues ongoing research and intentionally seeks and responds ..read more

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Ramon Huerta, realtor and owner of Hunt for Homes, LLC and Darnell Clay, owner of Valley Vision Construction and Development, LLC. Both identify as minority contractors here in Kalamazoo, Darnell and Ramon share about their experience in the construction field in Kalamazoo and the need for minorities to be at the table in the field of trades. Ramon and Darnell are just completing their first full home builds on 1010 and 1014 N Rose, a partnership with Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, LISC and City of Kalamazoo. They are both pas ..read more

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Kama Mitchell, Executive Director of Rootead Enrichment Center. Rootead engages community by offering culturally relevant dance, healing arts, somatic awareness, and curating spaces that reduce stress and invite healing. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guest: Kama Mitchell Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Rootead Enrichment Center World Health Organization: Social Determinants of Health ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Joshua Gray & Donovan McVey from Room 35. Room 35 is a consulting firm for entrepreneurs specializing in business strategy, coaching and ecosystem development. Room 35 is also a recipient of the City of Kalamazoo’s Business Development Fund (BDF). The BDF offers funding to local entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses with 10 or fewer employees. This empowers local entrepreneurs, builds wealth, and adds job opportunities to the community. It also helps to create more complete neighborhoods. Joshua and Donovan discuss their entrepreneur journey and the impor ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) representatives Sarah Mansberger, Director, Workforce and Community Initiatives; Isaac Carter, Principal of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career Center; and Eric Stewart, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development about workforce development, expanding opportunities for youth, and why community involvement is important to both. The KRESA Center will be a centralized facility that hosts the majority of the county’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Courses at the Career ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Frances Vicioso, Co-Director – Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) & Jen Heymoss, Vice President of Initiatives & Public Policy at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. TRHT is a community-based movement to bring about transformational and sustainable change to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism. The framework is inspired by truth and reconciliation processes that have taken place around the world, and it addresses issues ranging from cultural to more tangible transformations in institutions and policies. Hosts: Kevin Ford ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Sarah Haight, Director for 2Gen Practice Director at Ascend at the Aspen Institute, about two-generation (2Gen) approaches to improving family and community well-being. Sarah manages the national Ascend Network; two-generation practice and technical assistance strategies; national convenings, including the 2Gen Practice Institute, ThinkXChange, and roundtables on key areas of 2Gen approaches; and directs programming of special projects, including managing the Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community. Host: Kevin Ford Guest: Sarah Haight Show Notes: https://ww ..read more

On this episode, we speak with Derek Miller & Rumeal Washpun from the Fatherhood Network (FHN) of Kalamazoo. The Fatherhood Network is a support group that is aimed at strengthening family relationships before, during and after the child rearing process. Research is clear regarding the impact fathers can have on mitigating negative life outcomes for children in poverty. These strong relationships not only improve individual and families, but communities as well. Be sure to check out this incredible conversation and the excellent resources in the show notes.  Hosts: Kevin Ford & Me ..read more