Together, We're Better!
By Building Our Future in Kenosha County
Together, We're Better! May 06, 2024
Episode 30: Empowering Parents: Inside the Help Me Grow Initiative with KAC Experts
Join us this month on the Together, We’re Better Podcast as we delve into the invaluable initiative known as Help Me Grow (HMG) with special guests from KAC. HMG is a nationwide system model designed to support parents and caregivers in accessing the best resources for child development and family wellness. Discover how this FREE helpline provides vital information and assistance tailored to children aged from birth to 5 years old, helping parents track their child’s growth and development at every stage. Learn about KAC's integral role in this program within Kenosha and how it originated from the Building Our Future’s Smart Beginnings Network, a collective of early childhood professionals dedicated to ensuring all children in Kenosha County enter kindergarten ready to learn on the first day of school. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode!
Learn more about Help Me Grow (HMG) here: helpmegrowkenosha.org
Join the Sparkler community today and enter code '𝐇𝐌𝐆𝐊' to access exclusive benefits.
Sparkler is more than just an app—it's a lifeline for parents, offering essential information and resources to ensure their children's developmental success, all at their fingertips and completely free of charge. Aligned with Help Me Grow's mission of supporting families to improve child developmental outcomes, Sparkler is poised to make a significant impact.
Episode 29: The Power of Literacy!
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.
Episode 28: New Year, New Library!
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/
Episode 27 - Diversity & Recruitment with the Kenosha Fire Department
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
Episode 26 - BOF's Continuous Improvement Cohort
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!
Episode 25 - Walking School Bus: Empowering Students, Empowering Communities
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.
Episode 24 -Driving Success through the Sparks Program: A Conversation with JP Moran and President John Swallow
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/
Episode 23 - Introducing CCN
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/
Episode 22 - Elevating Youth Voice
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
Episode 21 - Why DEI Training?
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/
Episode 20 - KPD & The Community
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!
Episode 19 - So... What do you do?
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/
Episode 18 - Schools & Communities Together
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.
Episode 17 - Results Really Count
In our partnership, we often talk about the importance of creating a culture of continuous improvement, an ongoing effort to improve services and supports for children and families to improve a community-level outcome. These efforts seek incremental improvement over time.
In this episode, we sit down with the leadership team at the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha – largest provider of after-school activities, delinquency and gang prevention programs, youth employment opportunities, arts programs, and sports/recreation programs – as they reflect on their experience in participating in BOF’s Results Count Cohort and how it has helped to shape the amazing work they are engaged in.
Tara Panasewicz, CEO of The Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha had this to say when asked what her organization learned that would improve their services to the community through the Results Count Cohort.
“The tools that we have learned through this cohort has changed how we approach our work. From now on we will do data walks as a team… We will find new and innovative ways to present data... This cohort has given us the courage to be open to change and not just do things the way we’ve always done them. We will strategically ask ourselves the 5 Whys and determine if there is a way to get better results…”
Building Our Future’s continuous improvement process is called Results Count. Learn more about our work here:https://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/results-count.html
Episode 16 - The Work Continues
In this month's episode, Lawrence Kirby sits down and has a great conversation with Brandon Morris reflecting on his time as the Community Engagement Network Manager for Building Our Future, his plans for the future and how he will continue to engage in the work of helping every child succeed in school and in life from cradle to career.
Using Data as a Flashlight and NOT a Weapon
This week, we sit down with Kristin Kappleman and Kevin Meagher, both Data Managers for backbone partnerships. This episode will give you insight into the intentionality required to share data effectively with others. At Building Our Future, we strive to use data as a flashlight and not a weapon. Data isn't just numbers; it's any information gathered. It's powerful to help us understand what’s changed over time and in other communities, and it can be used to support policy change, especially when the community shares their lived experiences to help bring the data to life. We invite you to challenge yourselves by using and viewing data from an asset-based lens.
Explore Kenosha County's Dashboard here: https://www.buildingourfuturekc.org/county-overview.html
Building Community with the Kenosha Fire Department
Today, we’re going to speak with Ezekiel Thompkins, Harry Tolbert, Kristin Kaminski, and Louie Sosa, all Firefighters of the Kenosha Fire Department. They will share their combined 67 years of experience and build awareness around opportunities to begin your very own family-sustaining career in fire service here in our Kenosha community. "Unfortunately, we sometimes have to meet families on one of the most horrific days of their life, but thankfully we chose a career that gives us the opportunity to turn some of those families' horrific days into an optimistic future; that being the career of a Firefighter for the Kenosha Fire Department."
Our partners at the Kenosha Fire Department are looking to grow their work family! Learn more and apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/.../347.../firefighter-emt...
This awesome video takes a look inside the Fire Department.
The Youth Takeover: Part 2
In Youth Takeover Part 2, Community Engagement Manager Brandon Morris continues his discussions with 6 of the 11 students involved in BOF’s Youth Leadership Cohort. The students share their experiences and opinions on the Youth Town Hall School Board Candidate Forum held last month. Tune in to learn more about these remarkable high school students in Kenosha County.
In Part 2, you’ll hear from six students from Bradford, Tremper and Indian Trail High School & Academy representing the Junior and Senior Class: Marciara, Ben, Ariana, Jacob, Aniyah and Eric.
The Youth Takeover: Part 1
This week, we’re speaking with 5 of the 12 youth from BOF’s Youth Leadership Cohort to not only hear about who they are and their wins and challenges as high schoolers, but to also hear their take on the 3-month leadership cohort that is leading up to the Youth Town Hall School Board Candidate Forum.
In this lively episode you’ll hear from five students from Bradford and Indian Trail High School & Academy representing the Junior and Senior Class: Alana, Ariana, Mer, Aniyah, Ja'Nya.
Please join us in supporting our youth on Tuesday, March 29th, 6:30pm – 8pm at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium; Doors will open at 6pm. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1072799403450548?ref=newsfeed
BOF: The Team Behind the Work!
Check out this month’s episode where you learn more about the people behind the work at Building Our Future.
You'll hear from Data Manager, Kevin Meagher, Director of Impact and Strategy, Lynn Debilzen, Community Engagement Manager, Brandon Morris, and Executive Director, Tatjana Bicanin as they share who they are personally, and highlights of the collaborative work to improve educational, economic, and social mobility outcomes for Kenosha County youth and families!
Kenosha County Health Equity Taskforce
This week, we’re speaking with Dr. Jen Freiheit, Health Officer/Director for Kenosha County Public Health, Tamarra Coleman, Executive Director for Shalom Center and Kirsten Gundersen, Kenosha County Public Health Strategist for Kenosha County Public Health to hear about the evolution of the Kenosha County Health Equity Taskforce. They’ll share their wins, challenges, and learnings through their boots on the ground approach over the last 12 months.
Kirsten Gundersen, Kenosha County Public Health Strategist for Health Equity shares, “... as a Kenosha County Public Health entity, we learned a lot about how important it is to keep going back (to the underserved neighborhoods and small businesses) because that’s a part of building trust …. that’s a way to achieve systemic change.”
How Libraries Can Transform Communities
In episode nine of Together, We’re Better, Building Our Future Community Engagement Manager Brandon Morris hosts a conversation with Zander Miller (Kenosha Public Library Digital Strategy Librarian), Barb Brattin (Kenosha Public Library Director) and Cindy Fesemyer (State Library Consultant: Adult & Community Services) as they discuss the Wisconsin Libraries Transforming Communities cohort, a state-level community engagement training conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Division for Libraries and Technology in partnership with the American Library Association.
When asked how Building Our Future was identified as a partner for this project, Barb Brattin explains, “It was very clear if you know anything about Building Our Future, community engagement is a very large part of what they do. The partnership was already conducting the same community outreach around the topic of student success in our city, so it seemed like a natural fit to put these two organizations together.”
The history of Building Our Future
Today, we’re going to hear about the history of Building Our Future (BOF). Jean Moran, retired CEO of LMI Packaging, Todd Battle, president of Kenosha Area Business Alliance and Tatjana Bicanin, executive director of Building Our Future walk down memory lane on how Building Our Future became the first collective impact initiative in Kenosha County to address social and educational outcomes in Kenosha County.
Together, we’ll learn about the origin of Building Our Future and how the partnership has evolved over the past five years.
Learn more about BOF at buildingourfuturekc.org
Parents Advocating for Child Care
In episode 7 of Together, We’re Better, Community Engagement Manager Brandon Morris talks with our local Parent Advocates and our partners from the Wisconsin Partnership – a collaborative effort of the four StriveTogether-affiliated local collective impact partnerships in Wisconsin, about how parents can lead change in their communities, specifically for early childhood care and education.
One parent advocate, Ashley Wells, explains how the PACC Fellowship equipped her with the necessary skills to confidently speak with her elected representatives and inspire other parents to use their power as a parent to make changes.
Parents Advocate for Child Care (PACC) Fellows: Ashley Wells, Genevieve Gerou and Patrick Langston
A Community Where Early Learning is Centered
In episode six Together, We’re Better, Building Our Future Community Engagement Manager Brandon Morris hosts a conversation with Atifa Robinson, Luanne Rohde, Dr. Diane Gerlach and Lynn Debilzen as they discuss the Early Learning Nation Team which is efforts connected to a national movement. But locally, it is a three year action plan that is focused on creating a space for families and a community where early learning is truly at the center.
Atifa Robinson (Community Strategist-Kenosha, UW School of Medicine and Public Health) expresses, “I wanted to be a part of the Early Learning Nation Cohort because the Early Learning Nation focuses on networking with community leaders, looking at neighborhood resources/barriers and improving policies to help children and families be successful…promoting a healthy community for all."
Why Young Voices Matter
In the fifth episode of Together, We're Better, Brandon Morris hosts a conversation with the EquiTeens: Sophia Hysaw, Meredith Kaufmann and Alana Carmickle; three Seniors at Indian Trail High School Academy. In this conversation you will hear a range of topics -- virtual learning experience, vaccination for students, require or not require wearing a mask, communication within the schools, student curriculum and more! You'll want to listen to this 30-minutes of Why Young Voices Matters!
Taking The Time To Make Results Count
Getting It Done at The Community Level
“You’ll never get that sense of community until you become a part of the community and actually get out there, so get there and do something and see what you can do to help yourself grow and help your neighbors grow at the same time,” says Liz Webb. She and the group talk about their engagement and commitment to stay in the neighborhood work.
Building Community
In episode two of Together, We’re Better, Brandon Morris hosts a conversation with Brittany Meyer, 2nd/3rd Teacher at Wilson Elementary and Gabrielle Hood President of Clear Technology Solutions of Wisconsin. Together they talk about the importance of building community. When it comes to building community, Brittany believes, "it's important that parents know that they are speaking with people that have their best intentions, that are going to be real with them and that it's a safe space especially after COVID."
Real Talk: Shattering the stigma on Mental Health
In the first episode of Together, We're Better, Brandon Morris hosts a conversation with licensed therapist, speaker, consultant, media contributor and CEO of Beloved Wellness Center Dr. Dominique Pritchett and Behavioral Health Manager of Kenosha County Division of Aging, Disability and Behavioral Health Services, Kari Foss. Together they talk about the stigma towards mental health and how to normalize mental wellness. You'll want to listen to the 30-minutes of Real Talk!
Intro to Building Our Future
“BOF” = Building Our Future! Building Our Future is a catalyst for systems change, aligning our members’ collective work to ensure success for all children, regardless of race, zip cope or circumstance. Why? Cause ‘Schools Can’t Do It Alone’ nor should they have to.