26 at 6
Did you know United Way of Southwest Michigan has their own radio show!? Tuesdays at 6pm on WSJM, we’ll be airing "26 at 6,” a show that brings you 26 stories in 26 weeks! The show will be hosted by our President, Anna Murphy, who will be chatting with some great guests. You won’t want to miss it!
SHOW #1: DISASTER RECOVERY
Our first show focuses on the floods that hit Southwest Michigan back in February.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Sgt. Ron Bush – “The immediate aftermath” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Mike Hildebrand – “The impact of volunteers” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Lindsey Collard – “45 minutes to leave my home” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Sgt. Ron Bush – “The long-term recovery continues” (Listen/Download)
To listen to the entire show from WSJM 94.9, click HERE.
SHOW #2: LITERACY
In our second show we discuss early learning literacy, the importance of summer reading and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade – “Combatting ‘summer slide’” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Brent Holcomb – “Child readiness in Cass County” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Angela Brownie – “Dolly Parton Imagination Library” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Isaiah Brownie – “Llama, Llama, Red Pajama” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #3: Whirlpool & Volunteerism
Our third show focuses on Whirlpool volunteerism, particularly at Harbor House Adult Day Services, a program of Child and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan, in Benton Harbor.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Whirlpool's Matt Meier, Dave Cichocki and Erika Schreiber – “Whirlpool's impact on the community through volunteerism” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Harbor House activity coordinator Ann Barz and Harbor House clients Melvin, Jim and Phyllis – “Services for senior adults with special needs” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Whirlpool's Lindsey Booza – “Harbor House volunteer experience” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Whirlpool's Matt Meier, Dave Cichocki and Erika Schreiber – “Whirlpool cardboard boat races” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #4: FOOD ACCESS
In our fourth show, learn about how United Way of Southwest Michigan partners are increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity for all residents and making healthy choices easy for all people regardless of age, disability/mobility, or socioeconomic status.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Heather Cole of Be Healthy Berrien – "Making good food and activity choices easier” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Guy Miller of Berrien County Health Department – “Health issues of food deserts” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Heather Cole reports from a Farmers Market – “Local growers speak” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Heather Cole – “Familiarizing fresh and healthy foods” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #5: volunteer recognition event
Our fifth show recaps the 2018 Volunteer Recognition Event and introduces the volunteer award winners who have made a big difference in our community with their commitment.
CHAPTER ONE: Lindsey Zvonar, filling in for Anna Murphy, interviews Julee Laurent, Volunteer Engagement Manager at United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Volunteer impact on our community” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Lindsey with Margaret O’Neill, winner of the 2018 Sustaining Volunteer Award – “Making a difference at Meals on Wheels” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Lindsey with Pat Winans, winner of the 2018 Emerging Volunteer Award – “Helping people get around with Cars Ministry” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Lindsey with Jerry Flenar, winner of the Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award – “Lifetime of service” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #6: Mental Health & Substance Abuse
In our sixth show we feature Misty Collett, an addiction survivor and recovery coach with Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network. All four segments are dedicated to Misty's incredible journey.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Misty Collett – "Childhood abuse” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Misty Collett – “Family tragedy” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Misty Collett – “Roots of addiction” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Misty Collett – “Redemption and recovery” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #7: youth wellness
Our seventh show focuses on what youth wellness is and why it’s so important.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Zech Hoyt, Director of Early Childhood Development, at the YMCA of Southwest Michigan – "Keeping kids active” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Ashley Aldridge at the YMCA of Southwest Michigan – “Summer My Way” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Mary Andres from Well of Grace Ministries – “Young girls' self-esteem” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Katlynn Fuller, who attends Club H2O in Watervliet – “Positive change” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #8: school readiness
In our eighth show we examine the importance of school readiness at this time of year.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Margie Hadsell at Great Start Collaborative of Cass County – "How United Way and Great Start work together” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Kristen Chism at Berrien County Great Start Collaborative – “Get Ready Guide” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Sandra Kopach, School Supply Spectacular volunteer – “Why school readiness matters” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy interviews parents and kids on location at School Supply Spectacular, a backpack giveaway in Cassopolis – “Golden Ticket” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #9: community activism
Our ninth show explores how collaboration can accomplish some truly amazing things.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Charlotte Becker from United Way and Sue Willming & Jeremy Snyder from Gast Manufacturing – "What sparks community projects” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Sue Willming & Jeremy Snyder from Gast Manufacturing and Salena Jonjevic from the Safe Shelter – “How companies and nonprofits come together” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Nancy Church from Berrien County Cancer Service and David Brooks from Wolverine Pipeline – “An incredible relationship takes shape” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Lynda Nix, a client of Berrien County Cancer Service, along with David Brooks from Wolverine Pipeline and Nancy Church from BCCS – “A project makes all the difference” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #10: Job skills training
In our 10th show we discuss how job skills training programs in our community are helping individuals get ahead.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Allie Knapp, education services manager, and Zach Vaughn, director of youth services at Kinexus – "Bridge Academy” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with David Orr, construction manager at YouthBuild – “Learning while helping” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Tim Smith, executive director at Gateway Services – “Maxibility” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Jacob Brink, a client of GateWay Services – “Blind is not a barrier” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #11: campaign kickoff
This year’s campaign kickoff is the focus of our 11th show, and the many ways we make the most of it.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Mike Larson of Michigan Association of United Ways – "Unified Kickoff” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Chris Tyler of Tyler Automotive – “Win A Car” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Regina Ciaravino of Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce – “Community commitment” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Lorraine Day of Mid-West Family Broadcasting – “Fall fun” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #12: family support
In our 12th show, we cover the tough topics of child abuse prevention, intervention, protection, and therapy, as well as the importance of parenting programs to nurture healthy families.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Allie Kibler-Campbell of Berrien County Council for Children – "Prevention begins at home” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Allie Kibler-Campbell of Berrien County Council for Children – “Healing and support” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Courtney Davis of Berrien County Health Department – “Nurse-Family Partnership” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Courtney Davis of Berrien County Health Department – “Positive Parenting Program” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #13: emergency response
In our 13th show, we discuss how United Way mobilizes in times of disaster.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade of United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Worldwide and local efforts” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Bernadette Rapaich, Engagement Manager at Gryphon Place – “2-1-1 resource” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Breeze Ettl at American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan – “Preparation and response” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Yvonne Vidt at Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency – “Specific services” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #14: College & Career Readiness
Our 14th show explores what it takes to prepare young people to succeed professionally in the adult world.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade of United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Berrien College Access Network” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Phil Freeman at Lakeshore Public Schools – “Specific strategies” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Keri Haskins at Bridgman Public Schools – “Challenges and advice” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Chris Machiniak of Berrien RESA – “Program impact” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #15: MENTORING & SOCIAL SUPPORT
In our 15th show, we interview adults who are helping young people learn how to reach their potential.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Kristin Wier at LOGAN Autism Learning Center – "Overcoming hurdles” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Bill and Gennel Schaeffer, parents with LOGAN Center – “Normal is boring” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Jenny Miner at Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Lower West Michigan – “Changing lives, one-to-one” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Miner and Vickie Wagner, a volunteer – “What it takes to be BIG” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #16: FOOD INSECURITY
Our 16th show looks at the various ways organizations are addressing food insecurity for struggling individuals in our community.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade of United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Assets limited, income constrained” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Linda Strohl at Senior Nutrition Services / Meals on Wheels – “Senior meal trifecta” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Pattijean McCahill at Feeding America of West Michigan – “Community food center” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Rick Murphy of Feeding America of West Michigan – “Mobile food pantry” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #17: Local College Impact
In our 17th show, our guests explain the importance to the whole community of improving local access to high-quality education.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Charmae Sanders and Brandon Flowers at Lake Michigan College – "Start to finish” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Chokwe Pitchford, a student at Lake Michigan College – “Life lessons” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Lyndon Parrish from Southwestern Michigan College – “Removing barriers” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Candyce Buysse from Southwestern Michigan College – “Mental health counseling” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #18: Collective impact
Our 18th show showcases the collective impact efforts supported by United Way that are so vital to helping our community.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Amanda Drew, Director of Programs and Evaluation at United Way of Southwest Michigan – "What is ‘collective impact’?” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Brent Holcomb from Lewis Cass Intermediate School District – “Reading Now Network” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Mary Jo Schnell, Executive Director of the Outcenter – “Safe Schools Collaborative” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Nicki Britten from Berrien County Health Department – “Healthy Berrien Consortium” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #19: allocation process
In our 19th show, we’ll explain United Way’s allocation process.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade of United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Agenda for change & allocation cycle” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Josh Cosner, Investment Team Member from Kinexus – “Volunteer role in allocation cycle” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Amber Grundy from Camp Fire River Bend – “‘Thrive-ology’ principles” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Hank Bostic of Disability Network of Southwest Michigan – “Social Security benefits planning” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #20: days of action
Our 20th show features United Way Days of Action.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Julee Laurent, Volunteer Engagement Manager of United Way of Southwest Michigan – "Rake A Difference” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Rob Vassar & Cathy Cooper from Meijer – “Operation Thanksgiving” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Max Naumann, Rake A Difference volunteer – “Serving country & community” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Matt Malone and Jonny Reinhardt at 97.5 Y Country and 98.3 The Coast – “Culture of giving back” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #21: PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
In our 21st show, we delve into the challenges and importance of career development.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Andrew Robinson, Director at Mosaic – "Steps to greatness” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Ambi Williams, Program Manager for Jobs for Life – “Overcoming challenges” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Ricky Triplett, student at Jobs for Life – “Right direction” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Ricky Triplett, student at Jobs for Life – “Work life preparation” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #22: giving tuesday
Our 22nd show was live! On Giving Tuesday, United Way of Southwest Michigan sought to raise $2,606 for the Department of Health and Human Services, 100% of which will be used to purchase Christmas presents for local foster children. And we acknowledged donors on the air as donations came in.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Charlotte Becker of United Way of Southwest Michigan and Zack East of Midwest Family Broadcasting – "United Way’s Giving Tuesday campaign” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Hanna Lei-Sam from the Department of Health and Human Services – “What giving means to kids” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Joe Daniel from CMG Financial – “Surprise announcement” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Ryan Cheevers and Erin Glaske from United Way – “Bid United” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #23: Financial stability
In our 23rd show, we explore the challenges to financial security and how United Way programs and partners help overcome them.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Rachel Wade, Vice President of Impact and Development – "Assets limited, income constrained” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Rob Burgess, VITA volunteer - “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Pat Arter from the Area Agency on Aging – “Computer learning & employment services” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Chuck Weissflog, who was helped by Area Agency on Aging – “Insider perspective” (Listen/Download)
SHOW #25: LONG TERM RECOVERY
Our very first show back in July was focused on our long-term recovery effort in connection with the floods in February, and in this show we provide our community with an update.
CHAPTER ONE: Anna Murphy with Amanda Drew, Director of Programs & Evaluation at UWSM – "Moving forward” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER TWO: Anna Murphy with Yvonne Vidt & Sandy Klank at SWM Community Action Agency - “Immediate aftermath” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER THREE: Anna Murphy with Tammy Stanton from Niles Presbyterian Church and Laura Meyer from Neighbor to Neighbor – “Individual impact” (Listen/Download)
CHAPTER FOUR: Anna Murphy with Rockey Adams at the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office – “Future preparation” (Listen/Download)