What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County.Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small moments, even handing out freeze pops, into lasting community change.Together, they discuss barriers to civic participation, the importance of resident voice, and why strong communities depend on deep listening and shared ownership.If you care about community organizing, neighborhood leadership, or active citizenship in Flint, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.Visit cfgf.org to get involved. <a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Philanthropy Speaks&lt;/em&gt;, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small moments, even handing out freeze pops, into lasting community change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Together, they discuss barriers to civic participation, the importance of resident voice, and why strong communities depend on deep listening and shared ownership.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you care about community organizing, neighborhood leadership, or active citizenship in Flint, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Visit cfgf.org to get involved. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What does civic health look like in action? It starts with neighbors who know each other, trust each other, and show up. In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Damon Ross talks with Patrick McNeal, Director of the North Flint Neighborhood Action Council and leader of Civic Flint, about grassroots civic engagement in Flint and Genesee County. Patrick shares how Civic Saturdays brings blue-collar leaders together to build relationships, strengthen neighborhood leadership, and turn small m...

Civic Health with Patrick McNeal 

We’re back with a new season of Philanthropy Speaks!In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis.Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Together, they talk about how Flint chose a different path by focusing on prevention, listening to community voices, and investing in youth for the long haul.The conversation reflects on what the Flint Kids Fund helped spark across the community, how Rx Kids is changing what support can look like for families from the very beginning, and what the next decade of youth health and wellbeing in Flint and Genesee County could hold. It’s an honest look at what’s worked, what’s still needed, and why collective giving continues to matter.Learn more about the Flint Kids Fund at <a href='https://www.cfgf.org/flintkidsfund'>cfgf.org/flintkidsfund</a>. Learn more about Rx Kids at <a href='http://rxkids.org/'>rxkids.org. </a><a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;We’re back with a new season of &lt;em&gt;Philanthropy Speaks!&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. Together, they talk about how Flint chose a different path by focusing on prevention, listening to community voices, and investing in youth for the long haul.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation reflects on what the Flint Kids Fund helped spark across the community, how Rx Kids is changing what support can look like for families from the very beginning, and what the next decade of youth health and wellbeing in Flint and Genesee County could hold. It’s an honest look at what’s worked, what’s still needed, and why collective giving continues to matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Learn more about the Flint Kids Fund at &lt;a href='https://www.cfgf.org/flintkidsfund'&gt;cfgf.org/flintkidsfund&lt;/a&gt;. Learn more about Rx Kids at &lt;a href='http://rxkids.org/'&gt;rxkids.org. &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We’re back with a new season of Philanthropy Speaks! In this season-opening episode, host Lydia Starrs from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint looks back on 10 years of the Flint Kids Fund and what it has meant for Flint families since it was created after the water crisis. Lydia is joined by Dr. Mona Hanna, pediatrician, public health advocate, founding donor of the Flint Kids Fund, and founder of Rx Kids, along with Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater...

10 Years of the Flint Kids Fund with Dr. Mona Hanna

Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement.Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and develop essential skills such as public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The episode explores the mission of Youth Advisory Committees, their impact on local nonprofits, and how youth philanthropy creates long-term change in Flint and Genesee County.Join us to learn how these young leaders are creating real change and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.<a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of &lt;em&gt;Philanthropy Speaks&lt;/em&gt;. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and develop essential skills such as public speaking, advocacy, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The episode explores the mission of Youth Advisory Committees, their impact on local nonprofits, and how youth philanthropy creates long-term change in Flint and Genesee County.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join us to learn how these young leaders are creating real change and inspiring others to get involved in their communities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Discover how young leaders are shaping the future of Genesee County in this episode of Philanthropy Speaks. Host Dan Kildee, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, talks with Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members Milana Kia and Elijah Lynch about the power of youth leadership, youth-led grantmaking, and community involvement. Milana and Elijah share how participating in YAC helps high school students identify community needs, make data-informed funding decisions, and...

Youth Leading Change: Inside CFGF’s Youth Advisory Committees

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of healing, empowerment, and advocacy through programs like the Mother-Daughter Retreat and P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program. The conversation explores the organization’s deep roots in the community, the urgent need for housing and sustained funding for survivors, and how collaboration across sectors can help build a safer future for all. To learn more about YWCA Greater Flint, visit ywcaflint.org 00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy Speaks 00:11 YWCA Week Without Violence 00:25 Meet DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint 01:37 YWCA&apos;s Mission and Services 02:36 DeAndra&apos;s Journey to YWCA 03:21 Supporting Women and Girls in the Community 08:24 Current Needs at YWCA 10:39 P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program 13:02 Week Without Violence Campaign 19:20 Advocacy and Policy Changes 21:59 Envisioning a Community Without Violence 22:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts<a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Content Warning: &lt;/b&gt;&lt;em&gt;This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of healing, empowerment, and advocacy through programs like the Mother-Daughter Retreat and P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The conversation explores the organization’s deep roots in the community, the urgent need for housing and sustained funding for survivors, and how collaboration across sectors can help build a safer future for all.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;To learn more about YWCA Greater Flint, visit ywcaflint.org&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;00:00 Introduction to Philanthropy Speaks&lt;br/&gt;00:11 YWCA Week Without Violence&lt;br/&gt;00:25 Meet DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint&lt;br/&gt;01:37 YWCA&amp;apos;s Mission and Services&lt;br/&gt;02:36 DeAndra&amp;apos;s Journey to YWCA&lt;br/&gt;03:21 Supporting Women and Girls in the Community&lt;br/&gt;08:24 Current Needs at YWCA&lt;br/&gt;10:39 P.E.A.C.E. Healing Program&lt;br/&gt;13:02 Week Without Violence Campaign&lt;br/&gt;19:20 Advocacy and Policy Changes&lt;br/&gt;21:59 Envisioning a Community Without Violence&lt;br/&gt;22:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to domestic violence and sexual assault, which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, host Chakara Wheeler, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, sits down with DeAndra Larkin, CEO of YWCA Greater Flint, to recognize Week Without Violence and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Together, they discuss how YWCA Greater Flint is creating spaces of ...

Empowering Women and Families with DeAndra Larkin

What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach. The fund has grown into a trusted partner for Clio families, through the Safety Net Store, and its new big move into the former Lacure Elementary School. This new community hub will bring together food, healthcare, workforce, and wraparound supports in a way that strengthens relationships and builds opportunity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of federal funding cuts, the current needs of Michigan families, why collaboration between local businesses, government, and nonprofits is essential for sustainable solutions. Tune in to hear how this neighbor-to-neighbor model is redefining service delivery.To learn more about the Clio Area Human Services Fund, visit their <a href='https://www.facebook.com/ClioHumanServices'>Facebook page.</a> <a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx">Support the show</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of &lt;em&gt;Philanthropy Speaks&lt;/em&gt;, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The fund has grown into a trusted partner for Clio families, through the Safety Net Store, and its new big move into the former Lacure Elementary School. This new community hub will bring together food, healthcare, workforce, and wraparound supports in a way that strengthens relationships and builds opportunity. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation also touches on the challenges of federal funding cuts, the current needs of Michigan families, why collaboration between local businesses, government, and nonprofits is essential for sustainable solutions. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tune in to hear how this neighbor-to-neighbor model is redefining service delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To learn more about the Clio Area Human Services Fund, visit their &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/ClioHumanServices'&gt;Facebook page.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://cfgf.iphiview.com/cfgf/OnlineDonation/tabid/542/dispatch/contribution_id$36604_hash$19687e111f9c4f13f315f4389c840d65bf415a49/Default.aspx"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What does it look like when a community pantry feels more like a neighbor’s living room? In this episode of Philanthropy Speaks, co-hosts Jennifer Farrington, Senior Program Officer and Damon Ross, Program Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint sit down with Nate Jonker, Treasurer of the Clio Area Human Services Fund, to explore how the organization in northern Genesee County is tackling food insecurity, rural poverty, and access to basic needs with a fresh approach.  The f...

Wraparound Support for Families: Clio Area Human Services Fund 

A podcast by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Philanthropy Speaks brings you candid conversations with leaders from the nonprofit sector and inspiring individuals who are making an impact in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan. Tune in as we explore the stories and initiatives driving positive change in our community.

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