Community Connections

Join Kings Partnership and the Kings County Department of Public Health for an informative conversation about opioid overdose prevention, substance use disorder, and the resources available to support individuals and families in Kings County. Learn how local partners are working together to reduce overdose-related deaths, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and strengthen community a...

In this episode of Community Connections , we are joined by Laura Gromis, Executive Director of USGBC Central California, for a conversation on Building a Resilient Central Valley . Together, we discuss extreme heat as a growing public health and community resilience issue, how our homes and neighborhoods impact our ability to stay safe, and simple steps residents can take to stay cooler and reduc...

In this episode, we are going to be discussing Familias Unidas, a family centered program designed to strengthen family relationships and support youth development provided through Kings Partnership. We will also share information about our upcoming third cohort. For more information contact:  Program Coordinator, Gisselle Tamayo at gisselle@kpfp.org or 559-242-6458  Program Support Specialist, Ca...

In this episode, we’ll be diving into Jesus’s life story, exploring his journey through substance use, the challenges he faced along the way, and the strength it took to overcome those experiences. We’ll also be talking about healing, growth, and the importance of sharing lived experiences to inspire and support others in our community. Support the show

In this episode of the Community Connections Podcast, host Iranda Ramirez, Outreach Specialist for Kings Partnership, sits down with Barbara Holland, Program Coordinator for the Youth and Family Tree Program in Hanford through WestCare California, Inc. During this meaningful conversation Barbara shares her passion for supporting youth and families impacted by substance use and discusses the work h...

In this episode of Community Connections , Gisselle is joined with Christianna Percell, Principal at Learn4Life, for a thoughtful conversation about the transformative roles of community, collaboration, wellness, and breaking down barriers each play in supporting student success. Christianna has been in education for close to three decades with a focus on implementing alternative education models...

In this powerful and honest conversation, host Gaby is joined by Devonderia Sanchez of Finding Inner Transformation and KPFP co-host Gisselle Tamayo for a deep dive into what it really means to lead with both strength and vulnerability. Together, they explore the often unspoken challenges leaders face around mental health, breaking down misconceptions, addressing the pressure to “have it all toget...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Aliyah Ortiz from Kings Partnership is joined by special guest Cristal Garcia from SOL Youth to dive into the vital work being done to support and uplift today’s youth. Together, they explore how SOL Youth is creating meaningful change by empowering youth with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to resist substance use. This episode highlights ho...

In this episode of Community Connections , Jennifer Quiñonez from Kings Partnership for Prevention sits down with Lori Willson, Executive Director of the Central Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. They discuss the growing impact of extreme heat in Kings County, how families can recognize heat related illnesses, and what steps communities can take to stay prepared. Lori also shares how the R...

In this episode of the Community Connection Podcast, Iranda Ramirez and Carolina Soto from Kings Partnerships discuss the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Initiative — a community-driven effort focused on preparing Kings County for rising temperatures and protecting our most vulnerable residents. From power outages and outdoor work conditions to caring for seniors and children during heat wav...

In this episode, we’re joined by Neal Sundberg, the Director of Coaching at BrightLife Kids to explore how free and virtual behavioral health coaching is supporting children ages 0–12 and their caregivers. We discuss the most common challenges parents are facing today. From big emotions and behavior struggles to anxiety and how early support can positively change a child’s long-term outcomes. You’...

Community Connections , a Kings Partnership Podcast, explores substance use, overdose awareness, and harm reduction in our community. In this episode, Iranda Ramirez and Aliyah break down stimulants and opioids, explain how they affect the body, and highlight the life-saving power of naloxone. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation focused on awareness, safety, and saving lives. Support...

Community Connection presents the episode “Heart of Childcare,” hosted by Gaby from Kings Partnership and featuring Veronica Puga, owner of Building Blocks to Learning Childcare. In this episode, Veronica shares her passion for early childhood education, the heart behind her childcare center, and how quality care supports children’s academic, social, and emotional development while strengthening f...

In this episode of Community Connections, we highlight another beloved local food business! Sit down with host, Gisselle Tamayo, and owner of CornerStone Cafe, Santiago Rodriguez, as they chat about the cafe’s Hanford roots, its role in bringing community together, and the feel-good dishes that keep locals coming back. Hear how a passion for food transformed into a local eatery rooted in purpose a...

Kings Partnership's Executive Director Gaby hosts the Community Connection Podcast and welcomes Hillary Perez-Godfrey, Director of Business Development & Client Engagement at My Diabetes Tutor. Hillary shares her story, her work, and practical guidance for navigating diabetes. Sponsored by Episcopal Church of the Saviour. Support the show

Join Aliyah Ortiz , Program Coordinator, and Iranda Ramirez , NEW Community Specialist, as they dive into what the Kings Partnership Substance Use Prevention Program is all about. A community united against substance misuse, the KPFP Substance Use Prevention Program brings you inspiring conversations about resilience, education, and empowerment . Tune in to learn how local initiatives and everyday...

We’re excited to feature Brandy Swisher , with Kings Water Alliance, in this new episode of Community Connections!  Brandy shares how KWA is helping Kings County residents who rely on private wells learn about their water’s nitrate levels through free testing — and by delivering bottled water to nitrate-impacted households. These efforts protect local water, support community health, and ensure sa...

In this episode, we explore The Power of Journaling: Writing as a Tool for Mental Health and Self-Discovery with special guest Martha Martinez, host of journaling workshops. Martha shares how she guides individuals in using writing as a form of healing, reflection, and personal growth. Together, we discuss the mental health benefits of journaling, the ways it helps people process emotions, and how...

In this episode, explore how 211 serves as a vital connection point for Kings County residents seeking housing, food, mental health support, and more. We dive into the most requested resources, shifting community needs, and insights that highlights 211’s real-life impact. We also take a closer look at the Smart Referral Network (SRN)—a growing system that connects local organizations & agencie...

In this episode of Community Connections , Karina Casarez, Financial Analyst at Kings Partnership, speaks with Amaranta Henriquez, CEO and founder of Luminous Mental Health in the Bronx, New York. We explore how other communities address mental health and wellness and what lessons can be applied locally. Amaranta shares her journey in building a practice that provides evidence-based care tailored...

In this episode of Community Connections , we sit down with Danielle Grassi, Youth Advocate from the Central Valley Justice Coalition to discuss the fight against human trafficking, their work in prevention, and how they empower the community to take action. Special thanks to our Silver Sponsor, CalViva Health , for making this conversation possible. Support the show

Join us as we sit down with Josiah Panduro , a passionate youth representative from our Rise Above Youth Empowerment Program funded by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation through the Elevate Youth California grant. Hear how he's turning challenges into change and leading the charge for prevention and advocacy in his personal development. Tune in now, your dose of inspiration starts here! ...

 In this episode of Community Connections, host Jennifer Quinonez sits down with Alexander Mena from Kings County Office of Emergency Services to discuss the county’s growing efforts to tackle extreme heat through community resilience planning. Learn how local agencies are working together to identify climate risks, strengthen emergency response, and uplift community voices. Whether you're a...

In this episode, host Marilyn Castaneda sits down with Edgar Puga, one of the owners of Gotti’s Kitchen—a beloved local Mexican-American food business that has grown from a humble dream into a vital part of the community. Edgar shares the inspiring story behind Gotti’s beginnings, including the early challenges and passion that fueled their first steps. More than just a restaurant, Gotti’s Kitchen...

Join host Gisselle Tamayo as she sits down with her colleague Aliyah Ortiz, Program Coordinator at Kings Partnership, to talk about Rise Above —a youth empowerment program that’s helping youth build leadership, prioritize mental health, and prevent substance use. Aliyah shares how the program creates safe, welcoming spaces where young people can connect, lead, and grow. From peer support to preven...