Inspiring Good

In this episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, join us as we delve into the heartwarming and impactful work of First Light Mission. Established as the Goshen Interfaith Hospitality Network in 1995, the organization has grown exponentially, now providing much-needed shelter, support, and resources to unhoused families in the Goshen area. With Mindy Morehead, who leads the organization, we discuss t...

Join us for a deep dive into the Building Strong Brains initiative, a transformative project dedicated to early childhood development in Elkhart County. Hosted by Marshall King and Kevin Deary, this episode features insights from Dr. Kimberly Boynton on engaging parents as key partners in their children's education. Understand the critical role of parental involvement in ensuring kindergarten...

Ever wondered how an inclusive environment can profoundly impact mental health support? Francis Disori, the executive director of Lexington House, joins us to discuss the transformative clubhouse model and its origins with the WANA group in 1970s New York City. Discover how this model fosters a supportive community in Elkhart County, where staff and members collaborate as equals, promoting mutual...

The conversation revolved around leadership, community impact, and philanthropy in nonprofit organizations. Cien Asoera emphasized the importance of giving back to the community, while Marshall V. King highlighted the organization's growth and change over the past decade. Kevin Deary, Pete McCown, and Asoera discussed the significance of leadership, communication, and strategic thinking in no...

Ever wonder how community foundations manage to significantly impact local communities? In today's episode, our hosts, Kevin Deary and Marshall King, get insights from Dr. Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, about strategies for managing diverse funds, including scholarships, endowments, and donor-advised funds. The discussion covers the mission and vision of...

In this empowering episode of "Breanna Allen on rebuilding Tolson Center," we delve into the transformative journey of the Tolson Center for Community Excellence. We witness the transformation of this community center since its humble beginnings in the 1920s, touching on its cultural, inclusive, and empowering roots. The visionary leadership of the Tolson family laid a foundational path...

In this captivating episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary engage Brittany Short in a stimulating discussion on creating, expanding, and transforming communities in Elkhart County via trails and pathways. Brittany Short, a trail advocate and principal player in the local Connect initiative and Pumpkinvine Cyclery, shares her inspiring journey of advocating and i...

Navigating the tumultuous sea of grief is a journey that necessitates empathy, understanding, and profound support, especially when dealing with children. On this podcast episode of "Aileac Deegan on Navigating Grief", we delve into the transformative journey of Aileac Deegan, the CEO of Ryan's Place, a children's grief support center in Goshen. Aliyak's story is not just...

In this episode of "Eric Garton on tending Wellfield's gardens," we plunge into the vibrant world of Wellfield Botanic Gardens, a sanctuary of nature in the center of Elkhart, Indiana. A dream meticulously nurtured with dedication and passion, the gardens now stand as a community heart, uniting people in their shared love for nature. Today, we dive into this fascinating journey of h...

In this transformative episode of "Inspiring Good," hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary unravel the touching history and virtues of the Bashor Children's Home, an enduring beacon of hope for the children of Elkhart County. This incredible organization, founded by John and Emaline Bashor, has been transforming lives for nearly a century, standing firm throughout the decades as a have...

William (Bill) Purcell returns to Crossroads United Way of Elkhart, LaGrange & Noble Counties after almost 30 years, from when he was Vice President of the United Way of Elkhart. Prior to returning to United Way, Bill was a faculty member, advisor and administrator at the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame for over 18 years. He also served in nonprofit and ecclesial lea...

Rebecca Shetler Fast is president and CEO of CAPS, which works to keep kids safe from harm and help support families in Elkhart County. Rebecca grew up in Canada and graduated from Goshen College. She worked in Haiti with Mennonite Central Committee, but came back to Goshen to be closer to family and is now a key part of one of Elkhart County's important organizations. Our conversation with h...