MY New Place Podcast

Shawn and Todd from the City of Mankato join us to talk about how the city is improving transportation accessibility—especially for the community we serve.

Heather and Coralyn discuss the importance of our amazing corporate partners in our community that make a difference by volunteering their time at MY Place

Wilbur is the founding Director of Open arts MN who creates and fosters inclusive artistic activities for people with disabilities who are of diverse abilities and ages seeking opportunities to discover their unique creative gifts, develop and practice skills, and share their creations in a supportive, compassionate environment.

Sheila a mom of a volunteer at MY Place and Nate who comes and reads with kids talk about what it's like to have the opportunity to have an impact in their community.

Today's episode of the MY New Place Podcast features long time supporter and founding board member, Ryan McKeown. Ryan and Erin talk about the early days of MY Place and what led Ryan to involvement and support of the organization. Ryan shares why the music program is special to him. Make sure you listen to the very end, Ryan makes an offer that will be hard to refuse for next year's Block...

Debbie Ogren with the Integrity Group at True Real Estate is a community leader who supports many organizations. She recently shared her personal story at the Greater Mankato Area United Way's Women with Heart Luncheon. She is our guest on the podcast today, talking about where she has been in life, but more importantly, where she is going. Debbie's message of hope and compassion is needed...

On this week's MY New Place podcast, we're highlighting the importance of our relationship with the teachers in District 77. Jess Kelly is a 5th Grade teacher at Kennedy Elementary in Mankato. Her relationship with MY Place began during Covid-19 distance learning (we know, we don't like to remember that time either). Erin and Jess are discussing the unique opportunity MY Place had duri...

This week on the MY New Place podcast, we're talking to Coralyn Musser. Coralyn is the Vice President of Marketing, Outreach & Engagement at MEI and a volunteer at MY Place. Coralyn is sharing her story of working with MY Place including helping students prepare for the Science Fair. She also spearheaded efforts with her colleagues at MEI to bring the kids of MY Place new school shoes and...

The MY New Place podcast returns this week with Darin Woitas the Project Manager with APX Construction Group. APX is the General Contractor for MY Place's renovation and expansion. Tune in to hear about building progress expected completion date and how this project has become near and dear to the project team's heart.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers contribute to the mission of MY Place. You have heard from several of our volunteers here on the MY New Place podcast! Today we're talking to Mary Finseth who has been volunteering at MY Place for over a year. A retired teacher, Mary is one of our van drivers. She's sharing her experience working with the kids of MY Place.

From creating a summer camp experience for the kids of MY Place to a tie dye near disaster, the partnership with Kiwanis and MY Place has a rich history. Today's episode features Liz Paul, Kiwanis Club President. Liz and Erin share some great stories and exciting updates including the Kiwanis donation of a playground for MY Place's new location.

Andy Nessler is the chair of the MY Place Board of Directors. He's our guest on the MY New Place Podcast today with Laura Stevens. Andy talks about his experience with MY Place from being on the founders committee to now being the board chair. He also talks about the importance of the new space as renovations continue at 1315 Stadium Road.

Dr. Katie Smentek + Dr. Nancy Dobson with Mankato Clinic are the guests on the MY Place podcast today. The pair talk about how MY Place contributes to wellness for the kids they serve. They will discuss nutrition, gaps in healthcare for kids experiencing poverty and the importance of movement and play. As well as how the new MY Place location will lead to additional wellness opportunities for kids...

Laura Bowman is one of the founding board members of the MY Place organization. Laura is our guest on the podcast today, she is sharing her experience as a board member and advocate for the kids of MY Place. She also shares an important message about how the community can get involved and spread the mission of MY Place.

Today's episode is full of love and truly showcases how the community comes together to lift up the kids of MY Place and enrich their lives. Natasha is the owner of The Wooden Spoon, her restaurant provides hot meals to MY Place at no cost to the organization. Chef B. shares stories of how far the nutrition program has come. Rachel Jones with the University of Minnesota Extension teaches MY Pl...

Community volunteers are an integral part of MY Place's ability to fulfill their mission. Today on the MY New Place podcast, volunteers Dr. Steve Haugen and Ben Greer are sharing their 'why'. Learn more about the importance of volunteers as well as how working with the kids at MY Place impacts Steve and Ben's lives. Executive Director, Erin Simmons, speaks to the importance of havi...

Dr. Dani Scott from MSU is our guest today on the MY New Place podcast. Dr. Scott helped bring the Rec & Read program to MY Place - which is a favorite of the kids. Dr. Scott is talking about the impact that the program has on the kids and the MSU students who facilitate it. Dr. Scott is a wealth of knowledge on literacy, inclusion and representation. Tune in to hear why these important topics...

It takes a lot of patience, dedication and love to be on the MY Place staff. These are the individuals working with the kids day in and day out. Today on the podcast we're talking to 4 of the MY Place staff, Brandon, Manuel, Anna and Gracie. They're sharing heartwarming moments, challenges and excitement about the new location. Learn more about MY New Place here .

Welcome to the MY New Place podcast! This podcast features an inside look at the stories and people who help create a space for area youth to feel safe, develop relationships and reach their full potential.  On today’s podcast we have MY Place Executive Director Erin Simmons and Founding Board Member Les Koppendrayer.