The Nonprofit Leader's Guide by Boundless

This year as you do your spring cleaning, why not declutter your mind as well. In this episode we have great tips for being more focused and less stressed. Join two professional counselors Dr. Jamie Jones, Boundless, and Danielle Smart, client navigator, Ohio NAMI, who share proven ways to achieve better mental health. They join our host Scott Light to discuss meditation, breathing exercises, jour...

For Developmental Disability Awareness Month Bob Evans Farms partnered with Boundless to help build confidence and connections through cooking recipes with Bob Evans Farms products. Hear how four women we serve through our adult day program Without Walls (WoW) joined four food scientists/chefs from Bob Evans Farms at our SmartHome to cook together. Guests Hope Johnson, supervisor of the WoW progra...

Dating is tough for many people in this day and age and can be even more difficult if you are an adult with disabilities. Our host, Scott Light, is joined by Julie, a mom of an adult son with autism who has experienced dating, and Ana Santos, residential manager at Boundless, who works with many adults who desire to be in romantic relationships. With shows like Love on the Spectrum this topic is b...

When asked, “Who was/is a mentor to you?” We can all probably think of one or more people who have made significant impacts on our lives. Mentors are vital in learning social skills, working through tough situations, and helping you find the right place in your community. Boundless staff members Kelli James and Kiara James join host, Scott Light, to share stories about how mentors have impacted th...

Hear from two mothers who both lost a loved one during the holidays last year and what lessons they learned and are willing to share with others. Karen Cousins, program director, NAMI Franklin County and Dr. Jill Crane, psychology post-doctoral fellow, Boundless, join host Scott Light for some heartfelt suggestions on not caving to expectations and celebrating in a way that works for you.  Send us...

We’ve heard many times before that you can’t care for others if you’re not caring for yourself, but it’s easy to overlook your needs and feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. We are facing a burnout epidemic and caregivers are being hit the hardest, but the good news is you’re not alone. People around the country are dealing with these same issues and have found solutions to help them balance the...

We’ve reached that time of year where it seems everyday is filled with planning and prepping for upcoming holidays and family gatherings. This can be especially stressful for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their caretakers. What do you do if your loved one doesn’t want to wear a Halloween costume? Doesn't like anything prepared for Thanksgiving? Or your family gets...

We recognize the hard work that goes into being a Direct Support Professional (DSP). But it's a great career for those who have compassion and want to improve the lives of others. We just celebrated DSP Appreciation Week and Janet Griffiths nominated her daughter's DSP, Marquita, to be recognized for the 20 years she's helped Lori and their family. And Jayme Jurkovac joins host Scot...

We discuss stigmas and misconceptions around adults with disabilities and why we must respect their life choices. Listen in as Ana Santos, residential manager at Boundless, and Jen Adkins, a 48-year-old woman who is a self-advocate and her own guardian, discuss the challenges they face while out in the community ordering alcoholic beverages. Beth Boswell, community engagement & partnerships co...

Listen to learn how authors with autism are writing books who have autistic characters as they share their own voices.  How have libraries changed to become more inclusive to those with disabilities? They are no longer just quiet places. Kristen Messer, autism clinic director at Boundless, and Kris Hickey, youth services manager at the Whetstone branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, join ho...

Let's be honest, that momentous road trip where everyone sang songs, counted license plates from multiple states, and no one asked, 'Are we there yet' -- was still stressful.  Factor in a child or adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities and that stress can be amplified. On this episode, you'll hear from two travel experts, who are also advocates for travel inclus...

Dr. John Ackerman, Nationwide Children's Clinical Manager for the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research joins Dr. Jamie Jones, Clinical Supervisor at Boundless Health, for a broad and frank discussion on mental health and suicide prevention, with special attention paid to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Both John and Jamie discuss effective ways to have tough con...

This episode follows Timothy Blackwell through his journey as an artist with autism. He has been drawing since he could hold a pencil. Next year his creations will be displayed in a solo art show! Learn how he recently became a paid freelance artist. Boundless has provided Tim with counseling, peer mentoring, community outings, and now MAX coaching services. A call for local artists helped him rec...

Focusing on your fitness doesn't mean you have to do something you don't like. Learn how having choices can increase your desire to get moving. Join Peggy Mills, owner of Valemee Fitness, Amy Finkle, behavior analyst at Boundless, and Ryan Burnett, assistive technology manager, to hear how individuals with disabilities are working out all around town and at Boundless. They join our host,...

Let's be honest, we're hearty folks here in Ohio as our winter months bring loads of cold weather, gray skies, and frozen water of several iterations. All of which send the sun back into the shadows. Yes, we're used to it, but it doesn't mean we're not truly affected by it. Those factors and more lead to seasonal affective disorder and it's real.  It's not just t...

Learn how our Parent Directed Program (PDP) lifts the weight off parents’ shoulders. Join Amanda Ryther, PDP parent, as she shares how she learned to best support her daughter Maddie and find time for herself again. Matthew Chapman, PDP administrative team member at Boundless, joins host Scott Light and explains how this unique program allows parents to get paid for caring for their loved one or h...

Finding the right Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies improve overall health, build confidence, and help with verbal language. When can you get a language and device consultation? What is the process of pairing the right device with an individual? Join Brad Whitmoyer as he uses his eye tracker technology and a mouse/clicker activated by his knee to share his experiences b...

With the holidays on the horizon, it is officially the season of giving and philanthropy. How do businesses build partnerships with organizations? What is “trust philanthropy”? And how does it benefit nonprofits? Join us to hear how Central Ohio businesses are helping the community. Erin Shannon, corporate relations manager of White Castle, and Christina Brown, regional director of community phila...

Did you know that being grateful can change your brain chemistry? What is a gratitude jar? Join us to learn practical things that you can do to embrace gratitude, improve your attitude, and enhance your life. Tammy Battle, state nursing director at Boundless, and Rachelle Martin, executive director of NAMI Franklin County, join our host Scott Light to share tips on being thankful this holiday seas...

Organizations across Central Ohio are creating more and more successful, sensory-friendly events and providing a wide array of recreation activities tailored to the individual. Learn how rewarding these experiences are, not only for attendees but also for performers, staff, and entire organizations. Heather Garner (executive director of the New Albany Symphony), Rae Nutter (recreation therapist wi...

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Offering people more choices has changed how we serve individuals and given them more opportunities to smile. Boundless staff members Susie Burke, director of quality assurance, and Todd Mitchell, operations manager, join host, Scott Light to share their decades of experience. They discuss the honor of families trusting them with their loved ones, getting through tough days with calmness and kindn...

Is there such a thing as a runner's high? Why does a gym buddy make or break a fitness goal? What can't doctors learn from a textbook? All this and more as we discuss how Ohio State medical students, the YMCA of Central Ohio, and Boundless came together to design a fitness program specifically for people with I/DD. This week's guests include Ka Ren Steele (Boundless), Dr. Mark Troye...

Today we are exploring OhioRISE—a major new behavioral health program for children with mental, emotional, and substance abuse needs. Listen in to hear how it's impacting families. Our guests include Lisa Clark (Boundless state director of care coordination and management), Shannon Hunter (family engagement director at Aetna), Marisa Weisel (deputy director of strategic initiatives, Ohio Medi...

Back to school means new people, new lessons, and new spaghetti feelings. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or student, what steps can you take to make the new school year a great one? On this week's episode, we're talking to Boundless parent Shandale Fletcher, her seven-year-old son Obi, and Kristen Messer, ELM clinical director, to learn how you can help your loved one overcome anxiet...