Strengthening Communities

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #8: Intersecting Faith and Mental Health

In this episode of the Strengthening Communities podcast, Mark and Mike welcome Dave Eckert, Senior Director of Intersect at Access Services, to reflect on his 25-year jo

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #7: Smart Support

In our latest episode of Strengthening Communities, Mark and Mike sit down with Nathan Gerhard, Managing Director of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism at Access Servic

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #6: County Collaboration

When addressing complex crises like substance use and addiction, real impact requires genuine collaboration. In the latest episode of the Strengthening Communities podca

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #5: Community Connection

In this episode of the Strengthening Communities podcast, Mark and Mike sit down with County Partner and former Access employee Tricia Malott. Together, they reflect on o

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #4: Impact Comes Full Circle

In this episode, we continue our 50th anniversary reflection by exploring the power of lived experience, relationships, and purpose in action. As Access Services looks ba

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #3: The House on Hamilton Street

In this episode of the Strengthening Communities podcast, hosts Mark and Mike sit down with Don and Terri Bredamus (former house parents of a group home in the early 1980

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #2: A Lookback with Rob Reid

In this episode of Strengthening Communities, hosts Mark and Mike sit down with former President & CEO Rob Reid to revisit the early years of Access Services and the miss

Strengthening Communities Season 2, Episode #1: Looking Back on 50 Years

The Season 2 premiere of the Strengthening Communities podcast marks the start of Access Services’ 50th anniversary year with a powerful look back at the organization’s r

Strengthening Communities Episode #10: Hunger & Homelessness in Our Communities, Part 2​

In this powerful episode of the Strengthening Communities Podcast, we continue our two-part exploration of hunger, homelessness, and the lived experiences of our neighbor

Strengthening Communities Episode #9: Hunger & Homelessness in Our Communities, Part 1

In today’s episode, Mark and Mike dive into one of the most pressing issues facing our communities: hunger. Listen as they explore what food insecurity really looks like,

Strengthening Communities Episode #8: Reimagining Recovery, Part 2 - The Wisdom of Wellness

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Mike, Mark, and their guests explore the transformative impact of lived experience in shaping community, recovery, and mental heal

Strengthening Communities Episode #7: Reimagining Recovery, Part 1 – Addiction and Community

In this episode of the Strengthening Community Podcast, we begin a two-part series called Reimagining Recovery. Guests Ivan Rosa, John Niarhos, and Ryan Schweiger share b

Strengthening Communities Episode #6: Disability, Inclusion & Belonging Part II

This episode of the Strengthening the Community podcast continues the discussion on disability and belonging, featuring Bev Weinberg of Integrate for Good and Angela McFa

Strengthening Communities Episode #5: Disability, Inclusion & Belonging

This episode introduces new co-host Mike McKenna and sets the tone for a podcast centered around building inclusive communities. The conversation is deeply personal, refl

Strengthening Communities Episode #4: The Journey of Trauma

PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, typically occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/se

Strengthening Communities Episode #3: Pride in Belonging

Every June, Pride Month is celebrated globally. This Pride month, we are reminded that our greatest strength is found in our shared humanity and unity with everyone in ou

Strengthening Communities Episode #2: Building Supports for the Foster Care Community

National Foster Care Month recognizes the important role that people from all parts of child welfare play in supporting children, youth, and families. The 2025 theme, “En

Strengthening Communities Episode #1: At the Intersection of Incarceration and Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of

Strengthening Communities Audio Trailer

Introducing Strengthening Communities, a podcast where we will discuss a variety of topics in the human services fields and how our communities can be strengthened as we