PHF Podcast

There is a record number of new partners participating in #GiveCopperCountry, and Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to help introduce them to everyone. With GivingTuesday donations opening on November 12, 2024, these new partners are eager to get their messages out and bring in donations.  In this episode, listeners are introduced to Oak House, Calumet Art Center, From the Ground Farmers Market Collective, Keweenaw Search & Rescue, Ontonagon Amateur Hockey Association and BHK Child Development. The partners talk about their mission and why donors should give to them this GivingTuesday.  Make sure to come back next week to meet the rest of the new partners. Learn more about GivingTuesday at coppershores.org/givingtuesday.

There is a record number of new partners participating in #GiveCopperCountry, and Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to help introduce them to everyone. With GivingTuesday donations opening on November 12, 2024, these new partners are eager to get their messages out and bring in donations.  In this episode, listeners are introduced to Let's Eat Community Meals / Let's Rebuild, Right Start UP, Elaine Bacon Literacy Program, Copper Country Snowsports Club, Third Coast Diving & Adaptive Recreation and Main Street Calumet. The partners talk about their mission and why donors should give to them this GivingTuesday.  Make sure to come back next week to meet the rest of the new partners. Learn more about GivingTuesday at coppershores.org/givingtuesday.

The latest episode of the Copper Shores Podcast is all about the new Farm to School program, and includes special guests Karyn Juntunen and Meghan Jaszczak! For over a decade, there has been a growing interest in Farm to School initiatives in the Copper Country. However, implementing these programs has presented numerous challenges. Now, with the support of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Copper Shores is stepping up to match funding and ensure the long-term success of Farm to School programming in the region. The pilot program will focus on three local schools: Houghton Elementary School, E.B. Holman Elementary School, and South Range Elementary School. Karyn Juntunen, a retired educator and dedicated farm-to-school coordinator, will lead the effort. She will work closely with teachers to foster enthusiasm and create a seamless integration of the Farm to School curriculum into everyday lessons. Juntunen's role extends beyond just curriculum development; she will engage directly with students, teaching them about various foods, how to grow them and how to prepare them. This hands-on approach aims to instill a deeper understanding of where food comes from. Through this initiative, local school champions are fostering healthier eating habits among students while strengthening their connection to local agriculture, setting the foundation for a lifelong appreciation of food. Listen to more from Copper Shores wherever you find your podcasts. Learn more about the Farm to School Pilot Program at coppershores.org/farm-to-school.

Copper Shores is shining a spotlight on a vital community event that's close to the hearts of many: the 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk. This walk stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reflecting the collective commitment to addressing mental health challenges and supporting one another. This year's event is on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton.  Callisto Cortez, Youth Development Specialist at Copper Shores Outreach & Education brings a wealth of experience in youth engagement and mental health awareness. Her insights will shed light on the positive changes this event brings to our community and the ways it empowers youth to face mental health challenges with strength and support.  Taryn Mason, Copper Country Mental Health Institute Director discusses the significance of the walk, the ongoing efforts to support mental wellness, and how everyone can get involved, while bringing extensive expertise in mental health services and community outreach to the conversation. Her discussion will encompass the walk's broader impact, including how it serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness, promoting available mental health resources, and honoring those we have lost to suicide. Cortez and Mason speak on the positive effects of the event on the community, including how it brings people together and creates a supportive environment for those affected by mental health challenges. Attendees can learn about the resources available through Copper Shores Outreach & Education, Copper Country Mental Health and several other community partners, and how to access support if they or someone they know is struggling. Join Copper Shores and the Houghton Keweenaw Suicide Prevention Coalition for the eighth annual Suicide Prevention Walk on September 14, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, in Houghton. Discover the mission behind the Suicide Prevention Walk and how it aims to raise awareness, promote mental health resources, and remember those we have lost. Platinum: Breakwater Credit Union, Copper Country Mental Health Gold: Warm Rain Bronze: M&M Power Sports Copper: Biggby Coffee, Impaled, Kirkish Furniture, Kitschy Spirit Records, Lindell's Chocolate Shop, Superior Graphics, Sayen's, Walgreens Every step taken together at this walk is not just a step forward for awareness, but a powerful stride toward greater empathy and connection. For more information about the Suicide Prevention Walk and to get involved, visit coppershores.org/walk.

In the latest episode of the Copper Shores Podcast, listen in as Danielle Thoune, a recent graduate of Getting Ahead, a Bridges Out of Poverty class, tells her life story and how she found herself face-to-face with the realities of poverty.  As a child, Thoune grew up in a classic nuclear family, financially comfortable but not wealthy. Despite seemingly cushy beginnings, it wouldn't last. As Thoune was getting ready to graduate high school, her parents got a divorce, sending her sense of stability into a tailspin. After high school Thoune attended nursing school, eventually  landing a comfortable job at a long-term care facility. She was married with a couple stepchildren, and she was well into the third trimester of pregnancy. Everything seemed perfect. Then, with a new baby only weeks away, her life was uprooted once again, getting out of a bad marriage and welcoming her child into the world alone.  She moved to the Copper Country to be closer to her mom. Thoune secured housing for her and her newborn just weeks before the onset of pandemic lockdowns. Though Thoune continued to work as a nurse, child care costs continued to be a financial burden. When the expenses became too much, Thoune took a job teaching so she could be free to care for her child after school. Though teaching was a pay cut from nursing, she ultimately had to because it would save the expenses of child care. Then she found Copper Shores Bridges.  Thoune  joined the third cohort of Getting Ahead, a class that teaches people to be more stable and achieve their personal life goals. Though she originally thought the class wasn't for her – laughter, learning, and community kept her coming back. “I think asking for help is the biggest first step,” said Thoune.  Each week as Getting Ahead gathered, Thoune saw that her situation wasn't so different from those around her. Community members came in each week, bringing with them resources and programming to help others.  “We all had different needs,” said Thoune. “For me, one of my biggest needs was financial security and understanding what is out there.” With found family, self empowerment and raw determination backing her, Thoune purchased a home in April of 2024. She celebrated the feat with her classmates and during their graduation ceremony in May. She was the one they all looked to to give a speech. The same speech that this podcast begins with. Listen to more Copper Shores podcasts at coppershores.org/podcast and learn more about our Bridges program, including how you can sign up to be part of it or how you can help make it happen at coppershores.org/bridges. Special thanks to Danielle Thoune for sharing her story with us.

With sunshine and a light breeze blowing in from Lake Superior, Baraga State Park officially opened their brand new playground on July 3, 2024 at a lovely ceremony in front of a few dozen partners, campers and park employees. The new park features nature inspired designs and ADA-accessible equipment. The playground was funded in part by Copper Shores Community Health Foundation's 2024 Community Recreation and Facilities grant.  Campers and community members gathered to celebrate and experience the playground after years of work, and days of eyeing up the completed project. It took but a few seconds for kids to make their way to the equipment, quickly filling the air with laughter. “We actually got an award for the design of this playground because of the accessibility components,” Baraga State Park Western U.P. Recreation Programmer Kelly Somero said. “Any child should be able to enjoy this playground, and that's why there are so many different components and elements.”  The equipment is multileveled, with elements for developing bodies and brains. Sensory and tactile equipment can be found along the lower levels of the equipment, a transfer platform and other structures made for children with mobility aids sprinkle the edges, all capped by a slide made to resemble a waterfall and a climbing wall reminiscent of local bluffs. The highly anticipated playground had been in the works for nearly two decades, with its completion marking a career achievement for many park rangers. Though funding was approved in 2019, the project was brought to a halt by the onslaught of COVID-19. Copper Shores, along with several other community partners, have been eager to return to, and complete the playground. “This is an example of the standard of what a community playground should and could look like,” Copper Shores President/CEO Kevin Store said. “The park service has a lot to be proud of. Their persistence paid off. They took the time to look at all the sensory needs of children within the design.” The playground has many new features, but was built to stand the test of time. With a sturdy base, padding, turf and accessibility considerations built in, the playground is sure to stand the test of time and child safety. Read the full show notes at coppershores.org.

It's Sexual Assault Awareness Month here at Copper Shores and the Copper Shores Podcast is ready to talk about what's happening here in Michigan's Copper Country! This episode's featured guest is Rachel Lamppa from Copper Shores Victim Support.  In The episode, Lamppa discusses all of the things happening including the crowdfunding ask for a new piece of equipment for our SANE nurses, the #CopperCountrySAAM campaign on social media, a Start By Believing event that kicks off April 2, an event called "Cover the Cruiser" at Michigan Tech, Denim Day (April 24), and the fourth annual Puppy Parade on Thursday, April 25 on Quincy Green.  Learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month at coppershores.org! 

Copper Shores Bridges is underway, and the first Investigators have graduated from the Getting Ahead program. Cheyenne, a graduate of the first Getting Ahead program, joined  the Copper Shores Podcast to look back and talk about her experiences. Cheyenne originally saw the program as an opportunity to get grocery and gas money to help her family. After spending some time with Bridges Program Director Mike Steber, and the other investigators, she started to see that this was something she wanted to stick with.  “It seemed like a painted picture, but it widened once you actually stepped into the room,” said Cheyenne. Getting Ahead may sound too good to be true, but it's made possible by the joy and dedication that Steber has for each investigator. His belief in their ability to succeed helps them open up and connect with each other. “[Mike] was definitely the cheerleader along the way,” said Cheyenne.  She noted how important his check-ins were and still are, making sure each investigator can still work towards their goals.  “A lot of the class was creating goals to step out of the poverty line,” explained Cheyenne. “Finding the reasons for difficulty, like childcare being one, or wages being another. Just covering all demographics in poverty.” Through the self-reflection and goal-setting that investigators do, they also pick up a variety of organizational skills that will help keep them moving forward toward their goals. “Being in survival mode most of the time is what keeps everyone in their spot rather than pushing forward,” said Cheyenne. “Pushing forward is the hardest and the most important part.” Cheyenne encourages everyone eligible to take the class. Copper Shores believes that change starts with individuals. If someone is interested in enrolling in Getting Ahead or learning more about the program, contact Mike Steber at msteber@coppershores.org. Details can also be found at coppershores.org/bridges.

The Copper Shores Podcast is BACK! With a new name and a great new soundtrack thanks to Ontonagon-native Noah Lukkari! Our first episode back - episode No. 70 overall - is actually a special insert episode thanks to our friends at Copper Country Today. We're calling it our “State of the Foundation” podcast where we hear a little bit about nearly everything happening here at Copper Shores.  Oh - and don't forget this Sunday is our second annual Copper Shores Community-Wide Picnic! Learn about the event at coppershores.org/picnic. Todd VanDyke of Cooper Country Today interviewed Copper Shores Community Health Foundation CEO/ President Kevin Store on the recent changes at Copper Shores and how it's going to positively influence the community. One of the first steps in helping the community was rebranding after a double acquisition. “We've contemplated the name change for some time now. We've talked a lot about a name that would be a little bit more inclusive and more representative of the region we serve,” said Store.  Knowing the acquisitions would serve as a good catalyst for a rebrand, Copper Shores moved forward with something that ties all of our communities together. With three great organizations coming together, Copper Shores is better equipped to serve Copper Country residents by cleaning up and expanding upon already established services. The foundation is uniquely equipped to both provide funding to other organizations, as well as provide services directly to community members. “About 2.5 to 3% of foundations in the country will function as what is referred to as an operating foundation, as opposed to a non operating funding foundation,” said Store. “We have become a bit of a hybrid.” After lengthy discussion with Rebecca Crane, former Executive Director of Dial Help and current Senior Director of Programming, Store and others felt that they could do more for the community together by creating some efficiencies in scale, lowering some administrative costs, and amplifying some of the services that are offered. “We may not know that they're in our circle,” said VanDyke, “Many of us would be surprised to find out what goes on with some of our friends and neighbors.” There are many people in the community who are in need of a variety of mental health and well-being resources, and Copper Shores aims to be the organization that the community can trust and fall back on in hard times. In order to better provide the community with these essential services, Copper Shores is moving forward with their Wellness Campus.  “How do we make sure that if somebody  shows up at the door, we can walk hand in hand with them on that path of whatever healing that they need,” said Store, “And either find the resources for them, help them connect with other agencies, and/or provide that service directly.” The feedback from community members has been overwhelmingly positive. Though it took some time to comb through the data, Copper Shores is excited to begin the planning stages of the Wellness Campus. 

Nonprofit organizations in the U.P. now have another opportunity for funding with the Michigan Nonprofit Relief Fund. Amy Quinn joined us to talk about the opportunity, which ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations in Michigan. Quinn is a member of the statewide committee directing the fund, and the CEO of Grow and Lead, an Upper Peninsula-based organization that works to support nonprofits. “When the pandemic hit, nonprofits really stepped up in a big way,” said Amy Quinn, CEO of Grow and Lead. “They took a large hit… and MI Nonprofit Association (MNA) recognized that, and they started meeting with our legislators over two years ago to say we need a relief fund, specifically for nonprofits.” Quinn has been serving on the statewide committee since November and serves as a voice for people from the Upper Peninsula, where she works to make sure that money is “coming up above the bridge.” Michigan passed a state budget with $50 million towards a nonprofit relief fund, jointly administered through the department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and MNA. Organizations that have an annual budget of less than $1 million, and/or are serving Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) populations will be given priority. “We want to try to build up nonprofits and especially buildup the working middle class,” said Quinn. Nonprofit organizations that sign up for relief funds may receive a minimum of $5,000 and maximum of $25,000. MNA is asking nonprofits to fill out the Intent to Apply form available on their website. It takes approximately 20 minutes to fill out the form, which is not required but highly encouraged. Doing so helps the state committee know how to better serve the organizations. “What do small profits need, and how on a statewide scale might we help them," Quinn said. Nonprofits are eligible even if they have received ARPA funding before, but it must be used for a different purpose than the previously received funds. Organizations do not need to be a part of MNA to benefit from the funding. Quinn believes that there is a critical link between the benefits of community nonprofits and creating a great environment for U.P. youth. “There's money available, let's bring it up here to the U.P.,” Quinn encouraged. She said the money is “accessible to as many nonprofits that are interested in receiving the money. We want to make sure that we can reach all nonprofits, and particularly it was designed for those smaller nonprofits.” The application for the fund will come out at the end of March. The deadline for the application will be in early May, and the funding decisions will be made in June. Learn more and fill out the Intent to Apply at minonprofitrelief.org.

Portage Health Foundation is considering the construction of a multi-use community wellness campus and is seeking public input from community members in Michigan's Copper Country. In this podcast Executive Director Kevin Store discusses the project, which is years in the making. Initial concept is a large-scale multimillion-dollar wellness facility that would be purpose built to provide community programming, human services outreach and recreational services. Community input is currently being accepted via an online survey that's available at phfgive.org/wellnesscampus. While there, subscribe for email updates about the project. The survey will remain open through January 31, 2023.

In the third and final PHF Podcast episode previewing #GivingTuesday 2022 we welcome Carol Korpela and Cathy Kass-Aten from Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly to the podcast. Kass-Aten is stepping down as the executive director of the Hancock-based nonprofit opening the door for the longtime employee Carol Korpela to take the reigns. In the podcast they talk about the lengthy history of the organization, reminisce about some of the good times in the old Ripley House, discuss the move to their Hancock office and Korpela talks about her vision for the future of the organization. Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is one of 26 nonprofit organization participating in #GivingTuesday this year with Portage Health Foundation. We're still a few days away from the day itself, but already more than $170,000 has been donated to the organizations. PHF is matching up to $200,000 in donations this year with the money being spread to the organizations based on how much money is donated to them. You can learn more about #GivingTuesday at PHF and make a donation now at phfgive.org/givingtuesday!

In this episode of the PHF Podcast we continue previewing #GivingTuesday by interviewing two of the 26 amazing nonprofit organizations who are seeking donations this year. Portage Health Foundation is matching $200,000 once again this year and donations are being accepted now at phfgive.org/givingtuesday. Copper Harbor Trails Club's Mighty Match We start by talking with Nathan Miller from the Copper Harbor Trails Club about a new match they have. Their friends at SRAM are matching up to $500,000 in donations they receive. The bike corporation will be matching whatever cash the Trails Club receives from #GiveCopperCountry! In addition to the match and discussing trail upgrades they have planned, Miller talked in detail about the huge land acquisition made by The Nature Conservancy. This should lead to greater opportunities in the long run for Keweenaw County and Copper Harbor Trails Club. You can learn more about that acquisition in a Copper Country Today podcast that aired November 6. Copper Country Angel Mission's New Location Sherry Middlemis-Brown and Copper Country Angel Mission made one really big move following their inaugural participation in #GivingTuesday with Portage Health Foundation. They were able to leverage the $24,000+ they received in donations last year into a down payment and crowdfunding effort to land them a location of their own for the first time. Middlemis-Brown discusses the new location in depth and highlights what they have going on next. To make a donation to support Copper Harbor Trails Club, Copper Country Angel Mission or any of the other 24 organizations participating in PHF's #GivingTuesday, visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday.

We're three weeks away from #GivingTuesday and what better way to prepare than a podcast featuring a couple of the incredible nonprofits focused on making our community a healthier place - unitē Mental Health and Wellness and 31 Backpacks! This year Portage Health Foundation is matching donations up to $200,000 and this episode starts out by taking you through what that means and how it works. Then Laurel and Melissa Maki from 31 Backpacks talk about what's new with that organization and showcase the immense need for their services. We finish up by talking with Angela Price and Beth Shannon – the founders of unitē Mental Health and Wellness. This new nonprofit was created to unite individuals in rural communities with quality mental health care while also supporting the professionals who provide it. Follow along with what 31 Backpacks is up to by following them on Facebook, learn all about unitē by visiting unitewellness.org and make your donation to support our local nonprofit organizations today at phfgive.org/givingtuesday.

This summer Portage Health Foundation staff was joined by Community Health Interns Ally Ronis and Lucy Campbell. The two helped with a number of projects, shadowed PHF staff through many of their daily duties, helped with logistics involved with the Collective CSA Program and write a guest blog post for the PHF website. In this podcast we discuss their experience and each of them discuss in detail their choice for a topic for their guest blog post. Links to those posts are below. Thanks for joining us Lucy and Ally and good luck this school year! WATCH: Learn about the Collective CSA Program at PHF "Utilizing Emotional Intelligence: Building Better Health Through Self-Cultivation of 5 Components" by Lucy Campbell "How to implement healthful savvy cooking tips on a budget" by Ally Ronis

It's been nearly a year since Project Lifesaver launched in Michigan's Copper Country, and with that Portage Health Foundation thought it would be a great opportunity to catch up with the project's lead, Detective Lieutenant Charlie Klein from the Houghton County Sheriff's Office. Detective Lieutenant Klein is the featured guest on the 63rd episode of the PHF Podcast. He mentioned that more than 20 families are participating in the program, with overwhelmingly positive comments coming from the families. So far the program has only been activated once, and it ended with the child being found moments before Project Lifesaver's technology was fully activated. Project Lifesaver is free to the first 50 families in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw or Ontonagon counties. This is possible thanks to a Portage Health Foundation grant. Learn more about Project Lifesaver, make a donation to financially support the project and find out how you can sign up someone in your life by visiting phfgive.org/projectlifesaver.

Welcome to the final episode of our four-part series highlighting the amazing work done at Copper Country Senior Meals! In this episode we visit the congregate meal site in Calumet to meet the staff that makes it happen and a couple of the regulars who find these regular events to be incredibly important to their day-to-day life. As part of Older Americans Month, CCSM is partnering with the Portage Health Foundation for a special series of podcast episodes highlighting what makes Senior Meals such a special organization in Michigan's Copper Country. Donate to support their fundraising effort here, https://www.gofundme.com/f/senior-meals-delivery-equipment!

As part of Older Americans Month, CCSM is partnering with the Portage Health Foundation for a special series of podcast episodes highlighting what makes Senior Meals such a special organization in Michigan's Copper Country. In the third episode we head out for a delivery route along the shores of beautiful Torch Lake with delivery driver Keith Zerbst. We meet some of the amazing people along the way, talk about what makes this community special, and about why everyone who is able should consider becoming a delivery driver with Copper Country Senior Meals. Donate to support their fundraising effort here, https://www.gofundme.com/f/senior-meals-delivery-equipment!

As part of Older Americans Month, CCSM is partnering with the Portage Health Foundation for a special series of podcast episodes highlighting what makes Senior Meals such a special organization in Michigan's Copper Country. In the second episode we meet several staff members as they work through the mealmaking operation. We learn about their thanks board, hear how they produce all of those meals just like they were cooking in their own kitchen and hear about things like weekend meals that many of the older residents of the Copper Country receive so that they have nutritious and delicious meals seven days a week. Donate to support their fundraising effort here, https://www.gofundme.com/f/senior-meals-delivery-equipment

As part of Older Americans Month, CCSM is partnering with the Portage Health Foundation for a special series of podcast episodes highlighting what makes Senior Meals such a special organization in Michigan's Copper Country. In episode 1 we visit with Copper Country Senior Meals Executive Director Kathleen Harter. She's just about one year into her career with the non-profit organization, and in this episode she goes through everything that makes Senior Meals special including its core services of meal delivery (nearly 300 per day!) and congregate meal sites, talks about a grant they recently received from PetSmart Charities, and introduces a GoFundMe fundraiser the organization launched in celebration of Older Americans Month. We urge you to support their effort at allowing our area seniors to live independently at their homes by donating at https://www.gofundme.com/f/senior-meals-delivery-equipment.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and for the fourth straight year Dial Help is bringing it to the attention of Keweenaw residents with their #CopperCountrySAAM campaign. This year Portage Health Foundation is jumping in as a sponsor of their premier event – the Puppy Parade! That event is slated for Wednesday, April 27. It's a free event with the early people to register receiving a t-shirt and a bandana for the dog they bring with them! In addition to that event, they've been making great social media content on their Facebook and Instagram pages, they wrote a moving column that appeared in The Daily Mining Gazette, joined Todd Van Dyke on the Copper Country Today radio show and they've partnered with Downtown Houghton businesses to paint the town teal! In this edition of the Portage Health Foundation podcast we talk with Paige Setter-Hallwachs a Certified Advocate and Sexual Assault Services Coordinator with Dial Help. Helpful Links Dial Help Website Column in Daily Mining Gazette Dial Help Facebook Copper Country Today Episode Dial Help Twitter Puppy Parade Dial Help Instagram

The PHF Podcast is doing something a little different this time as host Michael H. Babcock was the reporter on the street at the annual Keweenaw Seed Swap. This year's event was at the Portage Lake District Library as part of the Portage Lake Seed Library. In addition to providing amazing opportunities to swap local seeds, there were a series of lightning talks focused on gardening, local food systems and seed saving. In this podcast episode, Babcock talks with about a dozen people who attended the event to see why they were there, what they were hoping to get from the event, what their history is with gardening and food, and what seeds they swapped that day. The PHF Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms by searching PHF Podcast. Learn more about the Portage Lake Seed Library at https://www.wupfoodsystems.com/portage-lake-seed-library.

Taking 20 minutes out of your day will help researchers better understand the Western U.P. Food System. That's the idea behind the recently announced Regional Food Systems Assessment that Portage Health Foundation (PHF) is funding in partnership with Michigan Technological University, Western U.P. Food Systems Council and Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region. That's the discussion topic in this episode of the PHF Podcast as Michigan Tech Assistant Professor Angie Carter, Ph.D., joins PHF's Director of Community Health Dr. Michelle Seguin to talk about the importance of this community food survey, what they hope to accomplish with the gathered data, who they are hoping will complete the survey and how the survey came together. Interested residents may access the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/wupfoodsurvey. The online survey is open now and will close on March 31, 2022. It's estimated the survey should take less than 20 minutes to complete. Only one person per household may complete the survey. The survey is open to all Keweenaw, Houghton, Baraga, Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon County residents 18 years of age or older.

Hillary Sundblad has turned into a real MVP of sorts when it comes to Portage Health Foundation. She's a process champion at Ontonagon Area Schools with Capturing Kids' Hearts, she's on the committee that makes Superior Educators a reality, this winter she took her students out to the PHF-funded Adventure Mountain for some winter fun and last summer she worked on the school garden to introduce kids to the wonderful world of growing their own food. All of that and more gets talked about in Episode 55 of the PHF Podcast! Superior Educators Hillary dives into her experience as a committee member, including sifting through the dozens upon dozens of nominations. “I wasn't expecting (the nominations) to be so heartfelt and in depth,” she said. She also offered a great piece of advice for those who want their nomination to be chosen, “When you're doing the write up, think about the reasons why you think this person deserves this,” she said. “They've obviously affected you deeply, so write about that. Don't hold back from the emotions, because that must be why you're nominating them." Learn more and nominate a great educator you know at superioreducators.org. Capturing Kids' Hearts As a process Champion at Ontonagon Area Schools, she's part of the team that leads the way. It's led to incredible things for her and her students. “I've implemented so many different things that they suggest that we do in the trainings, and I've seen a remarkable difference in my students,” she said. “They are more considerate, kinder, more deliberate in what they do and I can't say enough good things about it." A few examples of it in work are detailed in the podcast including her students taking charge in revamping their social contract, a story about the students starting a new affirmation tradition and host Michael H. Babcock doing a pop quiz on how she would handle a difficult student. She handles it in stride as a great example of why this works. “I've read a lot of classroom management strategies,” she said. “I've never come across anything quite like this, and I haven't come across something that works so well for me in my classrooms.” More from Hillary Sundblad She took her students on a field trip to Adventure Mountain in Greenland Township this winter. That's the site of a large grant we finished up in early 2021 with the reopening of the mountain's tow rope. “We went skiing and sledding, and they had so much fun. I still have kids that say that was the best day of school they've ever had." Last summer she helped teach summer school, which included lessons on the PHF-funded school garden. The raised beds were something she was able to incorporate into her teaching, and the benefit was felt immediately. “A bunch of them went home and asked their parents to start a garden.” Speaking of that, don't forget to make plans to go to the Portage Lake Seed Library's Seed Swap on March 5!

Portage Health Foundation Executive Director Kevin Store is back on the PHF Podcast to talk about some huge things happening at the Foundation with the postings of four new positions. The positions are all posted at phfgive.org/careers and applications are currently being accepted for the openings. In the podcast Store outlines the latest happenings at the foundation that led to these positions all being posted as well as what people can expect from PHF as an employer. Below are descriptions of all four positions. Director, Finance - The Director of Finance reports directly to the Executive Director and will provide administrative oversight of PHF and its affiliates accounting. The Director of Finance will work directly with the Board of Directors as well as the Finance and Investment Committee to ensure the overall financial accounting and administration of PHF's (and its affiliates) operations. This shall include all accounting, finance and investment management, payroll, and compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and accreditation standards while developing relationships that will inure to the benefit PHF's efforts to protect and enhance its charitable assets. Program Coordinator, (Bridges out of Poverty) - The Bridges out of Poverty (BOP) Coordinator is the key liaison of PHF's community based anti-poverty initiative. The Program Coordinator's primary role is to engage and educate the community on the complexities of poverty; provide opportunities to convene various stakeholders to assess, identify and implement strategies to combat poverty; work with various employers to establish employee resource networks (ERN), recruit, prepare and facilitate “Getting Ahead” attendees and classes; support Getting Ahead Cohorts; and conduct/present community-based workshops related to the BOP approach for community partners and businesses. Administrative Assistant - The Administrative Assistant will provide office management and clerical support to the Ex. Director and other management staff members. As the (generally) first point of contact with PHF, strong customer service, phone, and interpersonal skills will be necessary. This is a key position in maintaining the integrity of the organization's documentation, external communication with vendors, donors and PHF community partners. Student (Paid) Internship - Portage Health Foundation seeks to provide interested students with experiential learning and career development opportunities that complement their academic performance with direct practical experience that leads to intentional, reflective learning. Such opportunities are well recognized as having a positive impact on students' academic, personal, and career growth. In addition to talking about the new career opportunities, Store discussed upcoming projects for the year including the launch of Bridges Out of Poverty, discussions about a potential wellness campus, scholarship opportunities and an update on granting. Find a full archive of the PHF Podcast on Anchor, and make sure you don't miss a future episode by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast and more.

In this edition of the Portage Health Foundation Podcast, we visit with Superior Search and Rescue (SSAR) President Darian Reed. In the podcast we talk in detail about everything happening with the non-profit organization that serves Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties. Below is an overview of what was discussed. Get a background on Darian Reed to learn what led him to join and now lead SSAR. Hear about the busy year that was 2021. It was the busiest year in recent memory for the organization in terms of calls. Hear about Reed's vision for the future of Superior Search & Rescue. Discuss the organization's drone program, which includes a new drone that came in thanks to $35,000 in grants and more in donations. The Mobile Command Center was revamped in 2021 with new technology thanks to a PHF Grant. Discussed training opportunities and a renewed focus on providing potentially life-saving training for SSAR volunteers. Went into detail on what Project Lifesaver is and how it works. Reed is the first three-time guest on the PHF Podcast. He was previously featured in November 2021 talking about #GivingTuesday and in November 2020 talking about #GivingTuesday. The PHF Podcast can be found wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast and more. Learn more about Portage Health Foundation at phfgive.org and about Superior Search & Rescue at superiorsar.org.

This special edition of the PHF Podcast features Stephanie Graef of the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force on Mix 93 WKMJ with morning DJ Dirk Hembroff. They preview the upcoming film screening of Ring of Silence. The film is being screened on Tuesday, February 8 at Hancock Central High School. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. that day. Learn more about the film, event and human trafficking by visiting phfgive.org/ringofsilence.

When Film Director Nicole Bowers Wallace was first presented with the idea of making a film about human trafficking, she had questions. It's a touchy subject she didn't know a lot about, but the more she dove in, the more she knew she was appalled. She interviewed investigators from the FBI, human trafficking activists and victims of human trafficking to get a full picture of them problem. Once she had that knowledge, she knew she had to do it. In this edition of the PHF Podcast, she talks about the process to educate herself, what it was like to create the film (her first full feature film) and what the response has been since it originally premiered in 2019. The film will be making its Copper Country premiere on Tuesday, February 8 at Hancock Central High School. The event will open with a reception at 5:30, the film will be played at 5:30 and a question-and-answer session will follow. Learn more about the event, the film and human trafficking at phfgive.org/humantrafficking. What should I do if I suspect human trafficking? Do not at any time attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim to your suspicions. Call 911 for emergency situations – threats of violence, physical assault, emergency medical needs, etc. If you are a victim and need help or if you want to find support for a loved one, call or text the confidential 24/7 Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Helpline at (906) 299-9243 or go to upht123.org Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

On this edition of the Portage Health Foundation Podcast we welcomed Curt Webb from the Keweenaw Co-op. Webb has been with the Co-op for more than two decades and has been working with their board to create a vision for a better future. “We're hoping we celebrate our 50th anniversary in a new location,” Webb said. They've been in their current location since 1987, but it has some major limitations with visibility, parking, and simply the size of the shopping area. A new location is being explored right on Quincy Street in downtown Hancock at the former location of Bruno's Motors. “We want a modern location that is bright and welcoming to expand our reach into the community." While the future of the Co-op is exciting, it's also vital to the growth of the local food system as a whole. More space would mean more ability to bring in local farmers and offer more local food options. That's been an area of growth for the Co-op for some time now. “Demand still outpaces the supplies,” Webb said. “It's definitely growing. Over the time (I've been in the industry), we've seen some of the farmers take themselves out of the food system, but fortunately there have been more folks coming along - young folks and otherwise - seeing opportunities and starting out. Those gaps that were left by retiring farmers have been filled and we're exceeding that now.” The Co-op currently sees roughly 25-30 percent of its produce coming from Michigan during peak season, which works out because it makes the grocery store eligible to particiate in the Double Up Food Bucks program. That program allows people purchasing food with their Bridge Card to double their buying power. It's been an area of growth for the Co-op since it was added, and it's available 12 months a year for Co-op shoppers. Learn More Double Up Food Bucks, https://doubleupfoodbucks.org Portage Health Foundation Food Initiative, https://www.phfgive.org/food Keweenaw Co-op, https://www.keweenaw.coop Keweenaw Co-op Farm Tours, https://www.instagram.com/keweenawcoop/channel/

Giving Tuesday 2021 is November 30, 2021 and the Portage Health Foundation is once again supporting our non-profit community with a $200,000 match that will go to 22 non-profit organizations! This week we're releasing a series of PHF Podcast episodes highlighting these partners! In this episode we hear from Mary Niemela from Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home, Joe Panijan from Calumet Township Fire and Rescue Fireman's Club, Sherry Middlemis-Brown from Copper Country Angel Mission and Kathleen Harter from Copper Country Senior Meals. Learn more about all of the organizations and make your donation at https://www.phfgive.org/givingtuesday.

Giving Tuesday 2021 is November 30, 2021 and the Portage Health Foundation is once again supporting our non-profit community with a $200,000 match that will go to 22 non-profit organizations! This week we're releasing a series of PHF Podcast episodes highlighting these partners! In this episode we hear from Steve Cadeau from Habitat for Humanity, Pat Boberg from Mercy EMS, John Diebel from Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club and Tammy Lancioni from Ontonagon County Cancer Association. Learn more about all of the organizations and make your donation at https://www.phfgive.org/givingtuesday.

Giving Tuesday 2021 is November 30, 2021 and the Portage Health Foundation is once again supporting our non-profit community with a $200,000 match that will go to 22 non-profit organizations! This week we're releasing a series of PHF Podcast episodes highlighting these partners! In this episode we hear from John and Charmaine Parsons with Dan Schmitt Gift of Music, Darian Reed of Superior Search and Rescue, Craig Hughes with Swedetown Trails Club and Iola Brubaker with Keweenaw Family Resource Center. Learn more about all of the organizations and make your donation at https://www.phfgive.org/givingtuesday.

In the latest episode of the PHF Podcast we talk with Clark Harder, Administrator of the Michigan Transportation Connection which received $800,000 in grant funding from Superior Helath Foundation for non-emergency medical transportation in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The grant included $50,000 in funding from Portage Health Foundation and was to be used over a two-year period of time that included the full calendar years of 2020 and 2021. This podcast was recorded in July 2021 when the organizations as averaging more than 400 completed trips per month. “Most of our trips come to us through funding partners who let us know that they have the following clients who they need transportation for,” Harder said. Meaning if you or someone you know could use this service, Harder suggests you talk to the medical provider. Someone can also call 2-1-1 to schedule transportation or to volunteer to be a driver for ConnectUP. While the two year grant is just about completed, Harder said they have more than 50 partners across the U.P. and new federal funding opportunities. “The program is not going to go away,” he said. Learn More ConnectUP Website, https://www.mitransit.org/connectup-about ConnectUP on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Connectup-101529687981627 Announcement on Superior Health Foundation website, https://superiorhealthfoundation.org/2020/02/20/connectup-rides-to-wellness-program-is-up-and-running/ ConnectUP Video, https://www.facebook.com/superiorhealthfoundation/videos/284148993219073

In this edition of the PHF Podcast we talk with Mary Niemela - Executive Director at Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home. Niemela provides insight into what people should do if someone comes forward and says they are having issues in a relationship. For many people - even professionals - they don't understand what they can do. The basics for what someone should do is to simply listen. To understand. To accept what they saying. Then, help them find professional help. Calling the shelter at (906) 337-5632 is a great next step. Mary also wants to offer this advice to any group who wants to hear more about it with an in-person discussion. This episode comes as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) comes to an end. “Love and fear are huge in that situation, you still love the abuser, but you fear the behavior.” - Mary Niemela Listen. Accept. Offer to help find help. Learn more about the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter at bkgshelterhome.org.

In this edition of the PHF Podcast we talk with Stephanie Graef of the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force about upcoming events in the Copper Country. Details on the events are below. This month residents of the Copper Country will have a chance to learn the facts and myths about human trafficking, learn how and why it's happening here, and how they can identify and prevent trafficking during a series of Human Trafficking 101 events that are coming to the region. These community conversations around the topic of Human Trafficking are being hosted by President of the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force Stephanie Graef. They are free to the public with doors opening at 5:30, two-hour presentation starting at 6 and a question-and-answer session to follow. Monday, October 11 at Baraga Lakeside Inn (900 U.S. Highway 41 South; Baraga, Michigan) Tuesday, October 12 at Ontonagon Theater of Performing Arts (311. N. Steel Street; Ontonagon, Michigan) Wednesday, October 13 at Finnish American Heritage Center (435 Quincy Street; Hancock, Michigan) Learn more about the events at phfgive.org/trafficking.

The 2021-22 academic year is fast approaching and with that comes the fourth year in a row Portage Health Foundation (PHF) is bringing Capturing Kids' Hearts to the public schools of Michigan's Copper Country. To help everyone understand what the benefit of that is, we invite you to listen to the latest episode of the PHF Podcast with the one and only Vern Hazard. Vern is the Senior Vice President Solutions of Capturing Kids' Hearts. He sat down with PHF Executive Director Kevin Store and podcast host Michael H. Babcock for this conversation in May, and we think you'll love what you hear in it. The Capturing Kids' Hearts programing has been implemented at Ontonagon, Ewen-Trout Creek, Adams Township, Stanton Township, Dollar Bay-Tamarack City, Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw (including Horizons), and Copper Country Intermediate School District. This year L'Anse, Baraga, Chassell, Houghton-Portage Township and Lake Linden-Hubbell will also be brought into the mix. See full show notes at https://www.phfgive.org/news/podcast-capturing-kids-hearts-vern-hazard.

This weekend the Upper Peninsula's food scene will be highlighted during an episode of Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted on National Geographic TV. The episode will feature a bunch of scenes in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, and as you'll find out in this episode of the PHF Podcast, that's because Chef James Rigato made it so. "I was adamant that the Keweenaw be a focal point of that episode," the former Top Chef competitor said. That's exactly what happened as Chef Ramsay got to experience quite a bit of the Keweenaw during his visit here. Chef Rigato gives a great behind-the-scenes preview of what people can expect in the episode, talks about why he fell in love with, and eventually bought a house in, Keweenaw County, and talks about food culture in the Copper Country.

In July 2021 Portage Health Foundation (PHF) welcomed Treasure McKenzie to Michigan's Copper Country to introduce community members to Bridges Out of Poverty. McKenzie leads the Bridges program in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and through 10 years they've seen more than 300 families utilize the program. Of those, 73% have found their way out of social services. Now PHF is looking at how this program can be implemented here in the Western Upper Peninsula. “We have the right ingredients at the table right now to bring it all together and really serve this community," PHF Executive Director Kevin Store said. "This program provides a framework for the willingness, passion and work ethic of the community to come together and have real change.” This might be the first time you've heard of Bridges Out of Poverty, but with a commitment to improving the health of our community through this program, PHF knows this won't be the last time you hear it.

When it became clear COVID-19 was a serious threat, there were many emotions for people around the world. For students led by Steve Elmer, PhD, including Doctoral Student Isaac Wedig, it meant trying to do their part by starting UP and Moving. “We're the exercise people,” Wedig said of those early moments. “We knew physical activity is really important for health, so we thought we need to promote this and then slowly as we started this project to get people active, more and more evidence has come out to back this up." That became increasingly clear when a study by Dr. Robert Sallis was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on the topic. The evidence pointed to a clear conclusion: Consistently meeting physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. That study was a huge reason why Dr. Sallis was invited to be the speaker for the June 2021 edition of the UP Health Science and Medicine Lecture Series. In this podcast we talk about that study, but we focus more on the movement Dr. Elmer and Wedig started with UP and Moving. UP and Moving provides free live and recorded home-based workouts with the goal is to keep adults in the Upper Peninsula physically active and healthy during the pandemic and beyond. They do live workouts six days a week - folks can participate in the workouts on the website, they're streamed on Facebook live and all of the workouts are archived on YouTube. They air workouts on ABC10 the first and third Sunday of every month. They are also doing DVD's, call (906) 487-2715 to order DVDs. Read more about UP and Moving in our full show notes at https://www.phfgive.org/news/podcast-up-and-moving.

Detective Sergeant Jason Wickstrom from the Michigan State Police stopped in to discuss the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team for the Western Upper Peninsula. The group has been around for more than four years, and among other things they've sent 26 people to federal prison for delivery or conspiracy to deliver meth. This Episode's Guests Jason Wickstrom, Detective Sergeant at Michigan State Police Kevin Store, Executive Director at Portage Health Foundation The podcast goes through the history of how and why UPSET West was formed, including highlighting the incredible community collaboration that took place. From there they talk about happening now with stories of what they are hoping to accomplish in their work, some of the first-hand stories from working in the Western U.P. and current trends that are having a negative effect on our community. Submit Tip You may leave an anonymous tip regarding drug activity in the Upper Peninsula through a web form here, https://upsetdrugs.com/leave-anonymous-tip/#leave%20tip. This tip will be considered confidential, and no link will be made to you. Please include as much information as you can about the suspect (i.e. name, age, vehicle, address, etc.). If you wish to be contacted by a detective, you may include a name and/or phone number in the text area, or call UPSET at (906) 228-1002. Quotable Moments from Podcast Guests Detective Sergeant Jason Wickstrom “When we first started there was a lot of drug issues up here." “It's the collaborative effort between law enforcement, substance abuse counseling and a lot of stuff the Portage Health Foundation does on that aspect. “A lot of these people are also involved in other crimes in the community. This alleviates some of the pressure from some of the local PDs.” “I can't tell you how many conversations we've had with family members that have called us and said there is nothing I can do right now for my son or daughter, we've tried and we've tried. …Hopefully with drug court and those other avenues they have, they are able to get some rehabilitation services and they can get off of the drug they're on.” “Keep calling in tips. If you have information. If you see something suspicious, call us. They will get us that information.” Kevin Store “This would not be sustainable without the ongoing partnerships from our community.” “This is an intervention for help that sometimes the family members and others within the community don't have the wherewithal or leverage to get them into the help that they need. Sometimes the law enforcement component is just that, it's enough of a lever to get those folks they help they need.” “What UPSET is doing is having a profound impact on our community.” Additional Links PHF Addiction Series, https://www.phfgive.org/addiction UPSET Website, https://upsetdrugs.com Donate to UPSET West, https://www.phfgive.org/contribute (be sure to mention UPSET West in the comments)

The Portage Health Foundation Podcast is about to get to the roots of an incredible event series taking place this month with the title “Seedy May.” These four events are all free and open to the public starting May 12 and finishing up with a pair of events Memorial Day weekend. This Episode's Guests - Rachael Pressley, Assistant Regional Planner for the Western U.P. Planning & Development Region - Dr. Michelle Seguin, Director of Community Health at Portage Health Foundation The podcasts starts by introducing listeners to the Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative and the PHF Food Initiative. Dr. Michelle Seguin is involved with both, and said the efforts are complentary as the food culture in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan continues to strengthen. Pressley then explains the work that's being done by Growing From the Heart, one of the many projects to come out of the colllaborative. “We believe food is a right,” she said. “Together we have committed to actively creating new processes, networks and infrastructure so that all the members of our community can access and enjoy the abundance of food offered by the land and water of the Western U.P.” Together with the Portage Lake Seed Library, they'll be hosting the first event on the 12th at Porvoo Park. This episode was the second one where new Seed Library was discussed. Pressley is one of the organizers of it and said it's now available free to all community members at the Portage Lake District Library in Houghton. Even those without a membership to the library. Additional Links - Seedy May Schedule, https://www.phfgive.org/news/seed-starting-and-plant-events-2021 - The Western UP Food Systems Collaborative website, https://www.wupfoodsystems.com - Information Growing From the Heart, https://www.wupfoodsystems.com/projects - PHF Food Initiative, https://www.phfgive.org/food (scroll down on the page to subscribe to our free quarterly email newsletter) - The Western UP Food Systems Collaboartive 2020 Annual Report, https://www.phfgive.org/news/western-up-food-systems-collaborative-highlights-2020-report

Iola Brubaker of the Keweenaw Family Resource Center joined the PHF Podcast to discuss National Child Abuse Prevention Month. National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this collaboration, prevention services and supports help protect children and produce thriving families. Brubaker starts the episode talking about an experience she had early in her career that made her aware of the issue, which is still extremely prevalent. Currently there is an incident in Michigan once every 16 minutes. Brubaker confirmed that the issue is strong in our community too, but she warned that it's important to not jump to conclusions on the topic. “A lot of child abuse and neglect comes from a place of pain or lack of education and knowledge on the parents part. Many of the parents were victims themselves or were never taught the skills and tools they needed to be successful parents.” The first step to help stop this issue isn't as complicated as one might think. “If you see a parent that you think may be overwhelmed, start with being a friend." The most important thing Brubaker is hoping to get across this month is that prevention is vital, and social connections are the primary prevention method for child abuse and neglect. While that helps, she reminds people that they should report neglect or abuse if they are aware of it. The reporting can be done anonymously. To report abuse or neglect, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Hotline at 855-444-3911. Learn more about the Keweenaw Family Resource Center at kfrckids.org.

In this episode we talk with Cynthia Drake, the Grief Educator at Omega House. She is the host of a monthly community grief support group. The Third Thursday Community Grief Support meets every month for an hour from 5 to 6 p.m. “We noticed we could use a lot more grief support in our community,” Drake said early on in the podcast. “(The group) normalizes something we all know is normal, but we're uncomfortable talking about it.” During the pandemic the sessions seamlessly moved to virtual, and Drake said even when things are normal they might move to a more hybrid model because of how well it works. If you're interested in learning more about the groups or want to get a link to join the next session, visit https://www.omega-house.org/grief-bereavement-program/. Quotable Moments “Open to anyone experiencing any type of grief." “We wanted to make courageous conversations around grief." “It sets aside a time of intention.” “Everyone seems to leave really touched by the experience." “It is such a tender place to come into. It's nice to know there are others being vulnerable.” “The people that come are really all age groups.” “Because it's such a vulnerable place to go and you let your guard down, you trust others in the group, these become safe people for you.” Additional Links Rural Social Isolation and Loneliness: How to Build Grief Support by Creating Community, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOjrVeasvvE Subscribe to the PHF Monthly Email Newsletter, https://www.phfgive.org/newsletter

In the latest PHF Podcast, Karyn Juntunen from the Copper Country Intermediate School District joins host Michael H. Babcock and Portage Health Foundation's (PHF) Director of Community Health Michelle Seguin, M.D. to discuss school gardens, community gardens, seed saving, gardening in general and an upcoming virtual presentation that Juntunen will be leading. The podcast starts with updates to the CCISD Greenhouse Project, which was completed in 2019 at the CCISD's main campus in Hancock. The greenhouse is now completely operational, and was used over the last year to virtually help students better understand the process of growing. Juntunen also unveils her plans for what will happen this spring, including their popular fundraiser of selling “the best” starter plants. From there Dr. Seguin introduces last year's community garden projects. The foundation funded nine projects last year. One specifically discussed is the Ontonagon Village Housing Commission project's pedestal and raised bed gardens. To finish, Juntunen introduced her the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative learning Series. Abbey Palmer from MSU Extension office and her will be hosting Seed Science & The School Garden on Wednesday, March 3 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This is a free event open to teachers, community partners and parents. Those interested can sign up here, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSfh5CNDsa36guXKxIq8bOYzzntqbL-RK3YeHXmkmpAApLwQ/viewform.

The Main Street Calumet Farmers Market had a banner year in 2020. Despite the challenges brought on by a global pandemic, they saw more vendors, more sales, more customers and even extended the market well into the fall for the first time in the market's history. For Portage Health Foundation (PHF), all of that was great to hear. But what put this good news over the top for us was the market successfully expanded food access for those most in need. That was highlighted by a 257 percent increase in transactions using SNAP benefits and a 699 percent increase in SNAP benefits dollars spent. In this podcast host Michael H. Babcock and Meghan Jaszczak, RD, from PHF talked with Leah Polzien from Main Street Calumet about what happened in 2020, how PHF helped make that a reality, how that investment fits into PHF's strategic plan and what the market is looking to make happen in 2021. If you're inspired by what you hear in this podcast, we invite you to check out our Farmers Market Capacity Building and Food Access Grant RFP. The deadline for this RFP is March 22 and $35,000 in funding is available. This funding could be used to improve existing markets or starting a new one. More information on that is available at phfgive.org/grants. Quotable Moments “It's taken a while for the market to build, but this last year was incredible. It just blossomed.” - Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet “This year there was so much momentum there between the vendors and the customers.” - Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet “We need to provide more food (in 2021, which means we need to boost those individual farmers we have or find more farmers." - Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet “The vendors we have are the nicest people. Everyone gets along really well, helps each other.” - Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet “We want to be a change agent.” - Meghan Jaszczak, RD, Portage Health Foundation “Especially seeing the sales increase for the snap benefits was just astounding to me." - Meghan Jaszczak, RD, Portage Health Foundation “If we increase our access that's excellent, and that should be our first point of emphasis. But, if we lose that opportunity to educate people on what to do once that access is increased, we're missing that market. We're not reaching that full potential. That's what was so great about your market, we hit essentially five of six of our areas of emphasis.” - Meghan Jaszczak, RD, Portage Health Foundation “We're really trying to create a more robust farmers market system within our area. We're interested in any ways people can bolster that up.” - Meghan Jaszczak, RD, Portage Health Foundation Useful Links Main Street Calumet - https://www.mainstreetcalumet.com Main Street Calumet Farmers Market - https://www.mainstreetcalumet.com/farmers-market.html Portage Health Foundation Food Initiative - https://www.phfgive.org/food Farmers Market Capacity Building and Food Access Grant RFP - https://www.phfgive.org/news/farmers-markets-rfp-2021

This podcast is the final one in our 2020 Giving Tuesday series. Today we talked with our Intern, Ariele Kauppila, to discuss our Giving Tuesday event. This year we received $394,514.28 in donations between 1,239 donations. Portage Health Foundation will be matching $200,000, making the total of $594,514,28 to be donated to our 18 local non-profits. We want to thank each and every person who was a part of our Giving Tuesday event. It is truly a wonderful sight to see this many people come together to benefit the communities we live in. Checks to the non-profits are going to be presented throughout the day on Monday, December 21st so look for that on our Facebook and Instagram!

This podcast is a part of our Giving Tuesday series and today we talked with Cathy Kass-Aten from Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly. Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly is a national network of non-profit volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. They offer to people of goodwill the opportunity to join the elderly in friendship and celebration of life. “Flowers before bread” is their founder, Armand Marquiset's, motto. It expresses his philosophy that everyone needs love and friendship in their life. It is the human touch that makes life worth living. The organization's motto “where service to the elderly begins by being a friend” reminds us that the most important gift they bring when they knock on the door is the gift of friendship. With every service they provide and with every gesture that they do, they do it in the spirit of friendship. Their services are all free of charge to the elderly. Donations are being accepted through December 1st. Visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday to donate.

This podcast is a part of our Giving Tuesday series and today we talked with Cynthia MacDonald from Swedetown Trails. In winter, Swedetown Trails offers 35 km of groomed cross country ski trails and 10 miles of groomed snowbike trails. There are back-country trails and beautiful snowshoe trails as well, where you can make your own tracks. In summer and fall, Swedetown has trails for mountain biking, hiking and trail running. The main trailhead is on Osceola Road in Calumet, look for the big welcome sign. There are also trailheads on Highway M-203 and Woodland Road (where dogs are allowed). The Swedetown Trails Club (STC), a nonprofit organization, partners with Calumet Township to maintain and improve the trail system and facilities. Donations are being accepted through December 1st. Visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday to donate.

This podcast is a part of our Giving Tuesday series and today we talked with Kristine Putz from Dial Help. Their team of staff and volunteers know that a little support during a difficult time can go a long way. They empower individuals to find solutions and make healthy decisions. Dial Help is here to offer confidential, non-judgmental services for crisis support, mental health, and more. The mission of Dial Help is to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of our communities. They accomplish this goal by providing problem assistance, crisis intervention, referrals, education, and training. Their motto is to "help people help themselves." Donations are being accepted through December 1st. Visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday to donate.

This podcast is a part of our Giving Tuesday series and today we talked with Charmaine and John Parsons from Dan Schmitt Gift of Music. Their mission is to provide youth with free instruments and music lessons, after-school music programming and outdoor education opportunities emphasizing food independence, environmental sustainability and a connection to the natural world. Gift of Music has purchased guitars and other instruments for students to use along with free music instruction in a variety of formats. In addition to this instruction, the Fund has donated instruments to youth in Michigan (Keweenaw and Kalamazoo), and in Southern California and interior Alaska through Gift of Music satellites. Gift of Music has also worked with community foundations and local schools to bring music to students in after school formats. They also work to provide outdoor education opportunities to students in the Keweenaw peninsula through a cooperative effort with area schools. Instruction in gardening, and in making apple cider and maple syrup take place here on our farm, along with outdoor writing activities and wildlife observations. Donations are being accepted through December 1st. Visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday to donate.

This podcast is a part of our Giving Tuesday series and today we talked with Lynnette Borree from Simple Kindness for Youth (SKY). Their mission is to help young people build and maintain their self-esteem by providing means to access basic needs, enable them to feel accepted with their peers, and enable access to educational activities and community participation. SKY board members are unpaid volunteers. All contributions go directly to the youth of Houghton, Baraga and Keweenaw counties. They cover things like clothing, instrument rental, after school tutoring or enrichment programs, motivational incentives, drivers education fees, extracurricular activities (gymnastics, swimming, Taekwando), transportation to events/activities, and summer enrichment programs. Donations are being accepted through December 1st. Visit phfgive.org/givingtuesday to donate.