Shared Prosperity Podcast

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Antonio Mitchell, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development for the City of Kalamazoo. He discusses how he came to be involved in this work, local business development, community development, and what cities & municipalities can do to advance family prosperity. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon, Guest: Antonio Mitchell Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Community Planning and Economic Development, City of Kalamazoo

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Alyssa Stewart, Chief Impact Officer from the United Way of South Central Michigan. We discuss the UWSCMI involvement with business development and continuing the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) work to advance family prosperity. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon, Guest: Alyssa Stewart Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Community Planning and Economic Development, City of Kalamazoo United Way of South Central Michigan ALICE Information

On this episode, we speak with Dr. Trina Shanks – Director, School of Social Work Community Engagement, Harold R. Johnson Collegiate Professor of Social Work and Faculty Associate, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research – at the University of Michigan. Dr. Shanks' research interests include the impact of poverty and wealth on child well-being; asset-building policy and practice across the life cycle; and community and economic development. As Director of the Center for Equitable Family and Community Well-Being, she continues ongoing research and intentionally seeks and responds to new opportunities that will empower families and communities to thrive. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guest: Dr. Trina Shanks Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund University of Michigan, School of Social Work

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Ramon Huerta, realtor and owner of Hunt for Homes, LLC and Darnell Clay, owner of Valley Vision Construction and Development, LLC. Both identify as minority contractors here in Kalamazoo, Darnell and Ramon share about their experience in the construction field in Kalamazoo and the need for minorities to be at the table in the field of trades. Ramon and Darnell are just completing their first full home builds on 1010 and 1014 N Rose, a partnership with Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, LISC and City of Kalamazoo. They are both passionate about mentoring others wanting to get into the trades. Melody also shares about training programs for neighborhood contractors to take their contracting business to the next level available through City of Kalamazoo's Business Development Fund. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guests: Ramon Huerta & Darnell Clay Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Valley Vision Construction and Development, LLC Ramon Huerta's Digital Business Card

Description and show notes On this episode, we speak with Kama Mitchell, Executive Director of Rootead Enrichment Center. Rootead engages community by offering culturally relevant dance, healing arts, somatic awareness, and curating spaces that reduce stress and invite healing. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guest: Kama Mitchell Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Rootead Enrichment Center World Health Organization: Social Determinants of Health

On this episode, we speak with Joshua Gray & Donovan McVey from Room 35. Room 35 is a consulting firm for entrepreneurs specializing in business strategy, coaching and ecosystem development. Room 35 is also a recipient of the City of Kalamazoo's Business Development Fund (BDF). The BDF offers funding to local entrepreneurs and neighborhood businesses with 10 or fewer employees. This empowers local entrepreneurs, builds wealth, and adds job opportunities to the community. It also helps to create more complete neighborhoods. Joshua and Donovan discuss their entrepreneur journey and the importance of a strong local entrepreneur ecosystem. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guest: Joshua Gray & Donovan McVey Show Notes: Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Business Development Fund Room35

On this episode, we speak with Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) representatives Sarah Mansberger, Director, Workforce and Community Initiatives; Isaac Carter, Principal of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career Center; and Eric Stewart, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Talent Development about workforce development, expanding opportunities for youth, and why community involvement is important to both. The KRESA Center will be a centralized facility that hosts the majority of the county's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Courses at the Career Center will offer specific skill training and certifications for high school students in high-demand areas based on state and local market analysis and input. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon, Guest: Sarah Mansberger, Isaac Carter, & Eric Stewart Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk Kalamazoo RESA Career & Technical Education

On this episode, we speak with Frances Vicioso, Co-Director – Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) & Jen Heymoss, Vice President of Initiatives & Public Policy at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. TRHT is a community-based movement to bring about transformational and sustainable change to address the historic and contemporary effects of racism. The framework is inspired by truth and reconciliation processes that have taken place around the world, and it addresses issues ranging from cultural to more tangible transformations in institutions and policies. Hosts: Kevin Ford, Melody Daacon Guest: Frances Vicioso, Jen Heymoss Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://www.kalfound.org/truth-racial-healing-transformation

On this episode, we speak with Sarah Haight, Director for 2Gen Practice Director at Ascend at the Aspen Institute, about two-generation (2Gen) approaches to improving family and community well-being. Sarah manages the national Ascend Network; two-generation practice and technical assistance strategies; national convenings, including the 2Gen Practice Institute, ThinkXChange, and roundtables on key areas of 2Gen approaches; and directs programming of special projects, including managing the Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community. Host: Kevin Ford Guest: Sarah Haight Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk Ascend at the Aspen Institute Framing Two-Generation Approaches to Supporting Families State of the Field report: Two-generation approaches to family well-being

On this episode, we speak with Daniel May, Founder of Dabney & Co., a new urban entertainment lounge opening up in Downtown Kalamazoo. Daniel is an entrepreneur at his core and is working hard to break down barriers for others like him in the entrepreneurship ecosystem here in Kalamazoo and beyond. He discusses what prosperity means to him and how he has carved a path in entrepreneurship. Host: Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guest: Daniel May https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://www.kalamazoocity.org/development

For Black History Month, both episodes this month will focus on the importance of black-owned entertainment spaces in our city and the need for diverse representation in business ownership and entrepreneurship as a pathway to prosperity. On this episode, we speak with Patrick Horace, co-owner of Delish Supper Club, a private supper club located in Kalamazoo, MI. Delish Supper Club aims to provide a comfortable setting for superior dining and social interaction amongst likeminded individuals who desire great food, friendly conversation, and unique adult events. Host: Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guest: Patrick Horace (Chef P) Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://www.delishsupperclub.com/ Economic Development and Business Development Fund/Assistance: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/development

On this episode, we speak with Derek Miller & Rumeal Washpun from the Fatherhood Network (FHN) of Kalamazoo. The Fatherhood Network is a support group that is aimed at strengthening family relationships before, during and after the child rearing process. Research is clear regarding the impact fathers can have on mitigating negative life outcomes for children in poverty. These strong relationships not only improve individual and families, but communities as well. Be sure to check out this incredible conversation and the excellent resources in the show notes. Hosts: Kevin Ford & Melody Daacon Guests: Derek Miller & Rumeal Washpun Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk thefatherhoodnetwork.org Contact #: 269-261-0814 Other Fatherhood Resources Kalamazoo County Fatherhood Program Ohio Commission on Fatherhood National Fatherhood Initiative National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse is an Office of Family Assistance (OFA) funded national resource for fathers, practitioners, programs/Federal grantees, states, and the public at-large who are serving or interested in supporting strong fathers and families.

On this episode, we speak with Ebony White, Director of Racial Economic Justice for Prosperity Now about the racial wealth gap. As Lead Implementer of the Building High Impacts Nonprofits of Color Project, Ebony brings a unique perspective and lens drawn from her extensive experience in advancing race and culture through the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Project during her tenure at the Kellogg Foundation. Host: Kevin Ford Guest: Ebony White Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://prosperitynow.org/ Building High Impact Nonprofits of Color Making Statements to Create Impact: How to Operationalize Racial Economic and Wealth Equity

On this episode, Kevin and Melody discuss 14 habits of systems thinkers as put forth by the Waters Center for Systems Thinking. Systems encompass every facet of our lives, yet many do not understand the ways in which they are connected to produce impact. The Waters Center for Systems Thinking has produced 14 habits that people can develop to better understand and connect how to think about systems and leverage that thinking to change them. See show notes for more information. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk Waters Center for Systems Thinking

Sammi Graves is the founder and owner of BillPlay Apparel, LLC, a dynamic apparel brand specializing in urban street wear. On this episode, we hear Sammi's incredible story of entrepreneurship, how he built up BillPlay, taking it to the next level, and ways he is giving back to the community while running and growing his business. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guests: Sammi Graves Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk

What does addressing climate change, increasing graduation rates, and reducing poverty have in common? Collaboration and partnership. It takes both to accomplish and sustain long lasting community change as no single organization or effort can address the myriad challenges communities face. On this episode, Nicole Blum from the YWCA, Michael Evans from the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, and April Goodwin from Southwest Childcare Resources, discuss elements needed for effective, healthy collaboration and the Edison Early Childhood Education (ECE) Career Pathway project - a neighborhood based effort to expand child care availability and access through entrepreneurial support to community members who wish to obtain credentials in early childhood learning and development. Host : Kevin Ford Guests: Nicole Blum, Michael Evans, April Goodwin Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://www.ywcakalamazoo.org/ https://www.kalamazooliteracy.org/ https://www.ccr4kids.org/

The U.S. Collaborative of Poverty Centers (CPC) is a formal network of university-based poverty centers created because no single institution has the capacity to address the full range of issues related to U.S. poverty and inequality. On this episode, we speak with Kristin Seefeldt, Associate Faculty Director for Educational Programs at the University of Michigan's Poverty Solutions Center about links between the policy and research communities and informing public policies that reduce poverty and inequality. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guests: Kristin Seefeldt Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://poverty.umich.edu/ http://sites.fordschool.umich.edu/poverty2021/files/2021/03/Investing-in-Us-resident-priorities-for-economic-mobility-in-Detroit-Sept2020.pdf https://www.irp.wisc.edu/u-s-collaborative-of-poverty-centers-cpc/

Access to good jobs is a fundamental element to exiting poverty. Early childcare education supports families by helping parents work and getting children off to a good start. Greater availability of full-time childcare and preschool increases the labor force participation of mothers with young children by over 15 percent. High-quality preschool increases the likelihood that a child will enroll in college by over 8 percent. This addresses current and future accessibility to good jobs and keeping families out of poverty. On this episode, we speak with Upjohn Institute Senior Economist, Tim Bartik and Executive Director of Kalamazoo County Ready 4s, Kristyn Buhl-Lepisto on the importance of early childhood education and its impact on skills/workforce development. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guests: Tim Bartik and Kristyn Buhl-Lepisto Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk Upjohn Institute KC Ready 4s Why childcare is so ridiculously expensive Childcare is a business issue Economists and business leaders agree that stable, high-quality early care and education (ECE) will get Michigan parents back to work and help our children bounce back from the pandemic.

On this first bonus episode, we speak with Roosevelt Flemming, owner of The Drip. He provides powerful testimony about experiencing housing instability in two different states, system gaps, and his journey to entrepreneurship while raising a child. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guest: Roosevelt Fleming Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk

On this episode, we speak with the magnificent Melody Daacon, co-host of the SP Podcast, to discuss what drives her work and the importance of economic development in poverty reduction. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk

Accessing housing can be difficult for people experiencing financial insecurity. This is compounded when factoring in substance use disorder or having contact with the criminal justice system. On this episode, we speak to Gwendolyn Hooker, Executive Director of HOPE (Helping Other People Exceed) thru Navigation, a nonprofit helping populations with substance use disorder who've had contact with the criminal justice system. Gwendolyn shares her powerful story and experiences reintegrating into community and leveraging support systems to now impact lives via a tiny house project. A must listen! Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guest: Gwendolyn Hooker Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk

Private sector businesses have a vested interest in being part of a thriving community. Aside from ethical concerns, businesses in thriving communities can improve their bottom line. Access to skilled workers who have a good quality of life (stable housing, opportunity access, good schools, quality childcare, etc.) helps businesses, families, and communities prosper. Communities with high poverty on the other hand, can curtail businesses prospects to be productive and competitive. Today we discuss 9 ways businesses can help reduce poverty. Host : Kevin Ford Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk

Professor Bruce Western, Bryce Professor of Sociology and Social Justice and Co-Director of the Justice Lab at Columbia University, suggests that “neither the police, nor the courts, nor the threat of punishment create public safety. Instead, establishing and maintaining bonds of community produced by families, schools, employers, and churches and other community organizations reduces crime and creates public safety.” On this episode, we speak with community organizer against mass incarceration, Ed Genesis, to explore the ways the criminal justice system limits opportunities to prosper. Host : Kevin Ford Guest: Ed Genesis Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk Grawert, A.C, Kimble, C., and Fielding, J. (2021 February 23). Poverty and Mass Incarceration in New York: An Agenda for Change. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/PovertyMassIncarcerationNY.pdf Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison. (2020 May). Connections Among Poverty, Incarceration, And Inequality. Fast Focus Research/Policy Brief No. 48-2020 https://www.irp.wisc.edu/resource/connections-among-poverty-incarceration-and-inequality/#_edn4 Nixon, Vivian. D. (2018 April 6). The New Pipeline: Poverty to Prison. Prosperity Now Blog. https://prosperitynow.org/blog/new-pipeline-poverty-prison Prison Policy Initiative. Michigan Profile. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/MI.html Craigie, Terry-Ann, Grawert, Ames, & Kimble, Cameron. (2020 September 15) Conviction, Imprisonment, and Lost Earnings: How Involvement with the Criminal Justice System Deepens Inequality. Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/conviction-imprisonment-and-lost-earnings-how-involvement-criminal

It is well documented that poverty decreases a child's readiness for school through aspects of health, home life, schooling, and neighborhoods. Today we talk with Director of Community Collaboration for the Kalamazoo Promise, Cyekeia Lee, about working with community partners to align best practices, supports, and resources for Kalamazoo Promise students. Hosts : Kevin Ford and Melody Daacon Guest: Cyekeia Lee Show Notes: https://www.kalamazoocity.org/spk https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/ Ferguson, H., Bovaird, S., & Mueller, M. (2007). The impact of poverty on educational outcomes for children. Pediatrics & child health, 12(8), 701–706. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/12.8.701