Podcasts about community living

VR doesn't just have a vacancy problem. It has a pipeline problem. What if the answer to VR's workforce shortage isn't simply filling the next vacancy? Across the country, VR agencies are competing for talent, losing experienced staff, and trying to prepare a new generation of professionals—many of whom may not even know that VR is a career option. In this episode of the Manager Minute, George Michna of Connecticut and Mario Lucero of New Mexico join Carol Pankow to talk about a different approach: intentionally building the VR workforce pipeline. Drawing from their National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute (NRLI) project, George and Mario explore how career pathways, mentorship, apprenticeships, stronger onboarding, and leadership development can help agencies move from reacting to vacancies to developing talent for the long term. They also tackle an equally important question: once we bring talented people into VR, what makes them want to stay? If your agency is thinking about recruitment, retention, succession planning, or developing its next generation of leaders, this conversation is worth a listen.   Listen Here Full Transcript {Music} George: One of the biggest values of NRLI was the opportunity to step outside of your day to day work and to engage with colleagues, people who eventually become good friends of yours that live across the country, who are dealing with many of the same challenges. Mario: We've really invested hard in our leadership team, and we're seeing the results of that now. We got out of a cap. We're really making positive progress towards meeting our performance metrics. We have a way better understanding of our data, and now we're really focusing on leadership and culture within our agency.   Intro voice: Manager minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow. Carol: Welcome to the Manager Minute. Joining me in the studio today are George Michna, Bureau Chief for Community Living from Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and Mario Lucero, Field Operations Director for New Mexico General. So, George, how's it going in Connecticut? George: It's going good. Actually, the weather's finally holding it up here, so it's kind of nice to finally enjoy. Hopefully, a really nice summer. Carol: Yeah, that is awesome. I know we've all been talking a lot about the weather in Minnesota. It's hot and sultry. It was 95 yesterday so you never think of that here. And Mario was so great to have you here as well. How are things on your end in New Mexico? Mario: Thanks for having me, Carol. We're doing good here in New Mexico. Had a little bit of rain the last two weeks, which is really welcomed because we have been so dry and we have problems with forest fires here in New Mexico. So any rain that we get is welcome. So we're doing well. Carol: Well, I never think of New Mexico and forest fires. I'm sorry Mario, I just think of you as being more deserty. But I know you have trees. I know you have... Mario: We do. Carol: So today we're going to talk about a topic that's coming up across the country and it's the workforce challenges in vocational rehabilitation. And George and Mario, part of a cohort from the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute, or NRLI, which is a leadership program that brings together emerging leaders from across the VR system to take on some of the field's biggest challenges. And as part of that experience, their group developed a project focused on career pathways as a strategy for recruitment and retention in VR. And we're going to unpack what they found and why it matters right now. So let's dig in. So let's start with each of you. How did you get into VR and what has kept you in this work? And Mario, I'm going to go to you first. Mario: Thanks, Carol. Well, for me, vocational rehabilitation is always aligned with who I am personally and professionally. I've spent my life around ministry, teaching, and helping professions. My father was both a minister and a teacher, and I think that shaped how I view people and purpose. I also live with significant physical disabilities myself, so I understand firsthand the importance of opportunity, independence, dignity, and meaningful work. VR gave me the opportunity to turn that into a lived experience and into a career where I could help others overcome barriers and pursue employment goals they may have once thought were impossible. What's kept me in this work is honestly the mission. We're not just processing cases or authorizing services. We're helping people build lives, support families, and regain confidence in themselves. You get to see real transformation in people's lives, and that's hard to walk away from once you've experienced it. Carol: I love that, Mario, Thanks for sharing that. George, how about you? George: So my pathway into vocational rehabilitation started in education. I was a special education teacher, later taught pre-service teachers. It was also a school administrator and then worked for the Connecticut State Department of Education. A lot of it has just been through those roles is that one thing that became clear that we put a lot of effort into supporting students while they're in school, but there's a disconnect. when it came to what happened after they exited school. So students would graduate, but the transition to employment or post-secondary pathways was not always strong or consistent. And I think that's really what drew me into vocational rehabilitation. It's one of the few systems that is specifically designed to bridge that gap between education and employment. And I think that what's really kept me here is both the impact and the work that we do. You see real outcomes when someone moves into employment and independence. And in my current role, I'm focused on kind of how those systems connect, both on the employment side and within community living, as well as education through a grant that we're running. So that's really kind of what's kept me engaged in the work, and just having those meaningful conversations with individuals about finding success in their lives. Carol: Yeah, I had no idea about you. George: Yeah. Carol: Being an educator, that is very cool. It's always fun to see people's stories and how they get into this sort of a career. Appreciate that. So I know you both participated in NRLI, and I just wondered if you could tell our listeners a little bit about what that experience was like. And how did that shape your thinking as a leader? And George, I'll tag you first on that. George: First and foremost. NRLI gave me the opportunity to step outside of my state and look at vocational rehabilitation from more of a national perspective. We were teamed with about, I think, 30 individuals or so as our cohort, and they represented both VR, general VR Blind and also combined agencies. And so you really get a mix of perspectives from individuals. And I think that's really powerful. And the other thing was, is that what really started finding, for example, was, is that, you know, you start looking at issues with your workforce, challenges that you might have, bringing in counselors and the like, and you start finding out that others are facing similar challenges. So you're able to have these kind of sidebar conversations throughout the time that you spent together. And you really get to learn from individuals about what other states are doing and how to kind of effectively problem solve. Mario: And NRLI was an incredible experience because it forced us to step back and think beyond just our own state systems and day to day operations. You're sitting in a room with leaders from all over the country who are dealing with many of the same challenges, but often approaching them in different ways. For me personally, it challenged me to think more strategically and systemically as a leader, instead of only asking, how do we solve today's problem? It pushed me to ask, how do we build sustainable systems for the future? One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing that many of our workforce challenges in VR are not isolated problems, they're national trends. That realization helped reinforce the importance of collaboration, innovation and leadership development across the entire VR system. Carol: Well, I think we're definitely better together. NRLI, I love that bringing that sense of community because you can feel very isolated, you know, in your individual states and your agencies, and you learn how to do things a certain way. So you guys bring up a good point. You know, you hear other people with the same challenges, but they've tackled them differently. And so I love that kind of that transplanting of ideas that happens naturally through that cohort model. And you get, you know, you're with your group a whole year and you really get to know people. And I think that transplanting of ideas and that building that network that you can rely on later, because I'm sure you probably each have like email groups and all of that good stuff or chat groups with your folks from NRLI that you can just like, hey, we have this going on. What do you know about this? Or what are you guys doing? I think there's a lot of value in that. So I know as part of NRLI, your group focused on workforce and career pathways. How did you guys come up with that as your project? George: Well, I gotta say this, it wasn't a project that we landed on right away. The way NRLI is structured, we do have multiple weeks that we meet across the year, and we also had opportunities to connect virtually to work through how the paper would shape out. Really, in the beginning, it was a lot of brainstorming where we were sitting, you know, outside by the pool on a break. And I still remember this to this day. And we went around the group just kind of mentioning some of the hot topics that we had and what were we thinking about. And really kind of what we started coming back to was the same issue was kind of a staffing piece. And I think that's kind of where we ended up thinking about the staffing and then kind of what solutions could we bring from our various states to address that? And I guess from a point of view, it was kind of a self-discovery process of the group in realizing what to write about. Carol: Very cool. I love that organic. I know. Other groups too. They said they struggled like they might have come up with a particular topic. And then they were like, hey, we don't want to do that anymore. And they kind of move through the year and got exposed to different things. Other ideas came forward and they pivoted to something else. George: I would say that was exactly the same experience that we had, and almost feeling at some point that we had to figure out something because time was running out. Mario: I still remember that first day that you said when we sat around the pool and we were just brainstorming and we threw out like 50 million ideas. I think how we finally settled on career pathways and recruitment and retention was that we saw that this was a problem that we could realistically solve. We didn't want to bite off too much that we couldn't chew. And so we thought that maybe this was something that we could have an actual impact on. Carol: So Mario, a little more about that. You know, it's a problem you were trying to solve. Why do you think this is so important right now. Like what's going on? Give it kind of the picture of what's happening out there. Mario: Well, you know, Carol, the biggest problem we identified was that vocational rehabilitation is facing a workforce pipeline issue at a time when demand for services continues to grow. Across the country agencies are struggling with vacancies, burnout, retirements and turnover. At the same time, fewer people are entering the field intentionally because many people simply don't know that VR exists as a career pathway that creates a long term sustainability problem for the public VR system. What made this especially important to us is that workforce shortages don't just affect agencies internally, they directly impact the participants that we serve. Vacancies can lead to delayed services, increased caseload sizes, and less capacity for innovation and individualized support. So our group started asking instead of only reacting to vacancies after they happened, how do we intentionally build built pathways that introduce people to VR earlier. Developing future talent and creating opportunities for long term career growth within agencies that shift from reacting to shortages to proactively developing talent really became the foundation of our project and our paper. Carol: Nice. So what are you guys seeing right now across the states in terms of the staffing shortages and turnover? I just wondered if there's been any kind of movement where it's getting a little bit better. I just, what did you find out. George: When we looked at the work, kind of to build out the paper, we were seeing kind of a consistent piece where I think states were kind of dealing with this combination of persistent vacancies and high turnover, and that some states are, you know, obviously making a little bit of better progress in that. I think, you know, going back to looking at with Connecticut, I came to our agency on the heels of the Covid 19 pandemic. If you think about it, about five years ago, I was coming out of that rebounding. From that, we saw individuals with disabilities wanting to get back into employment. So you had this influx of people requesting services, but what you saw on the staffing side from the agency was, is that we had a lot of staff that either retired early or had kind of exited the employment of the agency. And so we were in the process of trying to refill those positions as we could. And we've done a really good job at that. But the implication of that is, is that we now shifted the agency from a mid to late career group of counselors to a workforce that's now more heavily weighted towards early mid-career staff. And that has implications for us because newer counselors often require smaller caseloads and more support to kind of ensure the quality services, as well as trying to ensure how do we prevent burnout among those staff as well? Also, what's happening is, is that we're seeing an added strain on our community rehabilitation providers in the state, and we see them as a critical part of the service delivery system. And so this now speaks to kind of the broader system that how can it then support individuals in achieving career goals? So that's kind of the perspective here in Connecticut. Carol: Here you bring up a really good point, George, you know I hadn't thought about that with the newer counselors coming in. I guess just the way you had stated it and having people earlier in their career, you are shaping then you have in a smaller caseload, which impacts then your overall capacity for serving folks. So when you have a big bulk of people in that early part, even though you have the same number of people, they can't produce the same amount of work. George: Exactly. Carol: Yeah, you always need exponentially more folks to carry that out. And it takes a while. This system is hard, like to learn and understand and really feel like you're getting good and proficient at it. So we've kind of lost those later career counselors that were also serving as mentors and such. And I know in some states people are saying like, hey, we've got a whole new group. You've got 90% of your people have been there five years or less. You don't have that other group that can help to support them. George: You know, it kind of then impacts your ability for supervisors to effectively mentor those staff because the added impact on them as well. So the entire system starts feeling that strain. Carol: Yeah, it's really a ripple effect for sure. So I know you guys have mentioned before that people don't always choose VR as a career. So why does that matter for recruitment? Mario: It matters because many of us in VR didn't grow up saying, I want to work in VR someday. Most people find this field accidentally through counseling programs, disability services, workforce programs, social work, education, or even personal life experiences such as myself. The challenge with that is that people don't know the profession exists. They're never going to intentionally pursue it. Other helping professions like teaching, nursing or social work. They have clear career pathways and pipelines and stronger public awareness. VR doesn't have that. So VR agencies are competing for talent in a field that many potential candidates never even heard of. That's why career pathways and apprenticeship models are so important. They create exposure. They allow students, paraprofessionals, community partners, and individuals with lived disability experience to see VR as a meaningful career option before they're already established somewhere else. I think the field has a huge opportunity here, especially because VR work is incredibly mission driven, that once people understand what we actually do and the impact we have, they'll be drawn to it, and the challenge is getting them exposed to it early enough. Carol: Well it does really fit with our new administration. I mean, maybe not so new with our president now he's, you know, in his year two, but very big emphasis on apprenticeships and career pathways. And so it lines up with the administration's thinking on that as well. George, I know you've had a little touch with this. What would it look like, kind of the career pathway and apprenticeship model in a VR agency. George: in Connecticut, we're starting to put together a formalized kind of mentorship program, if you will, where we're bringing in staff within our community, rehabilitation providers, where we can then provide a structured mentorship for them to kind of upskill their knowledge of working within kind of the VR space. The hope there is, is that they can gain experience in the areas like eligibility, plan development, employer engagement, and being able to kind of have that mentorship and feedback that's built into the process. And so our hope really is, is that kind of, you know, if you think about this as about opening the door wider at the front end, so that way we can become more intentional about how we develop staff once they're within our agency or within a provider. Again, this isn't about just simply filling positions. It's more about creating a pathway where someone can enter the field, develop the necessary skills over time, and see a future in the work. And I just want to say, you know, to your question before, if I can, I'm kind of a perfect example here because coming in from education, right? At no point in my kind of career trajectory was vocational rehabilitation presented as kind of a viable option for what I was doing. But an interesting note here is, is that within our NRLI cohort, and I was thinking about this, you know, in kind of getting ready for this podcast, there was at least three other individuals who started in special education and eventually ended up in VR. So I think there's something powerful there in terms of how we think about where we can draw upon individuals to help do the work that we're doing. Carol: Absolutely. There definitely is a natural alignment there. I know back in the day, even in Minnesota, there was a while where school districts were laying off school counselors because they didn't have the funds. And we found that the school counselors had such a interesting background in the training they had that was super transferable over into VR because they're helping students think about employment goals. You know, think about all of that and then that group of people and you're like, why didn't we think of this before and had some really lovely staff come in from that background. I love that. Yeah, it's smart to think about what we align with. Now, I know in NRLI, the fourth week is always the DC week and that can be super impactful. You get to meet the, you know, agency kind of heads from all different, you guys were at Labor and Department of Ed with the Rehab Services Administration. Did you guys have an opportunity at all to share your work and get any sort of feedback from the feds about what you were working on here with this paper? Mario: Yeah, we did. We had the opportunity to discuss our project and our paper and engage with leaders and stakeholders who are thinking about these same workforce challenges. One of the encouraging things was that the feedback we got really validated that this issue is being felt across the country. People recognize that recruitment and retention challenges are not just temporary, they're systemic issues that require long term strategies. And there was strong interest in the idea of developing intentional career pathways and apprenticeship style models because they create a more sustainable workforce pipeline instead of relying solely on traditional recruitment methods. I also think people appreciate that our approach focused not just on filling vacancies, but on developing leaders, increasing retention and creating growth opportunities within the VR agencies. That's important because recruitment and retention really go hand in hand. Bringing people in is only half the battle. You also have to create environments where people want to stay and grow, right? Carol: Yeah. Excellent point Mario, because if you bring people in and they don't stay, you just have a churn that's not going to help anything. You've got to create that inviting, welcoming, wonderful environment that people can learn and grow. Because that's what lots of our, you know, our young people coming in, they aren't coming to the state to just work for 40 years like maybe their parents had or someone else. They want a job they can grow into. Mario: And to add to that, Carol, I've been in the field of VR for almost 19 years now. I can remember going back to the early 2000, when a lot of the people in VR had a master's in VR, and there were plenty of people within the field offices to mentor new counselors coming in. But ever since the mid 20 tens, you know, WIOA came out, that's really dwindled. And we have people with less and less experience and really nobody to mentor. And as George mentioned, really heavily, depending on the program managers to be those mentors and trainers, It's just too hard because they're also having to drop below their 3000-foot level, down to the 1500 zero foot level to take on case load work, you know? Carol: Right. Mario: And he's not able to provide that mentorship as well as we maybe once did in VR in previous generations. Carol: Yeah, we got to look at this in a whole different way. So speaking of looking at this, looking ahead, what's one change you guys hope to see in the VR workforce because of this work? And George, I'm going to throw it to you first. George: It's like the million dollar question right? Carol: Yes. Drum roll. George: Drum roll. (laughter) George: I think the biggest thing I would like to see is a shift in how we think about building the vocational rehabilitation workforce. And what I mean by that is, is that a lot of energy goes into reacting to vacancies and trying to fill positions quickly. And I think what we really need to do, kind of what Mario was mentioning earlier is, is that, you know, building something that looks a little bit more intentional that we have these clear pathways into the field. We have strong mentorships, better onboarding, and real opportunities for growth over time. And I also think that I'm really hoping that we are able to continue strengthening the professional identity of VR. This is incredibly meaningful work for anyone that does this. It truly sits at the crossroads of education, workforce development, disability services, employment, and a host of other things. But what's kind of unfortunate is, is that a lot of individuals are just not aware about the field or the impact that it can have. So it's kind of an interesting paradox, and I would love to see individuals more intentionally choose VR as a career because of how powerful the mission is. I think Mario had mentioned that before about a mission, and I think that that kind of holds true there. If I had a wish, I guess that's what it would be. Carol: I love it. Mario, how about you? Mario: Well, if I could say ditto, I would. But what George and I have said today is that our paper and our project, we wanted to be more intentional about workforce development within the VR system. We'd love to see students, interns, apprentices, and professionals from all related fields become aware of VR much earlier in their careers. We also hope that agencies continue building cultures that invest in mentorship, leadership development, and professional growth so employees can see long term futures within the system. But ultimately, we hope this work helps strengthen the stability of the VR workforce because when agencies are fully staffed, supported and developing future leaders, participants receive better services and better outcomes. And at the end of the day, that's what we're really all about, right? Carol: Absolutely. I think it'd be super cool if somebody came up and did this and came up with that. Like the registered apprenticeship for this, for the VR program, if someone took that on and, and did the thing because it would set the way for the rest of the country. And who knows, you could end up getting some credentials there, Mario and George, You know that you could report on your common performance measures and all of that. I think it would be pretty incredible. Okay. I'm going to throw you guys one last question. I wanted just to circle back to NRLI. I know we have lots of listeners and people are on the fence about whether, you know, to do something or make that investment because it is an investment of time and money for that year. In doing that kind of training, do you have any kind of little parting comment or little plug you could do for NRLI? And George, I'm going to throw out to you first. George: To me again. Oh boy. All right Mario, you can't say ditto. Okay. Without a question, 100% hands down. I would recommend it. I can't even talk enough about it. It was an amazing experience. You're absolutely correct, Carol, it is a lot of work. There certainly are some time constraints, me being on the East Coast, for example, having to go out to San Diego three times a year and then DC also, you know, just kind of the impact on terms of like how you can do your normal job, right? And as well as kind of your personal and family commitments. But I think we said this earlier was, is that one of the biggest values, if you will, of NRLI, was the opportunity to step outside of your day to day work and to engage with colleagues and actually people who eventually kind of become good friends of yours that live across the country, who are dealing with many of the same challenges. We have text groups, we kind of have friended each other on social media. And, you know, we're kind of, you know, shooting questions back and forth to each other to this day. And I think that speaks a lot to what NRLI can give to an individual. So it's certainly about value and relationships and this national network of individuals that are still kind of keeping in touch with. And I think probably the saddest part of the entire experience, if anyone wanted to ask, was that last day when we were all leaving DC and kind of realizing that we're not really going to have an opportunity to see each other. Carol: Yeah, well said George, well said. Mario, you get our last word, but it can't be. Ditto. George: Yeah. Mario: All right. You know what I would have to say is, if I'm speaking to the directors of VR agencies, and especially those that are kind of on the fence of sending staff from their agency to NRLI, What I would definitely say is it's a commitment and it's a long term commitment. And what I mean by that is you can't just send a few once and think that that's enough value added to your agency. You've got to commit over a long time horizon to send staff each year. And you know, Carol, you worked with New Mexico VR through the VRTAC. I'm sure that you've seen our leadership team within New Mexico really grow and develop over the last few years. And that's because the New Mexico VR agency has sent cohorts to the last, I would say at least six, maybe even seven cohorts. And so we've really invested hard in our leadership team in New Mexico. And we're seeing the results of that now. We got out of a cap, we're really making positive progress towards meeting our performance metrics. We have a way better understanding of our data. And now we're really focusing on leadership and culture within our agency. And we're really hoping that going forward, New Mexico VR will be a real place that people want to work at and stay. Carol: Yeah, it really is an investment in your people. I've seen it all over the country and my own, my work with you all, I've seen it, seen the deck chairs move. People have been in interline. They've moved up in their career in New Mexico VR, like I've seen folks in new positions. And it's really been lovely, lovely to see. And I've been appreciative of the management they're investing in VR and we are just so our listeners know why I'm plugging NRLI. It is part of our VRTAC grant and so we do support NRLI. A number of us on the TAC also serve as instructors throughout the various sessions, in addition to there's a faculty for NRLI. So I appreciate you both. I think you did a great job on your paper. If people want to see your paper, they can go to VRTAC.org and go to our top nav NRLI. There's a whole section on NRLI. And you can see the cohort's paper right there. So thank you both. I hope you have a great day. Thanks for joining me. Mario: Thanks, Carol. George: Thank you, Carol. {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.

Cody and Kaleigh Brendle grew up just inland of the Jersey Shore. The siblings, who both have disabilities, came of age knowing it is their right to live, learn and work in their community.Not long ago, millions of people like them could have been segregated in institutions. Then in 1999, in a case known as Olmstead, the Supreme Court ruled states must serve adults with disabilities in their communities when possible. Now, the Trump administration is trying to reverse course. NPR's Jonaki Mehta spent time with the Brendles, who share what it means to live as disabled people integrated in their community.This episode was produced by Janet Woojeong Lee, Erika Ryan and Karen Zamora, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane. Our director is Jonas Adams.It was edited by Steve Drummond, Nirvi Shah and Sarah Handel. Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show's perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

What can a group of Salt Lakers get from the developer of the Fleet Block on 800 South? Host Ali Vallarta asks Central Ninth resident Kerri Nakamura what's on the table for the city's first ever community benefits agreement. Learn more about the Fleet Block project.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Magnify Utah Steelcoated Epoxy Floors Utah Presents at Kingsbury Hall

The Digital Transformation of Real Estate: Modernizing Property Management and Strategic Roll-Ups with Ilia SotoninIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sat down with Ilia Sotonin, the Founder and CEO of Unitify, to examine the operational friction and technological gaps stalling growth within the traditional real estate sector. Ilia, an innovative software builder and real estate technology architect, details how legacy property management firms—often reliant on manual paper workflows and outdated spreadsheets—can eliminate administrative drag and maximize asset valuations. This conversation delivers an essential strategic playbook for property managers, real estate investors, and SaaS founders who want to leverage digital-first resident communication, implement AI-driven concierge automation, and execute high-yield roll-up strategies across fragmented regional markets.The Asset Optimization Architecture: Digitizing Resident Relations and Executing Tech-Enabled Roll-UpsThe primary bottleneck preventing traditional property management companies from scaling their profit margins is an outdated reliance on manual administrative tasks and disjointed communication channels. Ilia Sotonin explains that property management is fundamentally a hospitality business, yet many legacy operators treat resident interactions as purely transactional, resulting in delayed rent collections, high tenant turnover, and diminished asset value. By replacing manual paperwork with comprehensive SaaS platforms and mobile resident applications, property managers can streamline payment collection, boost on-time payment metrics from 80% to 95%, and provide real-time transparency for maintenance requests. Lowering the barrier to entry through accessible software platforms allows mid-market operators to modernize their operations immediately, transforming routine building management into a high-satisfaction resident experience.To capture market share rapidly in a conservative, aging industry where many business owners lack clear succession plans, forward-thinking leaders must combine proprietary software platforms with strategic corporate roll-ups. Acquiring traditional property management companies across high-growth regional markets allows tech-driven firms to acquire existing real estate portfolios and instantly digitize their back-office operations. By replacing inefficient administrative workflows with centralized AI support agents, property management platforms can double operating margins, scaling EBITDA from typical 10–15% benchmarks up to 30%. This systematic modernization protects the underlying real estate asset while creating a highly efficient, scalable infrastructure that appeals to institutional buyers and private equity investors alike.Furthermore, future-proofing real estate portfolios demands that executive teams embrace emerging AI tools and automated building robotics as core components of their long-term operational strategy. Deploying virtual support concierges to handle routine resident inquiries frees up human capital to focus on strategic community development, high-level vendor negotiations, and portfolio acquisition. As automated building systems and smart hardware continue to evolve, centralized digital platforms will coordinate physical maintenance and facility operations seamlessly. When real estate leaders combine resident-centric technology, aggressive acquisition frameworks, and automated operational software into a single unified architecture, they remove growth friction, protect asset yield, and predictably multiply enterprise valuation.About Ilia SotoninIlia Sotonin is the Founder and CEO of Unitify, a prominent real estate technology pioneer, and an expert in digital property management systems. Drawing from a deep background starting in local homeowners association management and expanding into international SaaS platforms, Ilia specializes in solving operational inefficiencies across the real estate landscape. He is an active private pilot, sailor, and visionary founder dedicated to helping property managers and real estate investors modernize legacy operations, deploy AI concierges, and execute high-margin corporate acquisitions.About UnitifyUnitify is an elite property management SaaS platform and real estate technology ecosystem engineered to streamline operations for property managers, community associations, developers, and residents. The platform specializes in providing automated payment collection, digital resident mobile applications, AI-powered virtual concierges, and centralized facility management tools. Through an accessible software model and an active corporate acquisition strategy targeting traditional management firms across the United States, Unitify enables real estate operators to eliminate administrative debt and maximize portfolio profitability.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeUnitify Official Website: unitify.comIlia Sotonin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iliasotoninKey Episode HighlightsThe Resident-First Hospitality Model: Shifting property management metrics to prioritize resident communication, raising on-time payment rates up to 95%.The Strategic Real Estate Roll-Up: Acquiring traditional, aging property management firms and deploying SaaS architecture to double operating EBITDA.AI-Powered Virtual Concierges: Utilizing artificial intelligence to handle routine resident inquiries, reducing contact center overhead while improving response times.Operational Scale in Fragmented Markets: Leveraging centralized digital platforms to manage smaller real estate portfolios profitably without adding administrative headcount.The Future of Automated Facilities: Preparing real estate operations for centralized software platforms that coordinate smart building hardware and physical automation.ConclusionThe conversation with Ilia Sotonin reinforces that the future of property management belongs to leaders who combine human-centric hospitality with data-driven software architecture. By standardizing internal digital workflows, executing strategic business roll-ups, and deploying AI-driven communication tools, property managers and real estate investors can convert traditional, hands-on operations into highly structured, self-sustaining corporate assets.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Here are the top five insurance products you should be looking to sell during the Medicare lock-in period. The insurance industry never stops moving. Make sure you know the products to keep your business moving along with it.   Read the text version   Get Connected:

OPSEU's Lisa Fewster updates the Community Living London strike,

https://circle.livingmiraclescenter.org/events What does it truly look like to live in a spiritual community anchored entirely in A Course in Miracles? In this insightful session recorded live at the Renovatio retreat in Duchesne, Utah, Kirsten, Marina, and David use a comedy movie as a springboard to contrast the ego's chaotic expectations with the simplicity of a shared divine framework.Together, they explore what it means to yield your mind to a single purpose: forgiveness, open communication, and the undoing of the self-concept. Through deeply personal stories about navigating fear, moving past blind spots, and learning to internalize guidance honestly rather than trying to look like a "good" spiritual student, this episode offers a practical and refreshing roadmap for stepping into true collaboration with the Spirit. Discover the profound safety and relaxation that come when you commit to leaving no private thoughts behind.For further insights and unfolding session summaries, be sure to visit David Hoffmeister's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/david.hoffmeister). For more information about movie watching for awakening, visit MWGE.org.Get involved: https://www.the-christ.net/If you want to learn more about David Hoffmeister and Living Miracles events, visit https://circle.livingmiraclescenter.org/events Recording date: June 8, 2026Follow us on:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/DavidHoffmeister https://www.youtube.com/@LivingMiraclesFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/ACIM.ACourseInMiracles Learn more about David & Living Miracles:https://circle.livingmiraclescenter.org/eventsLearn more about A Course in Miracles:https://ACIM.bizDavid's Spanish YouTube Channel is: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP9Gw00CldPUmiu43y7fdWwDavid's Portuguese YouTube Channel is:https://www.youtube.com/@davidhoffmeisterucem

Alex spoke to Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO of Options for Community Living, about Mental Health and how the organization helps brings awareness and help to the community.

For more than 60 years, the Older Americans Act has provided vital support to vulnerable older adults through programs that home-deliver meals, offer transportation services, caregiver support, and beyond. Administered through the Administration for Community Living, these services help millions of older Americans age with dignity and independence.Despite its long-standing success, the Administration's Fiscal Year 2027 budget revives efforts to dismantle the Administration for Community Living and threatens the future of these critical programs.Joining me to discuss what's at stake, the potential impact on older Americans, and how advocates are fighting back are Alliance VP of Public Policy Scott Frey and Alliance Board Member and former HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aging Edwin Walker. 

What does it really look like to live out your faith beyond the walls of a church?In this episode of the Be Bold For Jesus Podcast, we sit down with Chaplain TK from Shine 104.9 to talk about what it actually looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life. TK shares how he went from working in media to stepping into ministry and serving people right where they're at. Instead of a traditional path, his focus has been on showing up, building relationships, and loving people in practical ways. We also talk about the heart behind Home of Shalom and why authenticity matters so much. It's about moving past just “going to church” and actually living out your faith daily.✝️ Be Bold For Jesus Conference 2026 ✝️https://bebold4jesus.org/spokane/✌️ Stay Connected with Be Bold For Jesus ✌️https://bebold4jesus.orgInstagram: @bebold4jesusministries

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In this episode, Stewart Alsop III sits down with Tom Faye — experimenter, author of The 90 Day Client Acquisition Code, and founder of Carbon Credits Marketplace — to talk about solar energy, off-grid living, and the solarpunk vision of a technology-powered utopia. They cover everything from perovskite solar cells and portable container-based solar systems, to carbon credits, ESG investing, and blockchain verification of clean energy output. The conversation also winds through AI training data, business automation, and the data labeling industry before circling back to some bigger questions about human nature, geopolitics, and what genuine self-reliance looks like in 2025. You can find Tom and his work at Carbon Credits Marketplace on LinkedIn and his energy consumption data visualization is also shared there. His book The 90 Day Client Acquisition Code is available for those looking to explore business automation further.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Tom Fay and his work01:03 Understanding Solar Punk: Utopian Tech and Culture02:15 Current State of Solar Technology and Storage03:45 Living Off-Grid: Solar, Batteries, and Remote Work06:11 Solar Energy in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities12:21 Powering Communities with Mobile Solar Solutions16:50 The Vision of Solar Punk: Self-Sufficient Communities22:54 Existing Examples: Great Barrier Island and Others26:06 Overfishing, Environmental Challenges, and Technological Solutions28:34 Using Technology to Address Second-Order Environmental Problems36:35 Data, AI, and the Future of Energy Management43:13 Carbon Credits, Blockchain, and ESG Reporting45:27 The Geopolitics of Green Energy and Resource Control46:53 How to Connect with Tom Fay and Future ProjectsKey InsightsSolarpunk represents a genuine near-future possibility, not just an aesthetic. As solar panels and lithium batteries become cheaper and more efficient, the vision of abundant, decentralized clean energy is becoming a practical reality rather than a utopian fantasy.Perovskite solar cells are pushing efficiency roughly 22% beyond conventional panels, and the bigger revolution happening right now is on the storage side — cheaper, higher-capacity batteries are what will truly unlock solar's potential at scale.Africa may leapfrog the West on solar adoption, just as it leapfrogged landlines with mobile phones. People in energy-scarce countries viscerally understand the value of clean power in a way that people in the West, accustomed to reliable grids, simply don't.Portable solar container units — self-contained, deployable systems — already exist and are making off-grid energy viable for farms, mines, remote lodges, and even data centers, with a roughly five-to-one solar-to-load footprint required.Carbon credits generated from verified solar output, tracked via IoT smart meters and stamped on blockchain, represent a long-term business opportunity that survives political shifts because institutional investors and banks operate on independent ESG mandates.AI training data is a present and real economic opportunity, but a shrinking one. The window for humans — especially lawyers, scientists, and specialists — to get paid for their expertise is closing fast as labs pivot toward synthetic data generation.True self-reliance comes down to four things: food, water, power, and transportation. With solar and Starlink, the gap between remote wilderness and connected civilization has essentially collapsed — something unimaginable even a generation ago.

In this episode, Forrest Inslee and Jo Swinney spend time with Ruth Padilla deBorst of A Rocha Costa Rica, sharing experiences and insights on creation care and community living. Ruth highlights the organization's growth, and its commitment to creation care, community engagement, and environmental justice. In particular, she describes the ways that her intentional community, called Casa Adobe, works to foster deep connection between people and nature, and people with other people. The conversation delves into the challenges of seeking such environmental restoration, addressing issues like river pollution, greenwashing, and the need for a more profound understanding of our particular places. Ruth also emphasizes the importance of caring for creation alongside others in community, advocating for a shift from an individualistic, consumption-orientation to shared responsibility and mutual support. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to engage in meaningful environmental action, and the ways that we can balance lament for the current state of the planet while at the same time remaining hopeful for the future.Keywordscreation care, environmental justice, intentional community, A Rocha International, A Rocha Costa Rica, storytelling, ecological stewardship, community living, environmental activism, hope, indigenous wisdom, composting, theology of creationTakeaways Jo Swinney: "I am primarily a storyteller, trying to inspire people to do what they can where they are."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "It's hard for me to imagine caring thoroughly for creation if we don't get off that train of consumption and accumulation."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "The most powerful possibility of transformation is communal."Ruth Padilla DeBorst: "Recognizing the river as our sister is an expression of worship of God, not of the river, but of the creator."Find us on our website: Earthkeepers Support the Earthkeepers podcast Check out the Ecological Disciple

Send a textWhat does a good life look like when you cap your energy use at 2,000 watts? We take you inside Zurich's Hunziker Areal, a car‑free, cooperative neighborhood turning a bold climate target into daily routines that actually feel good. From shared workshops and tool libraries to efficient buildings and smart mobility, we unpack how design and community can shrink footprints while expanding comfort, connection, and choice.If you would like to see the a video of the Hunziker Areal and read the collection on climate solutions, and more stories, please visit Swissinfo Science.Jounalists: Kristian Foss BrandtVideo journalist: Vera Leysinger Host: Jo FahyAudio editor: Michele AndinaDistribution and Marketing: Xin Zhang SWI swissinfo.ch is a public service media company based in Bern, Switzerland.

People with disabilities deserve to live in the most integrated setting in the community possible. And, they deserve to be protected and safe while doing so. From host homes to independent living options, safety and regulations look different but still have significant challenges to protecting this vulnerable population. Jack Johnson, Public Policy Liaison at Disability Law Colorado is on the front lines of fighting for legislation to improve regulation and safety of paid caregiving in the state of Colorado. Tune in for his informed perspective on these nuanced conversations!

Shoutout BACONCAT for having Uncle Vinny in his studio for a great conversation. Follow him on Instagram to keep up with new work and events: https://instagram.com/baconcat/ Timestamps: 0:00 - welcome @baconart 3:00 - Art Origins 13:00 - Story of "Noir" Event 18:00 - sketchbook sessions 21:00 - Tempe community 25:00 - living in China 27:00 - Travel talk 28:45 - Adjusting to a new country 30:00 - Attitude and Actions 31:20 - Being a foreigner in China during COVID 34:30 - Getting stuck in Greece for 3 months 36:30 - tough times build character 38:00 - challenges while in Greece 39:40 - getting married and divorced 40:30 - mental toughness; survival 42:00 - being in the moment 43:00 - living in AZ 45:30 - starting over is not so bad 47:00 - Bob Dylan 48:30 - bacons art evolution 53:45 - trailer Park boys and Tegan and Sara 58:15 - sobriety journey 1:01:00 - shout-out @baconcat Click the Below Links to Keep Up With New Versatile Vigilante content: Instagram: https://instagram.com/VersatileVigilante/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/versatilevigilante Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/podcast/6rbWSYZP9asHUv431qHZfK/overview Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/versatile-vigilante/id1384221180?mt=2 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/VersatileVigilante

Dec. 16, 2025 - Medical respite care is being pushed as a cheaper alternative than prolonged hospital stays for New Yorkers without a place to recuperate. We discuss how an expansion of this service might happen in New York with Jody Rudin, president and CEO of the Institute for Community Living.

We need to recognize the contributions and sacrifices that family caregivers make to help those they love who can't provide for their own daily needs. The reason most people own LTC insurance is to help those caregivers to not feel alone and isolated. If you don't own LTC insurance and you want to protect your family, assets and choices, schedule time with me to plan here Below are many resources to help caregivers help their loved ones better. Administration for Community Living https://acl.gov/ Alzheimers Association https://www.alz.org/ American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging https://leadingage.org/ Aging Life Care Association https://www.aginglifecare.org/ National Council on Aging https://www.ncoa.org/ Senior Homes https://www.seniorhomes.com/ Assisted Living Foundation of America http://www.alfahousing.org/ National Center for Assisted living https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Pages/default.aspx Memory Care Facility Locator https://www.memorycarefacilities.net/ Today's Caregiver magazine https://caregiver.com/ National nursing home database https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?redirect=true&providerType=NursingHome There are others, but this is a good start.

Download My Top 20 Books Every Man Needs To Read:https://books.menofearth.co.uk/Join The Mens Online Community: www.skool.com/menofearth/aboutCrops Not Shops - is a transformative movement that seeks to restore a deep connection between people, food, and community. Rooted in the belief that true well-being arises from harmony with the earth, this initiative is dedicated to creating self-sufficient, off-grid regenerative communities, where the values of food sovereignty, earth stewardship, and mutual care take centre stage.====== CROPS NOT SHOPS =====IG ▶   / cropsnotshops  JOIN THE MOVEMENT ▶ https://www.cropsnotshops.co.uk/Soverign Village Project ▶ https://mylittlefarm.co.uk/pages/sove...====== CHRIS GEISLER ======WEBSITE ▶ thechrisgeisler.comMens Community ▶ www.skool.com/menofearth/about====== SUPPORT ======Support The Podcast: www.patreon.com/thechrisgeislerTelegram: https://t.me/thechrisgeislerpodcast

Affirmative action and DEI have become lightning rods in today's culture wars, but how much do we really know about where they came from and why they exist? In this episode, Sergio breaks down the long history of systemic racism in America, from slavery and Jim Crow to redlining and modern hiring bias. You'll learn what affirmative action actually is, what DEI really means, and how both have shaped access, opportunity, and fairness for everyone not just a few. This isn't about guilt. It's about awareness. Because when you understand the history, you start to see the patterns. And once you see them, you can't unsee them.1.Intro2. America's Original Construction Project3. The Evolution of Inequality4. Who's Really Getting the Handout?5. Before Affirmative Action, There Was Just...Discrimination6. DEI for Dummies: The Part They Never Told YouSources & References:• Bertrand, M., & Mullainathan, S. (2004). Are Emily and Greg more employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A field experiment on labor market discrimination. National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.3386/w9873• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). EEOC history: 1964–1969. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/history/eeoc-history-1964-1969• National Park Service. (n.d.). Equal Pay Act of 1963. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.nps.gov/articles/equal-pay-act.htm• Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations, 413 U.S. 376 (1973). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Press_Co._v._Pittsburgh_Commission_on_Human_Relations• University of Washington. (n.d.). Racial restrictive covenants: Enforcing neighborhood segregation in Seattle. Civil Rights & Labor History Consortium. https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/covenants_report.htm• Jones-Correa, M. (2000). Origins and diffusion of racial restrictive covenants. Political Science Quarterly, 115(4), 541–568. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2657609• Urban Institute. (2023). Addressing the legacies of historical redlining. https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/Addressing%20the%20Legacies%20of%20Historical%20Redlining.pdf• Nardone, A., Casey, J. A., Morello-Frosch, R., Mujahid, M., Balmes, J., & Thakur, N. (2020). Associations between historical residential redlining and current age-adjusted rates of emergency department visits due to asthma across eight cities in California. The Lancet Planetary Health, 4(1), e24–e31. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9901820/• Pager, D., Western, B., & Bonikowski, B. (2009). Discrimination in a low-wage labor market: A field experiment. American Sociological Review, 74(5), 777–799. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2915472/• Corrigan v. Buckley, 271 U.S. 323 (1926). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corrigan_v._Buckley• ADA National Network. “Timeline of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” adata.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://adata.org/ada-timeline• Administration for Community Living. “Origins of the ADA.” acl.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://acl.gov/ada/origins-of-the-ada• U.S. Department of Justice. “Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act.” ada.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/• Section508.gov. “IT Accessibility Laws and Policies.” section508.gov. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies/• BrownGold. “DEI & A: The Effect of Donald Trump's DEI Executive Order on Accessibility.” browngold.com. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://browngold.com/blog/dei-a-the-effect-of-donald-trumps-dei-executive-order-on-accessibility/• Wikipedia. “Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.” Wikipedia.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_Barriers_Act_of_1968• Michigan State University Libraries. “Advancing Accessibility: A Timeline.” lib.msu.edu. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://lib.msu.edu/exhibits/advancing-accessibility/timeline• Duane Morris LLP. “ADA Considerations for Neurodiversity Hiring Programs.” duanemorris.com. August 3, 2023. https://www.duanemorris.com/articles/ada_considerations_for_neurodiversity_hiring_programs_0803.html• Autism Spectrum News. “Neurodiversity Hiring Programs: A Path to Employment.” autismspectrumnews.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://autismspectrumnews.org/neurodiversity-hiring-programs-a-path-to-employment/Institute for Diversity Certification. “What Does It Mean to Provide Reasonable Workplace Accommodations for Your Neurodiverse Employees?” diversitycertification.org. Accessed October 2, 2025. https://www.diversitycertification.org/deia-matters-blog/what-does-it-mean-to-provide-reasonable-workplace-accommodations-for-your-neurodiverse-employeesKatznelson, I. (2005). When affirmative action was white: An untold history of racial inequality in twentieth-century America. W. W. Norton & Company. (See summary: History & Policy).• Onkst, D. H. (1998). “'First a negro… incidentally a veteran': Black World War II veterans and the G.I. Bill of Rights in the Deep South, 1944–1948.” Journal of Social History, 32(3), 517–543.• Blakemore, E. (2019; updated 2025). “How the GI Bill's promise was denied to a million Black WWII veterans.” History.com. https://www.history.com/articles/gi-bill-black-wwii-veterans-benefits.• Heller School, Brandeis University. (2023). “Not all WWII veterans benefited equally from the GI Bill” (impact report). https://heller.brandeis.edu/news/items/releases/2023/impact-report-gi-bill.html.• Perea, J. F. (2014). [Law review article on GI Bill and race]. University of Pittsburgh Law Review (available as PDF).• NBER working paper(s). (2024–2025). “Quantifying Racial Discrimination in the 1944 GI Bill” (authors and links in NBER repository). 

Grief is a complex topic for people with dementia, their loved ones, caregivers and doctors to navigate. Dr. Erica Srinivasan, an expert on the psychology behind grief, joins the podcast to discuss the different kinds of grief people can experience and share strategies and resources for addressing the grief associated with dementia. Guest: Erica Srinivasan, PhD, associate professor of psychology, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL), director, Center for Grief and Death Education, lead instructor, Grief Support Specialist Certificate, UW–Madison Continuing Education Show Notes Register for Dr. Srinivasan's Grief Support Specialist Certificate course at the UW–Madison Continuing Education website. Read more about Dr. Srinivasan at her profile on the UW–La Crosse website. Listen to our episode “Shining Light on Younger-Onset Dementia with Lorenzo's House,” mentioned by Dr. Chin at 14:19, on our website. Learn more about MyGrief, the resource mentioned by Dr. Srinivasan at 22:42, on the Canadian Virtual Hospice's website.  Learn more about the UK Alzheimer's Society, mentioned by Dr. Srinivasan at 23:04, on their website. Learn more about Wisconsin's Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), mentioned by Dr. Srinivasan at 23:13, on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website. Looking for resources outside of Wisconsin? Find local organizations using the Administration for Community Living's (ACL) Eldercare Locator. Connect with us Find transcripts and more at our website. Email Dementia Matters: dementiamatters@medicine.wisc.edu Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's e-newsletter. Enjoy Dementia Matters? Consider making a gift to the Dementia Matters fund through the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer's. All donations go toward outreach and production.

What does it really look like to live inside the dream of community? To share walls & gardens, decision-making & dinner tables — & to raise children in a village that actually lives its values?In this conversation, we sit down with Suzie Brown, long-time advocate for sustainable living & proud resident of the Narara Eco-Village. Suzie opens the gate & lets us wander through the realities of intentional community life — from the joy of shared purpose & spontaneous connection, to the inevitable challenges of governance, regulation & difference.She shares how Narara's unique decision-making structures help navigate conflict, why research & planning matter long before the first foundation is laid & what it takes to keep a community diverse, accessible, & truly alive.This chat is as much about belonging as it is about building — about the quiet power of volunteering, the laughter that spills from community events & the deep satisfaction of knowing you're part of something larger than yourself.So settle in & join us as we explore what happens when a group of humans decides to live more lightly — & more together.Pod Partners Rock:  Australian Medicinal Herbs    Code: Future5Support the ShowCasual Support - Buy Me A CoffeeRegular Support - PatreonBuy the Books: Futuresteading - live like tomorrow matters Huddle - creating a tomorrow of togethernessWe talked about:How children benefit from growing up in a supportive environmentSociocracy allows for effective decision-making in communitiesConflict resolution is crucial for the success of eco-villagesResearch into successful eco-villages informs best practicesAccessibility and affordability are challenges for eco-village livingCommunity events help integrate new members into the villagePets can be a contentious issue in community living Participating in an eco-village requires active engagementCommunity members are joint owners of the cooperativeBuilding a sustainable community involves significant effort & collaborationThe concept of 'pulsing' allows for shared leadership & energy levelsJoy & fun are essential for community cohesion.Governance models like sociocracy help manage community dynamicsFinancial planning is crucial for the sustainability of eco-villagesRegulatory challenges can hinder the building process in eco-villagesVolunteering is a key aspect of community involvementLiving in an eco-village fosters a deep sense of belongingSupport the show

A property development company is looking to introduce intergenerational cohousing communities to Wellington. Lauren Crimp reports.

In this week's sermon we examine the fact that all of us are strangers in our current world. While it is easy to get comfortable here, for the Christian, as the old song goes, “I can't feel at home in this world anymore.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pdchurch.substack.com

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Pablo Arce, the founder of Efficient Developments, who discusses the need for sustainable and energy-efficient homes. Pablo shares insights on the challenges of traditional construction methods, the benefits of using steel over wood, and the importance of technology in building homes that are resilient to climate change. He emphasizes the need for a shift in the construction industry to meet the demands of modern homeowners, particularly younger generations seeking affordable and sustainable living options. The discussion also touches on the role of solar energy and community living in enhancing the quality of life for families.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

We celebrate 2025 Hispanic Heritage month's theme "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future" with great conversation between mentors and Mentees. Erica is talking to the authors of with Latinx/e In Social Work Volume 3 along with their Madrinas/Padrinos (mentors) for a look into the process of what it takes to build community in the social work field. She is joined by Vol. 3 Author Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW and her Mentor / Madrina Rosita Marinez, MS-NPL, ADV-CSW, MSW, about supports, mentorship, and community.More about our guest:Rosita Marinez is the Senior Vice President of Supportive Housing at the Institute for Community Living. She manages the country's largest NY OMH housing portfolio for people with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders. A social work executive and LIHTC-certified consultant. She has developed several programs in housing, mental health, and HIV/AIDS. She is also a mentor for RELISH and various mentorship programs. You can contact her below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosita-marinez-a1443966/IG: https://www.instagram.com/rosita.marinez/Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/rositamarinez.bsky.social Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW, earned her Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work. As a self-described social justice worker, Pilar is actively involved in the Payment for Placements (P4P) movement, the Social Worker Equity Campaign (SWEC), and the #StopASWB Campaign—advocating for racial, gender, and socioeconomic justice through collective action that is needed for long-term change. You can contact her below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pilar-o-bonilla/IG: https://www.instagram.com/daringly_myself/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/daringlymyself.bsky.socialFollow LatinX in Social Work on the web:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-priscilla-sandoval-lcsw-483928ba/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinxinsocialwork/Website: https://www.latinxinsocialwork.com/Get the best selling book Latinx in Social Work: Stories that heal, inspire, and connect communities on Amazon today:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952779766

Guests in The Sustainable Hour no. 564 are Rochelle Ryan from Australian Tiny House Association and Andy Greig from Swift Tiny Homes.

My recent friend Faith, who I met at an OTL Dialogue, has a gift for questions. So when Faith expressed interest in asking me about my community living situation, I was grateful she was up for recording our call, because she's a careful thinker who understands systems from a deep rootedness in the organic nature of community and personhood. And boy, did she make me think and reflect.Leaving our conversation, I'm left with questions for how to make my community house wiser, more developed, more mature. I'm left wondering how we can develop rituals of modifying our covenant, rituals of remembering our values and vision, on staying attuned to different nodes of awareness on the health of the community, and on encouraging multiple nodes of community ownership. (00:00) Introductions(03:38) Foundations of Intentional Community(08:58) Values and Practices in Community Living (16:17) Conflict Resolution and Community Dynamics (28:11) Navigating Household Dynamics, Clutter, and Values (29:50) Leadership Challenges for Enneagram 2s (32:25) Balancing External and Internal Responsibilities (40:45) The Process of Housemate Transitions (44:15) Future Aspirations and Neighborhood Integration Get full access to New Kinship at newkinship.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Chris Biddle shares his journey into the RV park business, discussing the unique opportunities and challenges it presents. He highlights the dual nature of RV parks as both affordable housing solutions and luxurious getaways. Chris explains the various revenue streams available in the RV park model, the importance of maintaining a quality experience for guests, and the complexities of underwriting deals in a fragmented industry. He also touches on the maintenance aspects of RV parks and offers insights for aspiring investors.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

In this episode of Talk Local to Me, hosts Heather Alto and Mike turn the spotlight on local businesses, community happenings, and valuable resources for families and seniors across Central Virginia. The conversation touches on back-to-school shopping and the importance of choosing local retailers, while also previewing upcoming events like ribbon cuttings and networking meetups. Special guests join to share perspectives on family photography and dementia support programs, emphasizing the value of preserving memories and providing resources for caregivers. The episode also highlights the benefits of community collaboration, the impact of volunteer efforts, and the importance of proactive planning for aging. Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged and connected through the Central Virginia Business Coalition and play an active role in strengthening their local community.

In this conversation, Nick Duggan shares his journey into farming and real estate, emphasizing the importance of local produce and sustainable agriculture. He discusses the farm-to-table movement, the challenges faced by local farmers, and the health benefits of consuming locally sourced food. Nick also explores the concept of tenant farming and community living, highlighting the need for a modern approach to agriculture. He concludes with a call to action for supporting local farms and the benefits of buying local produce. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

John brings us another message through 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, where Paul teaches that whether single or married, we are called to live with undivided devotion to God, making choices that prioritize His eternal kingdom over temporary distractions

In this conversation, Dylan Silver interviews Mudassar Malik, a data scientist and AI philosopher, about his innovative project, One Lake Drive, which aims to create a self-sufficient, multi-generational community in Delaware. Mudassar shares his personal journey into real estate, the philosophical underpinnings of his project, and the importance of community and environment in promoting well-being. He discusses the integration of AI philosophy into societal structures and the holistic approach to living that he advocates through his work.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Cerise Turner is a dedicated public servant, community advocate and champion for peace whose lifelong commitment to service was recognized with the 2024 President Biden's Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. This national honor reflects her extraordinary contribution of more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service devoted to improving the lives of seniors, youth and families across Washington, D.C.As Ms. Senior D.C. 2023 and a Senior Ambassador for the Department of Aging and Community Living, Cerise advocates for more than 120,000 older adults across all eight wards. Her leadership and outreach span hundreds of events from senior wellness centers to policy forums, parades, cultural celebrations and citywide resource fairs. She has given testimonies before the D.C. Council Committees and remains a trusted voice for equity, respect and quality of life for seniors.She describes her metamorphosis when she became Ms. Senior D.C. She re-made herself by pushing herself to step outside of her typical behind the scenes type of lifestyle. She recommends volunteering as a way to get outside of oneself and meet others. She continues to challenge herself and live her best life at age 67.In 2025, Cerise was named a United Nations Global Peace Ambassador (Appointed through an UN-affiliated NGO), a global recognition of her tireless efforts to promote unity, service, and community unity. She has also taken part in public awareness campaigns protecting seniors from fraud, served as a speaker on financial empowerment for women, and volunteered with countless interfaith and intergenerational initiatives.Cerise's professional background includes a successful career in the private legal sector in which she provided high-level litigation and legal support in leading law firms. Her work was marked by precision, discretion and a strong commitment to excellence, qualities that also define her volunteer leadership and advocacy.Her passion for service has guided her through roles such as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Educational Surrogate Parent for OSSE and Parent Watch Advocate where she supported children and families navigating complex educational and legal systems with empathy and determination.Her community contributions have earned her multiple certificates of appreciation and excellence from the Department of Aging and Community Living, recognition from senior wellness centers, and acknowledgments from local organizations for her steadfast commitment to outreach and engagement. Cerise continues to serve with grace, purpose and compassion believing that lasting change begins with kindness, courage and the willingness to show up for others.Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cerise-elaine-turner-90901241/https://www.facebook.com/cerise.turner.1https://www.instagram.com/cerise.turner.1/

When it comes to making the move to a senior living community, few stories are as engaging and instructive as that of Dick Stohr. Recently interviewed by Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Dick shared his candid experiences—from his distinguished military and professional career to his eventual decision, alongside his wife Beverly, to embrace life in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) at Westminster at Lake Ridge in Northern Virginia.A Life of Service and ReinventionDick's journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born, educated, and married. His early career saw him serve as a naval flight officer, flying P-3 aircraft and participating in historic missions, including Apollo astronaut recoveries. After a decade in the Navy, Dick transitioned to a career as a Department of Defense contractor, rising through the ranks to become a company president.But Dick's story is also one of creative reinvention. Inspired by a Parade Magazine article, he rekindled his childhood love of yo-yos, eventually launching a 19-year career teaching “Yo-Yo Fun and the Science of Spin” in schools and libraries. When educational enrichment programs waned, Dick found a new passion in woodturning, later expanding into knife and scissor sharpening with his brother—the “Snippy Bros.”The Decision to Move: Planning with PurposeLike many, Dick and Beverly postponed the decision to move to a senior living community, revisiting the idea every few years. However, in their mid-seventies, they resolved not to leave the burden of difficult decisions to their sons, as their own parents had. “We wanted to make the move when we could choose, not when the family had to drag us out,” Dick explained.Their search was thorough, spanning communities from Fredericksburg to Winchester and Arlington. The Stohrs prioritized a CCRC model that would provide seamless transitions between independent living, assisted living, nursing, and memory care—avoiding the disruption of moving between separate organizations as needs changed. Ultimately, the not-for-profit model and familial atmosphere at Westminster Lake Ridge stood out. “This community acts like a family,” Dick noted, highlighting the supportive environment and integrated care.Downsizing: The Emotional ChallengeAfter 35 years in their family home, the move was daunting. Dick emphasized the importance of “taking emotion out of the process,” coining the acronym “STUFF” for “Superfluous Things Underfoot Forever.” The couple used professional services to declutter, donate, and store items—though Dick admits some yo-yos and papers still linger in storage.Life at Westminster at Lake Ridge: Ten Years OnNow celebrating a decade at Westminster at Lake Ridge, Dick describes a vibrant life enriched by community and purpose. He found a woodworking shop and a tribe of fellow enthusiasts, continuing his passion for woodworking and helping others. The Stohrs value the support system, social connections, and peace of mind that come with living in a community that feels like home.Dick's story is a testament to the power of preparation, adaptability, and embracing new chapters with intention. For those considering a similar move, his advice is clear: plan ahead, involve your family, and focus on what truly matters—community, purpose, and peace of mind.Watch the recording https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/making-the-move-real-life-insights-into-life-plan-community-living

Romans 15:15-32

A FACT CHECK at the White House website proclaims “President Trump will always a protect Social Security and Medicare.” It goes on to quote Elon Musk saying “The waste and fraud in entitlement spending — which is most of the federal spending is entitlements — so, that's, like, the big one to eliminate. That's the, sort of half-trillion, maybe $6-700 billion a year.” After a list of “facts” about fraud, improper payments to deceased individuals and improper payments to both SSA and Medicare and Medicaid services, the page goes on to ask “What kind of a person doesn't support eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending that ultimately costs taxpayers more?”Link to the Whitehouse web site:https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/03/fact-check-president-trump-will-always-protect-social-security-medicare/Am I missing something? First, Social Security and Medicare are not entitlements, they are services for which older Americans have paid for by deductions from THEIR salaries. And , second, where is, in this so-called Fact Sheet, plans for how President Trump is going to preserve Social Security and Medicare except for a statement that reads “The Trump Administration will not cut Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits. President Trump himself has said it (over and over and over again).”Conversely, President's Trump's budget seeks to reduce or eliminate the Older Americans Act, to dissolve the Administration for Community Living, and cut funding to critical services that help older adults to live independently.In order to be able to understand more completely what's going on, we called on Nathan Boucher, to explain the effect of Trump's real budget proposals on senior care. Nathan is Associate Research Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke University faculty at Sanford School of Public Policy, the Medical School, and the Nursing School. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Duke Center for the Study of Aging & Human Development as well as Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy Core Faculty. Nathan and I talked about the Older Americans Act and the Administration for Community Living which provide services like Meals on Wheels, Adult Day Care, Falls and Elder Abuse Prevention and Respite care as well as services for younger people with disabilities. We discussed that despite reassurances that Medicare and Medicaid will not be touched, plans are in the works for reducing Medicaid and adding a work requirement and more difficult paperwork which would affect at least 7.6 million people.

Speaker: Jeremy Vorce

We are delighted to welcome Swan Dao back for the second of his two-part episode on the ⁠Mangu.tv⁠ podcast series. Giancarlo and Swan pick up from where they left off in part one. They have a heartfelt conversation covering communal living, personal growth, creativity, sexuality, BDSM and spirituality. Swan shares his insights on communal living and the value of sustained effort and open communication for growth. They speak about the healing potential of tantra and BDSM, and Swan offers his perspective on the value of power dynamics involved with BDSM, which is often stigmatised. He speaks about his disenchantment with the hetronormativity in the sacred sexuality world, and the value of expressing desires and boundaries in an intimate setting, as well as deconstructing societal norms, and the empowerment of social liberation.  Giancarlo and Swan speak about inspirations and passions. Swan shares his love for medicinal, edible plants and polyphonic singing. He speaks about upcoming retreats, including a singing tour in Georgia. Swan highlights the importance of experiential approaches to understanding consciousness and spirituality, focusing on experiences and practices. Finally, Giancarlo and Swan discuss collective growth as opposed to personal growth and the value of recognising the interconnectedness of all beings.

Today, we're diving into the journey of Sister Monica Clare - a woman who went from working in advertising and doing stand-up comedy to becoming a nun. Her story is a powerful testament to finding who you truly are and discovering a deeper connection with God. We'll explore her path of discernment, her experiences in religious community, and how she's now using TikTok to break down misconceptions about religious life. Sister Monica Clare will share insights on prayer, community, and finding your true calling - revealing that spiritual life isn't about perfection, but about genuine human connection and love. We explore a lot in her story, so join us. Sister Monica Clare is the Sister Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent based in New Jersey, and a spiritual counselor specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Before becoming a nun in 2012, she worked as a photo editor in L.A. and performed in an acoustic rock duo and an improv comedy troupe.Sister Monica's Book:A Change of HabitSister Monica's Recommendation:God Didn't Make Us to Hates UsSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Ashley T Lee PodcastAshley T. Lee Podcast will cover many life issues such as overcoming stress, anxiety...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the show

In this powerful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with longtime civil rights attorney, disability advocate, and former Acting Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, Alison Barkoff. Now serving as the Hirsch Health Law and Policy Professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Alison shares her personal journey rooted in her experiences as a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability—and how that shaped her life's mission to advance health equity, civil rights, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they explore: The historic update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—modernizing anti-discrimination protections in healthcare for the first time in nearly 50 years. The hard truths about ableism, medical bias, and discriminatory crisis standards of care exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgent need to incorporate clinical care curricula into medical and health professional training to eliminate health disparities for people with IDD. The challenges of navigating a fragmented service system—and why it's still worth the fight. Alison also shares her top three calls to action for improving the lives of people with IDD: building personal connections, embracing inclusive healthcare reform, and confronting the systemic complexity with commitment and compassion. If you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or advocate looking to better understand the intersection of disability rights, healthcare, and public policy—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this powerful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with longtime civil rights attorney, disability advocate, and former Acting Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, Alison Barkoff. Now serving as the Hirsch Health Law and Policy Professor at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Alison shares her personal journey rooted in her experiences as a sibling of a person with an intellectual disability—and how that shaped her life's mission to advance health equity, civil rights, and inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Together, they explore: The historic update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—modernizing anti-discrimination protections in healthcare for the first time in nearly 50 years. The hard truths about ableism, medical bias, and discriminatory crisis standards of care exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgent need to incorporate clinical care curricula into medical and health professional training to eliminate health disparities for people with IDD. The challenges of navigating a fragmented service system—and why it's still worth the fight. Alison also shares her top three calls to action for improving the lives of people with IDD: building personal connections, embracing inclusive healthcare reform, and confronting the systemic complexity with commitment and compassion. If you're a healthcare professional, policymaker, or advocate looking to better understand the intersection of disability rights, healthcare, and public policy—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Is the source of yearning for connection on a human level the same as longing for God on a spiritual level? The urge for connection is pre-thought, pre-psychological. It begins at birth when we first experience separateness. Practice is about patterning the nervous system to let go. When we can sit in the center of the storm of our feelings, we can be with suffering and with "what is" in a way that does not seek fulfillment. To come to acceptance doesn't always happen gracefully. To go fully into yearning—a process that happens over and over—leads to shattering, which is a doorway to reassembling without the same identification. We may yearn for love and project that we'll be satisfied on a human level and find that we long for love on a much deeper level. Acceptance of every part of us, and of the masculine and feminine, brings us to the next level. Suffering doesn't end when we accept suffering, but something shifts. Longing and suffering co-exist. It feels different when we are able to ride the waves of heartbreak. The ability to hold personal and universal suffering is needed in the world. Hate is projection of suffering onto others; realizing this helps us to be compassionate. Clinging is part of life and never disappears, but our work with it can be incorporated into practice. We need a strong matrix to hold longing. In each incarnation we may have one destiny to fulfill, which involves use of the body. We don't read a book to experience the wine; we empty our cup and drink the wine. Longing is satisfied in the longing itself. Letting go of expectations opens us to a commitment to love. We can work with desire and identity, letting go again and again. To honor longing is not a casual choice. Debbie Hogeland-Celebucki is an advocate for the wisdom of community and conscious parenting and the author of Widening the Circle: Inspiration and Guidance for Community Living.

What happens when critical aging services are put on the chopping block? The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is facing major restructuring, potentially dismantling key programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Howard Gleckman and Alison Bankoff explain why this decision matters—not just for seniors, but for families, caregivers, and communities nationwide. We'll break down the potential consequences, discuss how advocacy groups are responding, and highlight what you can do to ensure these vital services remain intact.

The Future of Independent Living for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Join hosts Jake and Gino in this eye-opening episode of the Jake and Gino Podcast as they sit down with affordable housing advocate and mobile home developer Franco Perez. Franco shares his inspiring journey from growing up in California as an immigrant, struggling to afford housing, to becoming a pioneer in the affordable housing sector through innovative mobile home developments.Discover how Franco is transforming communities by debunking common myths about mobile homes, optimizing construction processes, and advocating for affordable, sustainable housing solutions. If you've ever wondered about the untapped potential of mobile home investments, this is an episode you can't miss!Key Highlights:Franco's journey from struggling immigrant to mobile home developerThe financial realities of mobile home ownership in high-cost areasThe stigma around mobile homes and how to overcome itHow mobile home parks are reshaping affordable housing solutionsInvestment opportunities in the mobile home sectorInnovative construction processes and faster build timelinesResources & Links:Franco's YouTube Channel: Franco Mobile HomesInstagram: @francosiliconvalleyConnect with Franco: www.franco.tvSubscribe for more insights on real estate, entrepreneurship, and creating long-term wealth! Chapters:00:00 - Introduction  00:50 - Franco's Backstory: From Immigrant to Affordable Housing Advocate  04:35 - Discovering the Potential of Mobile Homes  07:42 - The True Cost of Homeownership vs Renting  12:48 - Building Community and Value  15:57 - Community Amenities in Modern Mobile Home Parks  26:25 - How Mobile Home Investments Create Wealth  35:11 - Gino Wraps it Up  We're here to help create multifamily entrepreneurs... Here's how: Brand New? Start Here: https://jakeandgino.mykajabi.com/free-wheelbarrowprofits Want To Get Into Multifamily Real Estate Or Scale Your Current Portfolio Faster? Apply to join our PREMIER MULTIFAMILY INVESTING COMMUNITY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. (*Note: Our community is not for beginner investors)

As adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities strive to live more freely and fully than ever before, many of America's doctors, hospitals and insurers are getting in the way. We get an inside look at one doctor's quest to improve health care for people with conditions like Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.Guests:Alison Barkoff, JD, Administration for Community Living, HHSKevin CarlsonClarissa Kripke, MD, Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine and Director of the Office of Developmental Primary Care; University of California, San FranciscoMarjorie Ongpauco, BSN, RN, Nursing ConsultantHarold Pollack, PhD, Professor of Social Work, Policy and Practice; University of ChicagoDonna Valencia, BSN, RN, MSN, Administrator, Group Home AdministratorLeslie Walker, Senior Producer/Reporter, TradeoffsLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could beehives be the next big amenity in multifamily communities? It might sound surprising, but rooftop hives are making their way from office buildings into residential spaces—offering sustainability, local honey production, and even allergy benefits!Today, we're drawing attention to an insightful conversation from the JLL Trends and Insights Podcast, exploring how beehives are enhancing urban environments. Plus, I share my personal routine with local honey and how it helps with seasonal allergies.Also, a big shoutout to Suzanne Hopson on her new podcast, Multifamily Elevated! If you haven't subscribed yet, now's the time. Her latest episode with Donald Davidoff is a must-watch!What do you think—would you welcome a beehive in your multifamily community? Let's talk in the comments!Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more insights on Multifamily, Leadership, and PropTech!

We were visiting the George Herbert Walker Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas with David and Sallie Burnett in April of 2022. David took the seat behind the Resolute Desk and said these prophetic words- “It is up to us to give back to society. It is what makes us great.” Not all giants stand tall. Some walk among us quietly, leaving footprints not in sand but in the hearts of those they meet. Such was David Burnett. Lafayette, Colorado, is like many small towns—a place where neighbors know each other's names, where the rhythm of life hums along at a steady, familiar pace. But every so often, a soul comes along who doesn't just live in a town, across a cul-de-sac, but weaves himself into its very fabric. David Burnett was that kind of man.He was more than just a neighbor—he was a force for good. A board member on countless nonprofit organizations, he didn't just believe in making a difference; he did it, over and over again. And not by standing on soapboxes, not with grand speeches, but with something far more powerful: a giving heart, a generous spirit, and the courage to ask others to join him. Consider this: David served on the board of the Association for Community Living in Boulder County, advocating for those with developmental disabilities. He sat on the finance committee, ensuring funds were wisely allocated to provide services and opportunities for those who needed them most. At EPIC, he was a trusted advisor, working to expand employer-sponsored childcare. He understood that when working parents had reliable childcare, families and businesses thrived.And so, he worked. Not for accolades. Not for recognition. But because it was the right thing to do. He lent his expertise and heart to the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation Board, knowing that quality healthcare should never be a privilege—it should be a promise. And the YMCA of Northern Colorado? David's fingerprints are there, too. The recent opening of the Inspire Preschool and Infant Care was a testament to his unwavering belief that all children—regardless of background—deserved a strong start. His dream was free universal preschool, a vision he pursued with the same fire that fueled his every endeavor. Some people shy away from asking for help. Not David. He knew the secret—people want to give; they just need someone to show them how. And he was that someone. A phone call, a handshake, a moment of eye contact—David had a way of making you believe that yes, you could do more, you should do more. And because he believed it, you believed it too. He and his wife, Sallie, raised their daughter, Brittany, with the same values. She watched, she learned, she followed in his footsteps. Devoting her life to nonprofits wasn't just a career choice; it was a calling, a legacy. Her father's legacy. And that legacy lives on. Recently, the David Burnett Childcare Center opened at the YMCA of Northern Colorado. Brittany said, “Dad worked so incredibly hard for this project and for free universal preschool for children of all ages across Colorado. His vision was to open access for early childhood education to give them a chance to succeed at an early age. I am proud of his legacy and heart for others.” As for David's career? He was a bank executive with Wells Fargo who happened to see beyond the money and into the currency of life itself. But even the strongest among us are not invincible. Colon cancer came for David at 55. Too soon. Far too soon. And yet, some legacies are not measured in years but in lives touched. In lessons taught. In communities made stronger, charities made richer, hearts made fuller. David Burnett was better than a friend. Better than a brother. More than next of kin. He was a resolute role model.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-made-to-last-legends--4302039/support.

In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging," host Wendy Jones and Erica Ancel, director of operations at Next Steps 4 Seniors, discuss the critical issue of elder abuse. Elder abuse is a hidden crisis affecting millions of seniors, often going unnoticed and unreported. In this eye-opening episode, we dive into the harsh realities of financial exploitation, physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and neglect. Erica shares powerful real-life stories, including a heartbreaking case of an elderly woman scammed online and a granddaughter misusing her power of attorney. You’ll learn: • How cunning scammers target seniors, leading to an estimated $28 billion in financial losses annually. • The subtle red flags of abuse—unexplained injuries, social withdrawal, and sudden financial changes. • Practical tips to protect your loved ones, from screening calls to securing their home environment. Don’t miss this critical conversation that could help you recognize, prevent, and respond to elder abuse in your community. Resources for Help If you suspect elder abuse, there’s a national hotline (1-800-677-1116) provided by the Administration for Community Living to report cases and connect victims with help. Every senior deserves to live with dignity, respect, and safety. By staying informed and vigilant, we can make a significant difference in the lives of older adults. Tune in to our latest episode to learn more and join us in the fight against elder abuse. Have questions or suggestions? Call 248-651-5010 or email hello@nextsteps4seniors.com. For podcast topics or sponsorship opportunities, contact marketing@nextsteps4seniors.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share on your favorite podcast platform. Visit NextSteps4Seniors.com to learn more and explore additional resources. Let’s take the next steps together! This episode is proudly sponsored by Aeroflow Urology, a leader in incontinence care solutions. You may be eligible to receive your incontinence supplies at no cost through your insurance, delivered discreetly and directly to your door. *Some exclusions apply Visit aeroflowurology.com/ns4s to learn more and see if you're eligible.Support our mission: https://nextsteps4seniors.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.