Beyond The Blog

On this episode of Discover DeSoto, Alicia Exantus chats with fellow Patterson Foundation consultant, Sherry Oehler.

Though Sherry lives in Manatee County, her work has brought her deeply into the heart of DeSoto through a special assignment with the DeSoto Digest Newsletter team. Together, Alicia and Sherry explore what it means to tell stories that connect residents, community leaders, and organizations, painting a fuller picture ...

In this episode of The New Civic Path Beyond The Blog podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Monica Encarnacion, founder and CEO of Homeschool STEAM. Monica reflects on her experience in a New Civic Path book circle, sharing how it transformed her outlook from feeling hopeless to hopeful and why small actions can spark big community change. They discuss finding common ground, fostering civic responsibility, and the unique design...

The Patterson Foundation's (TPF)  approach to philanthropy goes beyond traditional geographic boundaries, tapping into expansive networks and movements that work toward shared aspirations.

Exemplifying TPF's collaborative approach to philanthropy, a report titled Proven Practices: Applying National Practices Locally was developed to identify and examine ten instances where TPF worked with national organizations to catalyze...

In this episode of Beyond the Blog: The New Civic Path series, we sit down with Tiffaney Schippert Conner, a former librarian, published writer, and owner of Sobriety Beach, to hear her inspiring reflections on participating in A New Civic Path book circle.

Tiffaney shares how these circles create safe spaces for connection and trust, where vulnerability turns into strength and small actions ripple into meaningful community change. ...

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn has an in-depth conversation with Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works. Together, they unpack the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism. How it has become such a widespread issue across the country and why it matters for children, families, and schools alike. Hedy also shares practical strategies, proven approaches, and valu...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thriveability Podcast, we dive into how one nonprofit leader transformed his approach to fundraising through The Patterson Foundation's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Dave Abderhalden, Executive Director of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, shares his firsthand experience from attending the multi-day, research-backed training led by the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Fa...

In this episode of Beyond the Blog, Sarasota local and Muscle Repair Shop owner Butch Phelps shares his experience participating in a New Civic Path book circle. Butch reflects on the power of authenticity, the importance of starting local, and how everyday neighbors are quietly making a big impact in our communities.

Discover why these book circles create safe spaces for honest conversations, build trust across differences, and ins...

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Sondra Guffey, DeSoto County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Sondra shares her aspirations for the future of DeSoto County and highlights the many ways she is working to make those dreams a reality. From strengthening local businesses to promoting tourism, her leadership is helping shape a thriving, connected community.

Through her involvemen...

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn chats with Beth Duda about the launch of The Patterson Foundation’s newest book circle selection, A New Civic Path by Rich Harwood. They discuss the success of past book circles, the addition of trained facilitators this time around, and the special connections participants make along the way. Their conversation highlights how book circles c...

Discover how Sarasota Opera is transforming its mission-driven work into sustainable revenue in this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast.

General Director Richard Russell shares the opera company’s journey with Margin & Mission Ignition, an initiative designed to help nonprofits develop earned income strategies that align with their mission. Learn how Sarasota Opera turned its world-class costume collection ...

In this Beyond The Blog conversation, Kiarra Louis invites Josephine Eisenberg, Alicia Exantus, and Stacy Sternberg — three committed, brilliant, and studious women — to share their experience in leveraging The Patterson Foundation's Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program in collaboration with Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative.

Recog...

What does it really mean to be school-ready?

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Alison Nichols, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the School District of Manatee County, and Jennifer Harrison, K–2 Curriculum Specialist for the School District of Manatee County. Together, they unpack what school readiness truly looks like,...

In this inspiring episode, Pierrette Kelly shares her experience as a poll watcher, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the vital role everyday citizens can play in upholding democracy. With clarity and passion, she encourages others to step up and get involved, especially as International Poll Worker Day approaches on August 12. Whether you're curious about what poll watching involves or looking for ways to se...

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Carol Mahler, a longtime resident and beloved historian of DeSoto County. This episode offers a heartfelt and enlightening look at the people, places, and moments that have shaped this amazing community over the years. Carol's gift of personal stories and historical insight reminds us that preserving local history isn't just about remembering the...

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus welcomed a guest who embodies leadership, service, and local pride: Asha Campbell. She is a tax professional, business consultant, and CEO of the nonprofit JRpreneur Brunch. Asha's journey is rooted in the heart of DeSoto County, where she's lived since the age of five. Her deep connection to the community drives everything she does, from mentoring the youth to...

Rich Harwood's manifesto, The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation, boldly lays out a new path forward by which Americans might come together, amid our real divides, and create change. He's not a politician. But he's on a campaign to spread this message to every corner of the country. In this podcast, TPF Fellow, Andrew Spector, talks with Cheri Coryea, Initiative Lead for Aspirations to...

Rich Harwood's manifesto, The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation, boldly lays out a new path forward by which Americans might come together, amid our real divides, and create change. He's not a politician. But he's on a campaign to spread this message to every corner of the country. In this podcast, TPF Fellow Andrew Spector talks with Rich about why he wrote The New Civic Path and his...

Vickie Oldham, President and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), shares how her approach to fundraising shifted after participating in The Patterson Foundation’s Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Before the program, Vickie relied primarily on grant writing to support her organization. Afterward, she began focusing on donor stewardship, building relationships, and exploring various funding strategi...

In this episode, Laurie sits down with Beth Duda and Karen Windon to explore how summer can be a time of learning, growth, and connection, not lost progress. From simple tools like the Five Finger Rule to powerful programs like THIS BOOK IS COOL! and the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge, they share how families and communities are helping children stay engaged and excited about reading all summer long.

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