Hope In Action

Host Sheri Jones talks with Yolanda Pope, founder of DAP Services and Resources, about a mission born from experience on the front lines of senior care. As a licensed practical nurse, Yolanda kept seeing the same story: seniors and families disconnected from resources that could change everything. So she built the bridge herself.

Today, DAP Services offers case management, housing support through its Senior Stability Program, and Harbor House, a transitional shelter created specifically for elderly individuals with nowhere else to turn. Yolanda shares real stories of transformation, the growing crisis of senior homelessness in our community, and why she believes in doing the hard work now, before families are forced into crisis later.

It’s a conversation about hope, resilience, and what’s possible when one person decides to become the safety net.

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This month, host Sheri Jones celebrates National Nonprofit Day by spotlighting three organizations quietly changing lives across the Lansing community.

First up is DAP Services & Resource Center, founded in 2021 by executive director Yolanda Pope, a nurse with nearly 20 years in geriatric healthcare. What began as a case management program for medically vulnerable seniors grew into something bigger after Pope noticed a gap in housing support — so she built the bridge herself. DAP now offers walk-in hours every Tuesday and Thursday, helping seniors navigate everything from doctor’s appointments to housing crises, all with the compassion of what Pope calls being a “professional relative.”

Next, Julia and Jackie of Youth Builders Community Development Corporation share how they’re turning teenagers’ ideas into real entrepreneurial ventures — from T-shirt printing to logo design — giving justice-involved youth ages 14-18 the tools and confidence to build financially stable futures.

Finally, Larry Johnson of Brotherhood Against Drugs joins to discuss his organization’s mission, along with the powerful reading program inspired by his mother’s work decades ago. Last year’s cohort saw remarkable results, with the majority of third and fourth graders jumping multiple reading levels — proof that early intervention changes trajectories.

Plus, catch this month’s community calendar for upcoming events across the nonprofit hub.

🎙️ Don’t miss the companion podcast for an in-depth conversation with Yolanda Pope about her journey founding DAP Services — available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

A special thank you to our visionary sponsor, LAFCU, for their continued partnership.

Welcome back, friends! If you caught Tammy Hannah on this month’s episode of Hope in Action, host Sheri Jones couldn’t let her go after just one segment. So grab your headphones, because this episode settles in for the deeper conversation.

Tammy is the founder and executive director of Origami Rehabilitation, and in this episode, she opens up about the personal story behind it all: growing up as the little sister of her brother Jeff, who was born with cerebral palsy, and watching firsthand how family, perseverance, and the right support can help someone exceed every expectation. That’s the story that planted the seed for what would become nearly 30 years of transforming lives.

Sheri and Tammy talk about the marathon, not the sprint, of recovery from a young mother who defied the odds after a catastrophic car accident, to a veterinarian who returned to the operating room after a stroke, to the nearly 200 children now served at Origami’s Greenlawn location, learning to speak, to move, to believe in themselves for the very first time. Tammy also shares beautiful, practical wisdom on etiquette and kindness how we can all show up better for the people in our lives who are navigating a disability, seen or unseen.

This one is full of heart, hope, and just genuinely good humans doing good work. Listeners will leave this conversation with a little more grace for the people around them.

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📩 Have a story or event to share? Email hopeinactionsj@gmail.com

Thanks for listening in — see you next time.

HOPE IN ACTION WITH SHERI JONES: Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Join host Sheri Jones for a powerful episode kicking off Disability Pride Month, featuring three incredible local nonprofits making a difference: Origami Rehabilitation, NAMI of Lansing, and Peckham.

First up, Tammy Hanna of Origami Rehabilitation shares nearly 30 years of transforming lives, opening up about what it means to find pride, progress, and kindness on the road to recovery. Next, NAMI of Lansing’s Emily White — a law school graduate now studying for the bar — gets candid about her own mental health journey and how peer-to-peer support turns solidarity into hope for others facing psychosis and disorder. Finally, Laura and Christina from Peckham join us to talk employment, accessibility, and self-advocacy, showing how inclusive workplace design and equal opportunity help people with disabilities thrive on the job.

Together, these conversations celebrate belonging, resilience, and the everyday courage it takes to share your story. 💙

🎧 Don’t miss the extended interview with Tammy Hannah on our companion podcast, live now!
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We sincerely thank our Visionary Sponsor: LAFCU.
Learn more about them at: https://www.lafcu.com/

Hope in Action: Celebrating Pride, Inclusion, and Community in Lansing
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Hope starts with a conversation.

Sometimes it’s a conversation about belonging. Sometimes it’s a conversation about visibility. And sometimes it’s a conversation about creating a community where every person feels valued, supported, and seen.

That’s exactly what the inaugural episode of Hope in Action set out to accomplish.

Hosted by Sheri Jones and produced by Uno Deuce Media, Hope in Action was created to spotlight the organizations, leaders, and changemakers building stronger communities throughout Greater Lansing. Each month, the program explores a different theme through the lens of local nonprofits and community partners who are creating meaningful impact.

For its very first episode, the focus couldn’t have been more fitting: Pride Month.

Through conversations with leaders from the Salus Center, Helping Women, Period, and Lansing Pride, the episode explored what inclusion looks like in action and how communities become stronger when everyone has a place to belong.
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*A New Platform for Community Stories*

At its core, Hope in Action exists to celebrate the positive work happening throughout Lansing and beyond.

As Sheri Jones shared during the episode, hope isn’t just an idea. It’s something people build every day through relationships, service, and community engagement. The goal of the program is simple: shine a light on organizations making a difference while helping viewers discover opportunities to get involved.

By focusing on Pride Month, the conversation highlighted organizations working to create safe, welcoming spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves.
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*The Salus Center: Creating Space for Authenticity*

One of the featured organizations was the Salus Center, a community hub dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout mid-Michigan.

The name itself tells a story. Derived from the Latin word salus, meaning wholeness and well-being, the center exists to provide a space where people can show up fully as themselves without fear of judgment or rejection.

Founded by Piwa Langeni, a Black, transgender Christian man, the Salus Center was created from personal experience and a desire to build the kind of community space he wished existed earlier in his own journey.

Today, the center hosts numerous support groups, community gatherings, educational programs, and outreach efforts throughout the region. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that belonging matters. For many individuals, simply finding a place where they are accepted can be life-changing.

The stories shared during the episode reinforced a powerful message: when people feel safe enough to be themselves, they often inspire others to do the same.
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*Visibility Creates Hope*

Pride Month is often associated with celebration, but it’s also about visibility.

Visibility allows people to see themselves reflected in their community. It reminds individuals that they are not alone. It creates opportunities for connection, understanding, and support.

Throughout the conversation, guests emphasized that visibility isn’t about standing apart—it’s about recognizing our shared humanity. When communities embrace diversity, everyone benefits.

The Pride flag flying across Lansing serves as a symbol of that commitment, reminding residents and visitors alike that inclusion is not just an aspiration. It’s something people actively work toward every day.
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*Helping Women, Period: Expanding Access Through Inclusion*

Another featured organization, Helping Women Period, demonstrated how even small changes can make a significant difference.

For more than a decade, the organization has worked to address period poverty by providing menstrual products to individuals throughout Michigan. As their work evolved, so did their understanding of the diverse communities they serve.

Recognizing that menstrual health affects people across a variety of gender identities, the organization began intentionally updating its language, educational materials, and product offerings to become more inclusive.

Those changes included offering products such as menstrual cups and period underwear while ensuring communication reflected the needs of all individuals who require menstrual care products.

It’s a powerful example of how organizations can continue learning, growing, and adapting to better serve their communities.

At its heart, inclusion is about listening. Helping Women Period has embraced that principle by ensuring everyone who needs support can access it without barriers.
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*Lansing Pride’s Growing Impact*

The episode also featured insights from Lansing Pride, one of the region’s fastest-growing community celebrations.

Since launching in 2021, Lansing Pride has experienced remarkable growth, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and establishing itself as one of Michigan’s premier Pride celebrations.

That growth didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of partnerships. Local businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, volunteers, and government agencies have worked together to create an event that welcomes everyone.

The result is more than a festival; it’s an invitation. An invitation for people to experience Lansing as a community that values diversity, celebrates authenticity, and embraces inclusion.

As Lansing Pride continues to grow, so does its impact on how people view the city and the opportunities it offers.
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*Hope in Action*

The inaugural episode of Hope in Action demonstrated exactly why this new platform matters. Every organization featured shared a common belief: communities thrive when people feel supported, respected, and connected.

Whether it’s creating safe spaces, expanding access to essential resources, or organizing events that celebrate diversity, each organization is helping build a stronger Lansing.

And that’s what hope in action looks like. It’s not just talking about change, it’s creating it.

As Hope in Action continues throughout the year, viewers can expect more stories from nonprofits, community leaders, and organizations working every day to make Greater Lansing a more welcoming place for everyone.

Because when people come together with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to one another, hope becomes something much bigger than a feeling. It becomes action.

What happens when two friends read an article on a Sunday night and decide they can’t just scroll past it?

They build a movement.

Welcome to the very first extended podcast episode of *Hope in Action* — the companion series to our monthly show highlighting the nonprofits doing transformational work right here in Lansing and beyond. Host Sheri Jones sits down with **Lysne Tait**, co-founder of **Helping Women, Period**, for an honest, eye-opening, and genuinely inspiring conversation about what it looks like to see a problem in your own backyard and refuse to look away.

What started in 2015 as a breakfast for 30 friends, which quickly grew to 100, has grown into a statewide force. Today, Helping Women, Period partners with 400 nonprofits across Michigan, has distributed millions of menstrual products, and is changing the conversation around periods, poverty, and access in ways that are long overdue.

In this episode, Lysne shares:

✔️ The origin story — from a viral Facebook post to filing nonprofit paperwork in the same week
✔️ Why 1 in 4 Michigan students miss school due to lack of period products (and why that number hits harder than anything you’ve heard about girls overseas)
✔️ How Helping Women, Period evolved its language and mission to fully serve the LGBTQ+ community
✔️ The “menstrual product petting zoo” — yes, it’s a real thing, and it’s exactly what people need
✔️ Why cities like Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Novi are now putting free products in public bathrooms — and how you helped make that happen
✔️ What’s next: menopause education, advocacy with the Michigan Women’s Commission, and a vision for a future where this problem is solved

This is what it looks like when passion, purpose, and practical action come together. This is Hope in Action.

Hope in Action: Lansing’s New Podcast Shining a Light on Community Change

There’s something powerful about hearing people talk passionately about the work they do. Not polished-for-TV passion. Real passion. The kind that comes from showing up every day for a community, building relationships, and helping others without needing the spotlight.

That’s exactly what Hope in Action is all about.

Created by UnoDeuce Multimedia and hosted by Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt, Hope in Action is more than just another podcast. It’s a new community-centered platform focused on uplifting nonprofit organizations, celebrating collaboration, and highlighting the positive stories happening throughout Lansing and beyond.

And honestly? It feels like the kind of project this community needs right now.

More Than a Podcast

From the jump, Sheri and Paul make it clear—Hope in Action isn’t built to be surface-level content.

Yes, it’s a podcast. Yes, it’s a half-hour program. But it’s also a place for longer conversations, deeper storytelling, and authentic moments that don’t always fit neatly into quick social clips.

The show will stream online and also air through the Lansing Public Media Center, giving these stories even more room to breathe and connect with people.

“We’re talking about our inaugural podcast,” Sheri says early on. “Not just a podcast, also a half-hour program.”

That distinction matters. Because Hope in Action isn’t trying to chase trends. It’s trying to build connections.

Inside the Hub Where Collaboration Happens

The series launches from UnoDeuce Multimedia’s studio inside “The HUB,” a collaborative space operated by Child and Family Charities. And this place is busy—in the best way possible.

Right now, the Hub houses 19 nonprofits all working side-by-side, sharing ideas, resources, and support. That environment became the spark for Hope in Action itself.

The concept was simple: if all these incredible organizations are already doing meaningful work together, why not create a platform that tells those stories? Not just the stories happening inside the HUB, either. The vision stretches outward into the entire Lansing community—featuring nonprofit leaders, community organizers, advocates, and collaborators making a difference every day.

A Different Theme Every Month

Instead of random conversations each episode, Hope in Action organizes its content around a monthly theme. Topics could include youth empowerment, mental health, food insecurity, housing, healthcare, or community outreach.

Each month, up to three organizations will join the conversation to discuss:
– Current programming
– Upcoming events
– Community impact
– Stories worth celebrating
– Ways people can get involved

It keeps the show focused while also allowing a wide range of voices to be heard. And because these conversations are rooted locally, they feel personal—not corporate.

Sheri Jones and Paul Schmidt Bring the Energy

If you know Sheri Jones, you already know she has a way of making people feel comfortable almost instantly. Her warmth and curiosity help bring out honest conversations, while Paul’s production background and storytelling instincts keep everything moving naturally.

Together, the dynamic works. There’s a genuine excitement behind what they’re building, and that energy comes through immediately.

“This is a relationship-building space,” Paul explains during the launch episode. “It’s collaboration. It’s really lifting up others.” That line pretty much captures the whole spirit of the project.

Partnerships Matter

Hope in Action also highlights something Uno Deuce has always understood well—great storytelling rarely happens alone.

One of the program’s key collaborators is LAFCU, which stepped in as an early supporter of the show and even helped inspire the name itself. That partnership reflects the larger goal of the project: bringing organizations together around a shared mission of community impact.

Because when nonprofits, businesses, media creators, and community leaders work together, good things happen. Simple as that.

Built for Community Interaction

Hope in Action isn’t designed to be one-way communication. Sheri and Paul want people involved.

That means:
– Submitting local events
– Sharing nonprofit stories
– Recommending organizations
– Engaging through social media
– Supporting causes highlighted on the show

The program will also feature event calendars and updates tied to each month’s theme, helping viewers connect directly with opportunities happening in the community.

In other words, this isn’t just content to consume—it’s content meant to activate people.

Why This Matters

There’s no shortage of negative headlines these days. That’s part of why Hope in Action feels refreshing. It’s not ignoring challenges. It’s simply choosing to spotlight the people actively working to solve them.

The volunteers. The nonprofit teams. The community builders. The organizations creating impact quietly every single day.

Those stories deserve attention too. And in classic Uno Deuce fashion, the approach stays grounded in authenticity, conversation, and community-first storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Hope in Action arrives at the perfect time—a reminder that good things are happening all around us if we take the time to look. With Sheri Jones, Paul Schmidt, UnoDeuce Multimedia and a growing network of community partners leading the way, this new program feels less like a media launch and more like the beginning of a movement centered on positivity, collaboration, and real human connection.

The stories are here. The people are here. Now the spotlight is too.

And honestly? We’re ready to tune in.