Startup Grind Lansing
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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A Warm and Compassionate Community
For many families, the search for assisted living or memory care begins with a difficult question: How do we find a place that truly feels like home?
At The Arbor Inn in Warren, the answer starts with relationships. Family-owned and operated since 1975, The Arbor Inn has built its reputation on a simple philosophy—treat every resident like family. That mindset shapes everything from daily care and activities to the way staff support loved ones through life’s biggest transitions. It’s not just about providing a place to live. It’s about creating a community where people feel known, valued, and cared for every day.
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Care That Starts with Compassion
Every resident arrives with a unique story, and The Arbor Inn believes their care should reflect that. Whether someone needs a little extra assistance with daily routines or specialized memory care, the staff focuses on meeting people where they are while preserving their dignity and independence.
One team member summed up the philosophy simply: “Think of them as your parents, your grandparents, your aunt and uncle. What would you want for them? We all look at each other as a family.”
That perspective influences every interaction. From a morning greeting to helping someone navigate a difficult day, compassion isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s part of the everyday experience. Families often talk about the warmth they feel when they walk through the doors. Residents aren’t treated like room numbers or schedules. They’re neighbors, friends, and members of an extended family.
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Supporting Every Stage of the Journey
Moving into assisted living is often accompanied by uncertainty—not only for residents, but for the people who love them. The Arbor Inn understands that transition and works to make it as smooth as possible.
Staff members build relationships with residents from day one, learning their routines, preferences, and personalities. Whether it’s helping someone stay active, providing companionship, or coordinating healthcare services, the focus remains on creating stability and comfort. That personalized approach extends beyond the resident. Families become partners throughout the process, receiving updates, support, and reassurance as their loved one’s needs evolve.
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Specialized Memory Care with the Reflections Unit
As memory care needs increase, having the right environment becomes essential. In 2020, The Arbor Inn expanded its services with the Reflections Unit, a secure community specifically designed for residents living with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.
The goal isn’t simply safety—it’s quality of life. Specially trained caregivers provide individualized support while encouraging residents to remain engaged through meaningful daily activities. Cognitive stimulation, gentle exercise, grooming assistance, and social interaction all work together to help residents maintain purpose and connection. Even as memory changes, opportunities for joy, conversation, and belonging remain central to everyday life.
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More Than Healthcare
While clinical care is important, The Arbor Inn recognizes that wellness includes emotional connection just as much as medical support. Residents enjoy opportunities to participate in activities that encourage movement, creativity, and conversation. Those everyday moments—sharing meals, attending events, or simply spending time together—help create the sense of community that families often notice immediately.
The Arbor Inn also collaborates with physicians, nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure residents receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. It’s a team approach designed to support the whole person.
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Helping Families Navigate Financial Questions
For many families, financial concerns become one of the biggest obstacles when considering senior living.
The Arbor Inn believes those conversations deserve the same compassion as every other part of the process. The admissions team works closely with families to identify resources that can help make care accessible, including Michigan’s PACE program and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits for eligible residents. Their goal is simple: help families find solutions rather than roadblocks.
As one staff member explained: “No one ever runs out of money here. We find a way… to find a solution for them.”
That commitment provides peace of mind during what can often feel like an overwhelming decision.
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A Place Families Trust
One of the strongest endorsements of The Arbor Inn comes from the families who have experienced its care firsthand. Many describe an environment where staff continuously look for ways to improve not only the resident experience but also the experience of loved ones walking through the journey together.
One family member shared: “They just always seem to be striving to better the experience for family as well as residents.”
That ongoing commitment reflects something bigger than excellent customer service. It reflects a culture built around relationships.
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A Community That Feels Like Home
Finding senior living isn’t simply about choosing a building. It’s about choosing people. The Arbor Inn has spent nearly five decades creating an environment where compassion, respect, and family remain at the center of everything they do. Whether providing personalized assisted living, specialized memory care through the Reflections Unit, or helping families navigate complex financial decisions, the mission remains consistent: ensure every resident feels safe, supported, and at home.
For families searching for senior care in southeast Michigan, The Arbor Inn offers more than services. It offers a community where people are welcomed, cared for, and treated like family.
By Paul S|2026-08-06T22:06:44-04:00August 6th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreHOPE IN ACTION:
Celebrating National Nonprofit Day
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.
By Paul S|2026-08-05T00:55:18-04:00August 5th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreContent Warning: Sensitive topics discussed include physical and sexual violence.Get to know us! Join three impact leaders as we explore the “why” behind their work. We talk about what first drew us to mission-driven, justice-focused work, what continues to inspire us, and what keeps us going. Connect with us as we kick off this journey with stories of purpose, passion, and the people behind the mission.
By Paul S|2026-07-29T19:21:42-04:00July 31st, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreChild and Family Charities’ Street Outreach Team Is Building More Than Services–They’re Building Community
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Every young person deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, and seen.
That’s the vision driving Child and Family Charities’ Street Outreach team as they continue expanding services throughout Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Through relationship-building, practical resources, and a new Drop-In Center, the team is creating more opportunities for youth to connect with caring adults and access the support they need. Their mission isn’t simply to respond to challenges. It’s to remove barriers before they become roadblocks and help young people discover pathways toward stability, resilience, and hope.
As the team continues to grow, so does their presence in the community–including the launch of new social media channels that make it easier than ever for people to stay connected with upcoming events, outreach opportunities, and available resources.
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Meeting Youth Where They Are
Street outreach is about much more than showing up; it’s about building trust.
Every interaction is an opportunity to listen, understand, and help connect young people with services that can make a lasting difference. Whether someone needs immediate support, guidance toward housing or mental health resources, or simply a trusted adult willing to listen, the Street Outreach team focuses on meeting youth where they are–both literally and emotionally.
Their work reaches throughout the Tri-County region, creating relationships that extend beyond a single conversation. Instead of expecting young people to navigate complex systems on their own, the team brings resources directly into the community, creating accessible pathways to support.
That commitment is captured in one simple vision: “We want to be Lansing’s living room moving forward.”
It’s a powerful statement that reflects more than a location. It reflects an atmosphere–one where everyone feels welcome.
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A New Home Base for Connection
One of the most exciting additions to the Street Outreach program is the new Drop-In Center. While outreach will always remain an important part of the team’s work, having a permanent space creates entirely new possibilities for serving youth across the region.
The Drop-In Center gives young people a place where they can stop in, connect with staff, participate in activities, and access resources without barriers or expectations. It’s designed to feel less like an office and more like a community space.
A place where relationships grow naturally, a place where support is always available, and most importantly, it’s a place where young people know they belong.
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More Than a Building
The Drop-In Center represents far more than four walls. It creates opportunities for meaningful engagement that extend beyond crisis intervention.
Through workshops, community events, and skill-building activities, the center gives youth opportunities to learn, connect, and grow in an environment built around encouragement and respect.
Programs are designed to meet a wide variety of needs, including:
– Educational workshops
– Career exploration and guidance
– Life skills development
– Mental health support
– Counseling resources
– Community engagement activities
By creating consistent opportunities for interaction, the center helps strengthen relationships while encouraging young people to build confidence and independence.
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Strengthening Community Through Partnership
No single organization can meet every need. That’s why collaboration remains a cornerstone of Child and Family Charities’ approach.
The Street Outreach team works alongside community partners throughout the Lansing area to connect youth with additional resources and services whenever needed. These partnerships help create a stronger network of support, ensuring young people have access to everything from housing assistance and behavioral health services to educational opportunities and workforce development.
When organizations work together, communities become stronger. That’s exactly the kind of collaboration Child and Family Charities continues to foster throughout Mid-Michigan.
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Staying Connected Beyond the Streets
Another exciting step forward is the launch of the Street Outreach team’s dedicated social media presence.
The new platforms offer community members an easy way to stay informed about:
– Upcoming outreach events
– Volunteer opportunities
– Workshops and activities
– Community resources
– Program updates
– Ways to get involved
For young people, families, and community partners alike, these channels create another avenue for connection and communication.
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Building a Place Where Everyone Belongs
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Child and Family Charities’ Street Outreach initiative isn’t a building, a program, or even an event; it’s the philosophy behind it.
Every young person deserves to feel welcomed, and every young person deserves to know someone cares.
By combining outreach, relationship-building, practical support, and a welcoming community space, Child and Family Charities continues creating opportunities for youth to find encouragement, connection, and hope.
Their vision of becoming “Lansing’s living room” isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about creating an environment where young people know they can walk through those doors and be accepted exactly as they are.
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Looking Ahead
As the Street Outreach program continues expanding across the Tri-County area, the future is full of possibility. New partnerships, community events, workshops, and Drop-In Center activities will continue creating spaces where youth can connect, grow, and access the support they need to thrive.
For Child and Family Charities, every conversation matters. Every relationship matters. Every young person matters. And with every new connection, they’re helping build a stronger, more compassionate community—one where hope isn’t just something people talk about. It’s something they experience.
By Paul S|2026-07-29T19:23:13-04:00July 30th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreMission Control Season 6: Jae Margetson on Community, Leadership, and Making Things Happen
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For five seasons, Mission Control has focused on the leaders behind nonprofits–the executive directors, changemakers, and visionaries working every day to strengthen their communities.
Season six is a little different.
As UnoDeuce Multimedia celebrates 25 years of storytelling, we’re turning the camera around. This season explores the people, relationships, and moments that shaped the company from the very beginning. Some of those stories are about mentors. Others are about clients who became lifelong friends.
Few people embody that better than Jae Margetson.
Long before UnoDeuce had decades of nonprofit experience, Jae trusted us with one of our earliest major projects. Over the years, she became more than a client. She became a collaborator, a trusted partner, and someone whose passion for community continues to inspire everyone around her.
On this episode of Mission Control, Jae reflects on a career built around one simple idea: use your talents to make your community better.
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A Career Built on Purpose
Jae’s journey didn’t begin in Michigan. Originally from the Caribbean, she eventually made her way to the Midwest, where she pursued a degree in sport management with an emphasis in public relations at Bowling Green State University.
She arrived with two goals: Graduate with honors. Land an internship with the Detroit Pistons. She accomplished both.
That internship would become the launching point for a career centered on community engagement, relationship building, and creating opportunities for others.
“It was always my intent to use the resources of a sports organization to help the community.” That mindset has remained constant throughout every chapter of her career.
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Learning by Doing
Like many great careers, Jae’s wasn’t built in a classroom alone. Her internship with the Detroit Pistons gave her hands-on experience in event planning, communications, writing, and community relations.
Instead of simply observing from the sidelines, she was trusted with meaningful work. She helped organize community events, supported neighborhood park revitalization efforts, and worked alongside organizations dedicated to improving lives throughout Detroit. Those early experiences reinforced something that continues to define her career today.
Events aren’t just about logistics–they’re about people. Every event is an opportunity to bring a community together, celebrate a mission, or create an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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One of UnoDeuce’s First Clients
For Paul Schmidt, this conversation is also deeply personal. Jae wasn’t simply another guest on the podcast, she was one of UnoDeuce Multimedia’s earliest clients. One of their first major collaborations involved producing a video for the Detroit Police Athletic League—a project that became a defining learning experience for both teams.
Like many productions, things didn’t go exactly according to plan. Leadership changes created shifting timelines. Deadlines moved. Expectations evolved. Rather than becoming frustrated, everyone adapted.
Looking back, those challenges became valuable lessons in flexibility, communication, and trust. Those early experiences helped shape the way UnoDeuce approaches storytelling to this day. Great partnerships aren’t built when everything goes perfectly. They’re built when people solve problems together.
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Becoming the “Make Things Happenologist”
Throughout her career, Jae developed a reputation for making complex projects look effortless. Whether coordinating intimate gatherings or managing large-scale conferences, she became known as someone who could take dozens of moving pieces and turn them into seamless experiences.
Her colleagues eventually gave her a fitting nickname: “The Make Things Happenologist.” It’s a title earned through years of preparation, organization, and calm leadership.
Successful events aren’t accidental–they’re built through countless conversations, careful planning, and a willingness to solve problems before attendees ever realize they exist. That behind-the-scenes leadership has become one of Jae’s defining strengths.
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A Front-Row Seat to History
One career highlight stands above many others. While working on the Ford Freedom Awards, Jae had the opportunity to serve as journalist Robin Roberts’ personal videographer during the event.
High-profile productions require precision. Every detail matters. Schedules shift. Expectations remain high.
Jae navigated the experience with the same professionalism that has defined her career, balancing vendor relationships, production logistics, and the needs of a nationally recognized guest.
Moments like these don’t happen by chance, they’re earned through years of preparation and a reputation built on trust.
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A New Chapter with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Today, Jae continues creating impact in her role as Vice President of Special Events and Projects with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. Her work now focuses on creating meaningful experiences that invest directly in young people throughout the Detroit region.
One exciting initiative is the continued evolution of Metro Detroit Youth Day. Rather than a single-day celebration, the event is growing into a broader experience that reaches more neighborhoods, engages more partners, and creates more opportunities for youth across the community.
It’s another example of Jae doing what she’s always done best–bringing people together around a common purpose.
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The Power of Relationships
One of the themes that runs throughout this conversation is something we’ve talked about often on Mission Control: relationships matter.
For 25 years, UnoDeuce Multimedia has been fortunate to work with organizations that became much more than clients. They became collaborators. Friends. Partners. People we’ve learned from.
Jae is one of those people. Her story reminds us that careers aren’t measured only by titles or awards. They’re measured by the people you serve, the partnerships you build, and the impact you leave behind.
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Looking Back–and Forward
As Mission Control celebrates UnoDeuce Multimedia’s 25th anniversary, conversations like this help tell the story behind the story. The cameras, the productions, the events…They’ve always been about something bigger. They’re about people who dedicate their lives to strengthening communities.
Jae Margetson has spent her career doing exactly that. From internships with professional sports organizations to community revitalization projects, from award-winning events to youth programming, she has consistently found ways to connect people, create memorable experiences, and leave every community stronger than she found it.
By Paul S|2026-07-29T19:16:46-04:00July 29th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreIn this episode of the Warfighters United Podcast, we continue our conversation with Jon Sofronas surrounding TBI, PTSD, and the growing discussion around Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as a potential treatment option for veterans battling invisible wounds. We also talk about Corpsman Compass and the work being done to support and guide those who have served. Join us for an honest conversation focused on awareness, advocacy, and making a difference for the veteran community.
By Paul S|2026-07-21T18:25:14-04:00July 24th, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MoreMore Than a Job: Exploring STEMM Opportunities at Consumers Credit Union
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When people think about financial institutions, they often think about loans, checking accounts, and transactions. But behind every branch, every member interaction, and every financial solution is a team of people working to make a difference in their communities.
At Consumers Credit Union, that mission extends far beyond banking.
Since 1951, Consumers Credit Union has grown into a thriving organization with 33 branches and continued expansion across Michigan. Along the way, they’ve built a reputation not only for serving members but also for investing in the people who make that service possible. For job seekers looking for more than just a paycheck, Consumers Credit Union offers something increasingly valuable: a workplace focused on growth, opportunity, and belonging.
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A Legacy of Service and Growth
For more than seven decades, Consumers Credit Union has been helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate their financial journeys. As the organization continues to expand, so does its impact. New branches, evolving technologies, and changing member needs create opportunities for innovation and career development across nearly every department.
But growth at Consumers isn’t measured solely by the number of locations they operate. It’s measured by the people they develop.
The organization has built its culture around the idea that success happens when employees have opportunities to learn, grow, and pursue meaningful careers. That philosophy is evident throughout the organization, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
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Opportunities Across the Organization
One of the biggest misconceptions about working at a credit union is that every role revolves around traditional banking. The reality is much broader.
Consumers Credit Union offers opportunities in a wide range of disciplines, including:
– Information Technology
– Data Analytics
– Accounting
– Loan Servicing
– Operations
– Member Services
– Leadership and Management
– Project Management
– Marketing and Communications
As financial services continue to evolve, so do the skills needed to support them. Technology, data, and innovation play increasingly important roles, creating career paths that appeal to professionals from many different backgrounds. Whether someone is beginning their career or looking for their next professional challenge, Consumers provides multiple entry points into the organization.
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Education Matters, But Potential Matters Too
One aspect that stands out about Consumers Credit Union is its approach to hiring and professional development. While some positions may prefer specialized education or advanced degrees, the organization understands that talent comes in many forms.
Instead of focusing exclusively on credentials, Consumers looks for people who demonstrate potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. That means opportunities exist for individuals entering the workforce, making career transitions, or seeking advancement.
The organization values a combination of technical skills, communication abilities, leadership potential, and a commitment to serving others. Most importantly, they recognize that not every skill needs to be present on day one.
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A Culture Built on Learning
Ask almost any successful professional how they advanced in their career, and chances are they’ll mention mentorship, training, or opportunities to learn from others. Consumers Credit Union has intentionally built those opportunities into its culture.
Professional development is not treated as a one-time event. It’s woven into the employee experience. The organization offers training programs, growth initiatives, internal education opportunities, and leadership development resources designed to help employees continue building their skills.
Promoting from within remains a major priority. By investing in existing employees, Consumers creates clear pathways for advancement while strengthening its team from the inside out. Employees are encouraged to explore different areas of the organization, expand their knowledge, and discover career opportunities they may not have initially considered.
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The Power of Mentorship
Growth rarely happens in isolation. That’s why mentorship plays such an important role at Consumers Credit Union.
Employees have opportunities to participate in shadowing experiences, collaborate across departments, and learn directly from colleagues with different areas of expertise. These experiences help team members better understand the organization while identifying potential career paths that align with their strengths and interests.
The result is a workplace where people are encouraged to ask questions, pursue new challenges, and continue evolving professionally.
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Creating an Inclusive Workplace
A strong culture starts with making people feel welcome. Consumers Credit Union places significant emphasis on creating an environment where employees can bring their authentic selves to work.
“We really pride ourselves on this really inclusive culture that we have created at Consumers Credit Union.”
That commitment shows up in both everyday interactions and formal initiatives designed to foster connection and belonging. The organization supports employee-led programs, engagement activities, and wellness initiatives that help create a positive workplace experience.
One example is Unite, a self-led employee team focused on inclusion and engagement. Consumers also invests in employee wellness through partnerships like Be Nice, which promotes mental health awareness and support.
Together, these efforts help create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and connected.
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Finding the Right People
When hiring, Consumers Credit Union looks beyond resumes and technical qualifications. While skills and experience matter, character matters too.
As their team explains:
“We say we can teach you a lot of the things that you need to know on the day-to-day, but really we’re looking for good, kind, solution-oriented people that like to work hard.”
It’s a philosophy that reflects the credit union’s broader mission of serving members and communities with care and integrity.
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More Than a Career
At its core, Consumers Credit Union is about people. It’s about helping members achieve financial success. It’s about creating opportunities for employees to build meaningful careers. And it’s about fostering a culture where learning, growth, and inclusion are part of everyday life.
As the organization continues to expand, so do the opportunities for individuals looking to make an impact. For those searching for a workplace that values development as much as performance, Consumers Credit Union offers more than a job title. It offers a place to grow.
And sometimes, that’s where the most rewarding careers begin.
By Paul S|2026-07-21T18:23:25-04:00July 23rd, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead MorePositive Somebody Wins Most Inspirational Video of the Year at the 14th Annual Deucey Awards
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Some stories start with a business plan. Others start with a personal experience that sparks a mission. For Jenny, founder of Positive Somebody, that mission grew out of her own childhood.
At the 14th Annual Deucey Awards, Positive Somebody was recognized with the Most Inspirational Video of the Year Award, a reflection of both the organization’s impact and the story behind it. But the award is only part of the story. The real story is about helping children understand their emotions, build healthy coping skills, and discover that their feelings matter.
It’s a mission rooted in experience, fueled by compassion, and growing across Michigan.
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Turning Personal Challenges Into Purpose
Jenny openly shares that growing up wasn’t always easy. As a child, she struggled with emotional regulation and undiagnosed ADHD. School was often difficult, and many of the tools available today simply weren’t part of the conversation.
“I struggled in school. I had ADHD and I struggled with that and I was undiagnosed ADHD as a child,” Jenny explained.
Like many children, she wasn’t taught how to identify emotions or develop healthy coping skills. Looking back, she realized how much of a difference those lessons could have made.
When she became a parent, she made a decision. She wanted her children to have the tools she never had. As she taught her children about emotional regulation, she found herself learning alongside them.
“I wanted to make sure that I taught them how to regulate their emotions, and I kind of learned alongside them.”
That experience eventually grew into Positive Somebody, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children develop emotional awareness, resilience, and positive coping strategies.
What started around one family’s kitchen table has now expanded into classrooms and communities across Michigan.
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Teaching Emotional Skills Before They’re Needed
The work Positive Somebody does is simple in concept but powerful in practice. The organization helps children understand what they’re feeling, why they’re feeling it, and what they can do when emotions become overwhelming.
Rather than waiting until a child is in crisis, Positive Somebody focuses on prevention and education. Their programs equip children with practical tools they can use every day—whether they’re experiencing anxiety, frustration, sadness, excitement, or uncertainty.
In a world where mental health conversations are becoming increasingly important, Positive Somebody is helping young people build skills that can serve them for a lifetime.
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The Award-Winning Video
When Positive Somebody earned the opportunity to create a professional video, the goal wasn’t simply to make something that looked good.
The goal was to tell the story. As a smaller nonprofit, communicating their mission quickly and effectively can often be a challenge. The finished video became a powerful tool that helps supporters, sponsors, educators, and community members understand exactly why the work matters.
Today, the video is featured on their website, shared through social media, and included in sponsorship outreach efforts.
“Having that video just explains to people what we do, and then they get more excited, and we get more sponsorships because of it.”
The impact has been tangible. Businesses and supporters who watch the video gain a clearer understanding of the organization’s mission, often leading to additional sponsorships and support for Positive Somebody programs.
The video didn’t just win an award. It became a tool that helps fuel the organization’s future.
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A Collaborative Effort
Like many nonprofit success stories, the video was the result of teamwork. Jenny credits the entire production process for creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable sharing their stories. One standout contributor was Harper, a Michigan State University psychology student who interned with Positive Somebody.
While stepping in front of the camera can be intimidating, Harper embraced the challenge and grew throughout the process. The experience became more than a video shoot. It became an opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and contribute to a project with lasting impact.
For Jenny, one of the biggest takeaways was seeing how supportive collaboration can transform an intimidating process into an empowering one.
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Growing Across Michigan
While the award is exciting, Positive Somebody’s focus remains on the future. The organization continues to expand programs designed to help children build emotional resilience and healthy coping skills.
One of those initiatives is the Positive Pack Program, which has now reached dozens of schools across Michigan. The program provides resources and tools that help students develop emotional awareness and practical coping strategies.
Another growing initiative is the Weather Within Program, a social-emotional learning curriculum that helps children connect emotions to weather patterns. Sunny might represent happiness. Rainy could represent sadness. Windy might represent anxiety. Stormy could represent frustration or anger. Using familiar concepts helps children identify emotions and understand that feelings naturally change over time.
“You don’t want to be upset, like stormy or anxious, like windy or sad, like rainy all the time. So we really do teach tools to make sure that they’re feeling sunny.” The approach is relatable, accessible, and effective—meeting children where they are and giving them language to describe what they’re experiencing.
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More Than an Award
Winning the Most Inspirational Video of the Year Award is an incredible accomplishment, but the recognition reflects something larger. It highlights a nonprofit that is helping children navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. It recognizes a founder who transformed personal struggles into meaningful action. And it celebrates a growing movement focused on emotional wellness, positive coping skills, and creating brighter futures for young people.
Positive Somebody’s story is proof that when people share authentic experiences, powerful things happen. Communities rally behind important work. Children gain access to resources they need. And a mission that began with one person’s determination can grow into something that impacts thousands.
That’s what makes this award special. It’s not just recognition for a video.
By Paul S|2026-07-21T18:21:27-04:00July 22nd, 2026|Categories: Uncategorized|0 CommentsRead More 12NextTell us about your organization and what you are trying to say.
What’s your story?