Good Neighbor Podcast: Auburn and Opelika

Ep.# 132: Katrina Blanchard, Monarch Estates Senior Living

We sit down with Katrina Blanchard from Monarch Estates in Auburn to break down what independent senior living really offers and how families can bring in the right support without losing autonomy. We also talk candidly about advocacy, misconceptions around care levels, and the real costs that catch families off guard.  • what Monarch Estates is and why the remodel and amenities matter  • Katrina’s path from New York into senior living sales in Auburn • how independent living differs from assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing  • what “aging in place” can mean in practice and why licensing affects moves  • advocating for loved ones when they cannot advocate for themselves  • pricing realities in the Auburn area and how a la carte services can lower costs  • how to tour Monarch Estates and ask better questions early  www.monarchestatessl.com 334-502-0977 1550 East University Dr. Auburn, AL

Ep.#131: Robyn Bridges, Auburn Opelika Tourism

We sit down with Robyn Bridges, President and CEO of Auburn Opelika Tourism, to unpack how tourism work quietly shapes what locals get to enjoy every day. We connect the visitor economy to better facilities, stronger small businesses, and the intentional relationship-building that brings major events to town. • destination management explained through recruiting conferences and sporting events  • visitor spending tied to jobs, local business growth, and city services  • pickleball and recreation facilities as examples of tourism-fueled expansion  • restaurants and retail supported by steady visitor traffic  • AOTourism.com as a planning tool with a comprehensive events calendar  • Robyn’s career journey from hotel marketing to tourism leadership  • common misconceptions about tourism being only for outsiders  • leadership lessons on curiosity, trust, and making people feel valued  • growth challenges around scalability, staffing, and budget  • big events as the result of years of intentional recruiting and relationships  www.aotourism.com

Ep.#130: Jenny Warren, Care Humane Society

We sit down with Jenny Warren from Care Humane Society to talk about what a modern animal shelter actually does and why fostering, rescue partnerships, and community support create real second chances. We also get honest about funding realities, emotional burnout in animal welfare, and simple ways anyone can help even without adopting.  • Care Humane Society’s mission of adoption, education, and community partnerships  • Jenny’s path from sales to director of development and community outreach  • How fostering works and why flexibility matters  • Common myths about humane societies and why they persist  • How foster programs and rescue partners reduce overcrowding  • The reality of partial city funding and what the budget supports  • Summer of Second Chances and how donations go directly to animal care  • The emotional challenges of animal welfare and staying solution-focused  • Ways to help beyond money, including supplies and volunteer time  www.carehumane.org

Ep.#129: Lara Potts, Redeeming Grace Ministries

We sit down with Lara Potts of Redeeming Grace Ministries to talk about what women need after rehab or incarceration so recovery can last. We explore why long-term healing takes time, what keeps people from relapsing, and how the community can step in with practical support and real compassion.  • the mission to help women live an everlasting life of recovery  • a residential home model that supports women after rehab or incarceration  • why getting sober differs from staying sober  • the need for inner healing instead of a “quick fix” mindset  • Laura’s personal path into ministry and the role of healthy community  • “slow is fast and fast is slow” as a lesson in patience and trust  • seeing residents as image bearers and not projects  • ways volunteers can help through classes, hobbies, and transportation  www.redeeminggraceministries.com

Ep.#128: Anna Hovey, Auburn Chamber of Commerce

We talk with Anna Hovey from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce about what the Chamber is building right now, literally and relationally, to support businesses and the wider community. We dig into the new facility plans, who the Chamber serves, and how focus and mindset drive real results for teams and entrepreneurs.  • current Chamber activity including ribbon cuttings and small business support  • planning season mindset and reviewing programs for the year ahead  • new Auburn Chamber building project and why rebuilding on the same site matters  • expected construction timeline plus temporary office logistics  • Anna’s journey from volunteer to Chamber leadership  • misconceptions about who can join and who the Chamber serves  • how referrals work through the website, calls, email, and social media  • personal routines that keep Anna grounded in the community  • obstacles, optimism, and using EOS to stay focused on quarterly goals  www.auburnchamber.com