Better Together: A Work Skills Podcast

18: Art, Heart & Holiday Magic

Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode as Julie and Stacey spotlight the incredible growth of the Artisan Corner, where artists with barriers turn creativity into confidence, community, and income! From newcomers discovering hidden talents to powerful stories of healing through art, this episode celebrates the magic happening behind the scenes and the support that keeps it going. With a holiday match opportunity, volunteer options, and Giving Tuesday on the horizon, Julie and Stacey bring the energy, gratitude, and holiday spirit. Tune in for joy, impact, and maybe a little Thanksgiving fun!   Show Links To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below. Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org [https://wskillsfoundation.org] Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL [https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation [https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg] Email julies@wskillsfoundation.org [julies@wskillsfoundation.org]  Ph: (517)304-8003

17: Women of Work Skills: Empowering Future

In this episode, Julie and Stacey sit down with Tina Hubbard and Meg Novacek, two long-time members of WoW – the Women of the Work Skills. Tina reflects on how she first got connected with Work Skills and the benefits her company gained from having WSC participants as a part of their team.  Meg shares what has kept her engaged for more than a decade - the joy of helping individuals recognize their own potential and achieve success.  Their stories highlight the Foundation’s significant impact over the past 20 years, creating opportunity, challenging assumptions about people with disabilities, and proving that with the right support, anyone can thrive.     00:00 Introduction to Work Skills 01:12 Meg and Tina’s Work Skills Journey 03:40 Beyond Basic Skills: Real-World Impact 07:21 Corporate Board, Foundation, and Group Home 11:32 The Women of Work Skills (WOW) 15:09 Tours, Artisan’s Corner, and Community Engagement 19:57 The Secret Sauce: Tours and Therapies 25:29 Innovative Giving: QCDs and WOW Community 29:57 Expanding WOW and Monthly Giving 35:05 Giving Tuesday and Matching Donations 37:41 Clinical Services and Community Impact 41:31 Work Ethic, Impact, and Starfish Analogy 46:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   Show Links To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below. Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org [https://wskillsfoundation.org] Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL [https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation [https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg] Email julies@wskillsfoundation.org [julies@wskillsfoundation.org]  Ph: (517)304-8003   Guest Links Tina Hubbard, President and CEO HDA Truck Pride Website: https://www.hdatruckpride.com/ [https://www.hdatruckpride.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdatruckpride [https://www.facebook.com/hdatruckpride] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdatruckpride/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdatruckpride/] X: https://x.com/HDATruckPride [https://x.com/HDATruckPride] Email: tina.hubbard@hdatruckpride.com   & Meg Novacek

16. Creating Independence Through Care and Community

In this episode of Better Together, hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson sit down with Kim Harbaugh, home supervisor at Work Skills’ Genoa House. Kim shares her journey from selling cars to discovering her calling in caregiving, a path that has brought meaning both at work and in her personal life. The discussion highlights how Work Skills supports residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities by teaching essential life skills, encouraging healthy choices, and fostering independence. Kim explains how family-style meals, creative outings, and job opportunities help residents build confidence and community connections. She also reflects on the importance of adaptability for staff and clients alike, emphasizing that learning often comes from trying new approaches. The episode captures the heart of Work Skills’ mission: dignity, growth, and purpose.   00:00 Welcome and Introductions 03:19 Genoa House and Resident Success 06:20 Daily Life and Support at Genoa 09:46 Promoting Independence and Healthy Habits 12:12 Work, Transportation, and Personalization 16:09 Impact of Work and Payday Excitement 20:29 Transitioning to the Home and Dynamics 25:24 Culture of Acceptance and Adaptability 30:38 Learning and Growth for All 36:20 Conclusion and Call to Action   Show Links To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below. Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org [https://wskillsfoundation.org] Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL [https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation [https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg]

15: Coaching, Community, and Changing Lives

Julie Smith welcomes board member, donor, and volunteer Brandon Krugh for a heartfelt conversation about community, family, and the mission of Work Skills Foundation. A lifelong Brighton resident and high school coach, Brandon shares how his daughter’s journey with special needs deepened his connection to the organization. Together, he and Julie highlight the 20th Anniversary "20/20/20" initiative and invite listeners to reallocate a small monthly expense toward lasting impact. With personal stories, laughs, and an open invitation to visit, this episode captures why we are Better Together.   Chapters: 00:34 Welcome to Better Together 01:18 Brandon’s Journey in Brighton 04:12 Discovering Work Skills 09:06 The Impact of Community and Support 12:01 Celebrating 20 Years of Work Skills 16:32 Artisan Corner: A Gateway to Opportunity 20:08 The Importance of Tours and Community Engagement 22:00 The 20/20/20 Initiative 27:00 Personal Stories of Impact 30:00 Building Confidence and Finding Passions 34:00 Looking Forward: Goals and Community Spirit   Show Links To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below. Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg   Guest Links Brandon Krugh, Owner -State Farm Insurance Agency Website: https://brandonkrugh.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonkrughSF/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfagentbkrugh/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-krugh-735a129b/

14: When Love Steps In: A Grandparent's Story

In this episode, Julie and Stacey speak with Clarence, a grandparent raising two grandchildren with special needs. Clarence shares the challenges his family has faced—from early diagnoses and medical hurdles to navigating education systems and support services. With the help of Work Skills, they’ve found critical resources and compassionate guidance, bringing stability and hope to their journey.   01:13 Meet Clarence and Mike 02:20 Clarence’s Journey as a Grandparent 05:00 Understanding Autism and Special Needs 10:10 Navigating Educational Support 15:00 The Impact of COVID-19 20:00 Insurance Hurdles and Financial Struggles 25:00 Progress and Success Stories 32:00 The Power of Community Support 34:00 Building Connections and Skills 39:00 The Role of Play in Development 45:00 Challenges of Modern Parenting 51:00 Celebrating Individuality and Potential   Show Links To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below. Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org [https://wskillsfoundation.org] Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL [https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation [https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg]