The Power of Endurance: Leading with Heart and Purpose

Work Relations - Stephanie and Theresa

This is a bonus episode from Season 1 of Community Canvas

The Power of Endurance: Leading with Heart and Purpose

In this motivating episode of Community Canvas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth CEO Mike Brown talks with Jacob Meeks, Association Director of Impact Funding, and Domenik Peterson, Chief of Staff for the YMCA of Fort Worth, about the power of endurance — both in leadership and in service to the community. Together, they reflect on what it means to stay the course when challenges arise, the faith and resilience that drive their work, and how endurance isn’t just about lasting longer — it’s about leading with heart, purpose, and conviction. Listeners will be encouraged by their authentic stories, their passion for impact, and their reminder that true leadership isn’t a sprint — it’s a faithful commitment to people and purpose over time.

Breaking The Blueprint: Rethinking Mental Health Support

In this eye-opening episode of Community Canvas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth CEO Mike Brown sits down with Angela Smith, Executive Director at NAMI Tarrant County, and Katrina Franks, Licensed Professional Counselor and Senior Student Care Coordinator, to discuss how we can rethink the way we approach mental health support. Together, they challenge traditional “blueprints” for care, exploring how community organizations, schools, and faith-based spaces can work together to provide more compassionate, accessible, and effective mental health resources. Through honest conversation and practical insight, the discussion sheds light on breaking stigma, building understanding, and creating a culture where mental wellness is a shared priority. This episode invites listeners to reimagine what true support looks like — one built on empathy, collaboration, and hope.

The Church and the Mind: Healing Beyond the Surface

In this heartfelt episode of Community Canvas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth CEO Mike Brown sits down with Pastor Robert Purvey of Full Life Church and Katrina Kirk Franks, Licensed Professional Counselor, to discuss the often-overlooked connection between faith and mental health. Together, they explore how Christian communities can break the stigma surrounding mental health while embracing the truth that caring for the mind is just as vital as caring for the soul. Pastor Purvey brings a pastoral perspective rooted in biblical wisdom and compassion, while Katrina shares professional insight into how counseling and faith can work hand in hand for holistic healing. This conversation encourages listeners to see mental health not as a weakness but as an opportunity for growth, restoration, and deeper reliance on God’s grace.

Faith Under Fire

In this powerful episode of Community Canvas, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth CEO Mike Brown sits down with Wyatt Alexander, a young adult and passionate follower of Christ, and Pastor Robert Purvey of Full Life Church to talk about what it means to live out your faith when life gets hard. Together, they explore the real challenges believers face today — from cultural pressure to personal trials — and how faith remains the anchor through it all. Wyatt offers an honest, young adult perspective on standing firm in belief amid doubt and difficulty. At the same time, Pastor Purvey brings biblical insight and encouragement for those walking through seasons of testing. This conversation reminds us that faith isn’t proven in comfort but in conviction — and that even under fire, God refines and strengthens those who trust Him.