Communityfoundationforthefoxvalleyregion

Shows

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionPreserving the Voices of Rural HistoryHow does one preserve the stories and history of a rural town like Chilton? Today we're visiting the Chilton Public Library, where staff members are unveiling the untold tales that shape the community's identity, through modern technology. A $4,947 grant from the Chilton Area Community Foundation, our regional affiliate partner, allowed the library to purchase podcasting equipment to record and produce the oral stories of local residents, artists, historians, business owners and more. The fledgeling podcast is called Sharing Our Stories, "Each episode of Sharing Our Stories is a journey into the personal, heartfelt, and extraordinary stories that d...2024-02-2830 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionReflecting on Kaukauna And KingWhat happens when we uncover lost stories and tell them in new ways? And how might shared experiences, between people who are different from one another, bring us closer together? In February 2023 during Black History Month, over 1,000 people in the Fox Valley area had the chance to view the film and participate in conversations with the filmmaker Joanne as part a Northeast WI premiere tour. In this very special episode we’re going to take you back to a story that happened over 50 years ago. It's the story of an exchange of Black and White high school students in Wis...2024-02-1433 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionScholarships: Making Futures Bright!Who doesn't need help funding their dreams? For students pursuing post-high school education, the Community Foundation will award more than $1.7 million in scholarships in 2024 to students from more than 70 high schools. We offer scholarships to high school seniors, college and nontraditional students, and K-12 art and music camps and lessons. It's all possible through the generosity of our donors, who set up scholarships for many different reasons, like remembering a loved one or paying tribute to their alma mater. We have more than 200 of these funds, making us one of the largest scholarship providers in our region. I...2024-01-3136 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionPathways of Progress: Fox Valley's Transportation TerrainToday we’re tackling the big topic of transportation in the Valley. The needs, the gaps and the dreams we have for improving public transit, roads, and our vast network of trails. What do we mean when we say "Transportation," and which entities are paving the way for our future Resources and links in our show notes at: https://www.cffoxvalley.org/podcast/pathways-of-progress-fox-valleys-transportation-terrain/ ‎ Your host: Amy Spreeman 2024-01-2544 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionBig Voices: Your Favorite Episodes!What podcasts do you like to listen to? You have so many choices these days, and we are grateful that you've chosen to add Voices from the Valley to your playlist! We’ve had a lot of fun and we’ve learned so much from the people in our community who’ve helped us create more than 50 episodes. When it comes to our podcast, which has only been around since fall of 2021, some favorites are emerging. We looked at our listenership analytics to see what you are downloading. As a special treat today, we thought we’d share jus...2023-12-2936 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionBeyond Books! Exploring your library’s hidden treasuresIn an age of rapid technological advancement and ever-changing demographics, libraries are evolving to become more than just repositories of books – and audio – and video. These days libraries offer a treasure trove of cool things that and vibrant spaces where you can explore, learn, and DO so many interesting things. Imagine having access to cutting-edge technology for everyone. Right now in the Fox Valley you can find libraries with everything from 3D printers to virtual reality equipment, from flight simulators to video recording studios. In this episode, we visit several libraries in the Fox Valley to find things...2023-12-1426 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionEngaging Perspectives: Helping the Fox Valley FlourishToday we're excited to highlight an episode from Appleton Engaged, a compelling podcast from the City of Appleton. Much like Voices from the Valley, which is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices within our communities, the Appleton Engaged podcast lifts up the individuals, organizations, and resources that contribute to making our community an extraordinary place to reside, work, and play. And this month, hosts Andy Anaam and Timber Smith get the lowdown on everything about us, from our own Tammy Geenen, Vice President of Community Engagement. Enjoy! Show notes here: https://www.cffoxvalley.org/podcast/engaging-perspectives-helping-the-fox-valley-flourish/ 2023-11-2239 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionStories of HomeSharing stories in the news and lifting up the voices of people in our community really lends itself to making the Fox Valley feel like home. The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation have been engaged in a major effort to support the work of local newsrooms to bring issues of importance in our region to the forefront through storytelling, and it’s called the NEW News Lab. The News Lab was launched two years ago as a pilot program and local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of...2023-11-0844 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHealthy Teens: Sources of StrengthDo you know how our youth are doing, as far as mental health and wellness? How can we in the Fox Valley help our teens, and prevent the things that can lead to anxiety or even a crisis? The answers are complex, and challenging. There is no doubt our teens are in crisis – with pressures our older generations can’t even imagine, because it really is a new world – and Covid made it worse. According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, we're seeing the continuation of a decade-long trend: The nu...2023-10-2541 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionMental Health: Tangible Solutions for the Fox ValleyDid you know that from 2010-2018, the suicide rate in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties increased by 66 percent? And among those at greatest risk are middle-aged men, individuals in certain professions (like farming, construction and law enforcement, for example), veterans, members of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color), and LGBTQ+ community members. In response to this alarming community crisis, Northeast Wisconsin Mental Health Connection launched Project Zero, a suicide prevention initiative supported by the Community Foundation, and conducted a local 2021 Mind Your Wellness Survey, that was designed to collect population-level data on several mental health and suicide-related indicators. A tot...2023-10-1146 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionLibraries: Community Hubs for All In an age of rapid technological advancement and ever-changing demographics, libraries are evolving to become more than just repositories of books. They have transformed into vibrant community hubs, catering to the diverse needs and interests of all residents in the Fox Valley region. Today, we’ll explore the remarkable role that libraries play in shaping our communities, fostering inclusion, and adapting to the changing times. Learning for All One of the fundamental principles driving these changes is the commitment to inclusivity. Libraries in the Fox Valley are striving to ensure that every member of the co...2023-10-0439 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionGame Changers! Celebrating Special Olympics In this episode, we’re talking about including and empowering our neighbors and family members with differing abilities and exploring the power of inclusion in our communities through Special Olympics. Our guests today include parents, coaches, volunteers, and of course the incredible athletes who inspire us all with their determination, courage, and sportsmanship. These game-changers are flourishing through organizations like Special Olympics and SOAR Fox Cities. Special Olympics is a worldwide movement of more than 4.4 million athletes in 170 countries, where one can participate locally, but make a global impact. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, orga...2023-09-1531 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionLocal Podcasters Lift our Community Today we’re doing an entire podcast episode about podcasts! Why do people like them so much, and how are organizations using this audio platform to tell their stories in a whole new way? And what do you need to do to start your own podcast? It’s easier than you might think! What is a podcast? It is simply an audio tool that people and organizations can use to tell their stories and inspire people to think, dream, engage and act. Unlike radio, podcasts are not live. Recorded episodes can be downloaded from a strea...2023-08-3134 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionArt Making an Impact: Part2Art truly does help shape a community in so many different ways. Performing arts in particular can provide a platform to celebrate traditions, customs, and stories, fostering a sense of identity and pride among community members. A community rich in arts can foster economic development too, and give tourists a reason to visit a venue and boost the vitality of the region. Today's episode is a second part of a 2-part series on arts making an impact in the Fox Valley. If you missed it, listen to Art Making an Impact: Part 1. We are incredibly thankful fo...2023-08-1136 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionArt Making an Impact!Did you know that engaging children in arts activities can teach team-building skills and provide a positive and constructive outlet and build their self-confidence? Here at the Community Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting art activities that bring our communities together and provide creative opportunities for people of all ages. Research shows arts-rich communities stimulate innovative thinking, recruit and retain residents, drive tourism and create an economic engine. But more than that, art has the ability to not only add beauty to our world, but to educate or spark new ideas we wouldn’t have had otherwise. It...2023-07-2628 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionChildcare CrisisFinding quality childcare in Wisconsin is a challenge, with long waitlists. It's also expensive. Many parents say they are paying more than their monthly mortgage or rent to have their children cared for while they work. And for single parents, it's a difficult road to navigate. If you don’t have young children in your life, you may be thinking this topic doesn’t apply to you – but it does! Nearly nine in 10 working parents say childcare costs them time and productivity at work, which may mean more work for others or jobs that don’t get done. At...2023-07-0535 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHealthy Teen MindsDo you know how our youth are doing, as far as mental health and wellness? How can we in the Fox Valley help our teens, and prevent the things that can lead to anxiety or even a crisis? The answers are complex, and challenging. There is no doubt our teens are in crisis – with pressures our older generations can’t even imagine, because it really is a new world – and Covid made it worse. According to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, we're seeing the continuation of a decade-long trend: The nu...2023-06-1541 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionMental Health: A Path ForwardDid you know that from 2010-2018, the suicide rate in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties increased by 66 percent? And among those at greatest risk are middle-aged men, individuals in certain professions (like farming, construction and law enforcement, for example), veterans, members of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color), and LGBTQ+ community members. In response to this alarming community crisis, Northeast Wisconsin Mental Health Connection launched Project Zero, a suicide prevention initiative supported by the Community Foundation, and conducted a local 2021 Mind Your Wellness Survey, that was designed to collect population-level data on several mental health and suicide-related indicators. A tot...2023-05-1846 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHealthy Smiles for AllDental care is critical to a person's overall health, especially in children. But the pandemic and financial constraints have been barriers to families trying to access proper care, causing decreases in visits. Organizations like volunteer-driven Tri-County Dental help fill the gaps and meet thousands of students where they’re at, offering preventive care to avoid emergencies and keep students healthy and able to focus in school. It’s estimated that there are over 85,000 people in the tri-county area of Northeast Wisconsin who cannot afford even limited oral health care. And according to the Dental Association, about a third...2023-04-2625 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionUnderstanding AutismWhat is it like to learn your child has autism? And how do you find resources to give your child the best opportunities for learning and for experiencing all the joys and challenges life has in store? In this episode we take some time to consider how we think about Autism, a developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates, thinks, and interacts with others and the world around them. People with autism experience the world differently. You may have heard the term, “Autism Spectrum,” to describe the diverse range of symptoms and abilities that are uniq...2023-04-1431 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionWelcoming RefugeesIn this episode we're discussing the number of refugees from other countries who have recently resettled here in the Fox Valley. What is life like for them, and how can our communities be welcoming to our new neighbors? Most of them come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. Two years ago, we began to see many come through the Afghanistan evacuation program. About 300 more refugees will resettle here by the end of 2023. We hear from Tami McLaughlin, executive director of World Relief Fox Valley about the resettlement of people from Afghanistan seeking refuge a...2023-03-2929 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHousing: A Plan ForwardImagine if all residents can live in a good home they can afford. Our region is composed of households across the income spectrum, and it's getting harder to find these homes. High-quality, stable housing is central to the health and wellbeing of all families in our communities. A new Fox Cities and Greater Outagamie County Regional Housing Strategy was developed in 2022 as the result of a study done in our communities. Over the next decade, our region needs roughly 11-thousand to nearly 18 thousand new dwelling units just to keep up with the estimated population growth. In this...2023-03-1425 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionKaukauna and King: 50 years LaterWhat happens when we uncover lost stories and tell them in new ways? And how might shared experiences, between people who are different from one another, bring us closer together? In today’s very special episode we’re going to take you back to a story that happened over 50 years ago. It's the story of an exchange of Black and White high school students in Wisconsin in 1966, right in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. Black students from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee switched places with White students from Kaukauna High School during a time of he...2023-02-2333 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionClintonville’s Compassionate ConnectionsIn many rural areas of the Fox Valley region, there are often serious gaps in services such as transportation, healthcare, and other services meant to help individuals and families that might be struggling economically. Clintonville's Compassionate Connection Center, a nonprofit we partner with here at the Community Foundation, is working to bridge those gaps. In this episode we learn how an entire community is coming together under the guiding principle that everyone deserves the same opportunities and to be treated with personal dignity and respect. The Compassionate Connections Center provides access to basic necessities like clothing, food, d...2023-02-0835 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionMental Health: Do You Need Emotional CPR?We’ve probably all faced an emotional crisis. Something that rocks our world and sends us into a feeling of despair. Just in the last two years alone, people have experienced increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. It's that collective trauma of living in a world that is no longer predictable. The growing need for emotional support is urgent. In this episode we’re going to talk about a program in the Fox Valley called e-CPR, and, like CPR, it can be a lifesaver. E-CPR is a community education workshop that teaches people how to support anot...2023-01-2527 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionInclusion in the OutdoorsThe Fox Valley is renowned for our outdoor activities, from lakes and parks to more than 340 miles of trails for use year round. But many people might be surprised to learn that not every member of our community feels safe or welcomed in our outdoor spaces, especially people who are considered historically marginalized, such as people of color, people who speak different languages, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Why doesn't everyone has the same access to positive outdoor experiences, and what’s being done about it? More at: https://www.cffoxvalley.org...2023-01-1234 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionOur Story: We’ve come a long way!People of all walks of life have been impacted by the Community Foundation since its founding in 1986. We hear their stories, and we want you to hear them too! Our Voices from the Valley: A Podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region podcast launched in September, 2021, and we've come a long way in telling the eye-opening, heartstring-pulling stories people and nonprofits in our community have shared with us. 30 episodes later and more than 3,000 downloads from around the world, we are celebrating and sharing the unique facets and challenges of living in our area! 2022-12-1325 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionBuilding For Kids: Three Decades of Empowered LearningThe Building for Kids Children's Museum opened in downtown Appleton in 1992 at the site of the former Prange's building. Thirty years later, the Community Foundation is honored to celebrate being a part of "BFK's" history! Generous gifts from donors with funds within the Community Foundation have supported the museum over the years. The museum receives around 120,000 visitors annually from all over the world, and is a cultural gem in the Fox Valley communities. Amy and Carolyn visit the museum to talk about what's happening now, and how the museum is embracing the future for generations to come.2022-11-2827 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionEnding Period Poverty"Period Poverty" is a startling reality in the Fox Valley. Did you know that a lack of access to menstrual health products can cause students with periods to miss or be late to class, or feel anxious about period care? Menstrual products are expensive in the U.S., which makes it difficult for people, especially teens, to afford period products. Instead, they may rely on what is supplied by school districts and stored within a school clinic or school nurse’s office. The Monthlies Project is a new initiative in the Fox Valley aimed at providing menstrual hea...2022-11-0926 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionOur Diverse WorkforceToday we discuss the Fox Valley’s changing workforce and some new initiatives in the works to make sure we’re building and retaining a thriving and diverse workforce. There are lots of job openings, but we're learning that not everyone who wants to work is able to access the jobs we know are open right now. Covid has impacted some things, like hybrid office schedules. How do we navigate those, while attracting new talent to our area and enticing young people to stick around and not be in a hurry to look outside our communities? Ch...2022-10-2834 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionNortheast Wisconsin’s Maternal Health DisparityDid you know that black women in our area are five times as likely to die in childbirth? That's according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. Factors that lead to these life-threatening disparities include the quality of health care, chronic conditions and structural racism and bias, according to the CDC. In Brown County, Black women receive the lowest rates of first-trimester health care and are most likely to have premature births. For women of color like Outagamie County resident Amy Woods, having her four babies was definitely not the storybook birthing experience we often...2022-09-3036 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHelping Waupaca Thrive!What makes Waupaca a special place to live, work and play? The answer can be found in its people, working together to bring this already thriving community to a whole new level of cultural attractiveness. In this episode, we hear from people making a big impact thanks to generous donors. The Waupaca Area Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling a record $170,822 to 18 area nonprofit organizations from the Waupaca Area Community Foundation Fund to help enhance the quality of life in the greater Waupaca area. The grants included two significant grants from its Community Enhancement Grant category: 2022-09-1227 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHow the growth of our Hispanic population impacts the Fox ValleyThis summer’s Fox Cities LIFE Study finds one of the largest shifts in the Census data is in our local Hispanic population. In fact Hispanics make up the largest minority group in northeast Wisconsin. Hispanic and Latino residents of communities along the Interstate 41 corridor between Oshkosh and Green Bay increased by 46% between 2010 and 2020. The growing number of Hispanic and Latino people in northeast Wisconsin outpaced Hispanic growth nationwide in the last 10 years, but lags the multigenerational growth that has built large Hispanic communities in other parts of the country, we’re going to link up all the Cens...2022-08-3023 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionThe Changing Face of the Fox ValleyThe most recent data from the new Fox Cities Leading Indicators for Excellence (LIFE) Study and the U.S. Census Bureau shows us what we all can see: Racial and ethnic diversity in northeast Wisconsin is increasing. The number of Black, Asian, Native American, multiracial and Hispanic people increased 57% over the past decade. And it is wonderful to see! But much more important than the numbers are the people behind them and their stories. In this episode we revisit the voices of Timber Smith, the City of Appleton's diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator. We also sit down w...2022-08-1928 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionTrail update: Connecting CommunitiesWhat should we be thinking about when it comes to making improvements so that more people can enjoy all that our communities have to offer? The Fox Valley region is full of walking and biking trails that connect our communities. But who uses them and are they accessible to all? How do we begin talking about terms like, "Environmental Justice," and "Transportation Equity?" In this Voices from the Valley episode, we update you on several projects in the Valley, including exciting news about the creation of a recreation pedestrian and bicycle trail connecting the Fox Valley to High Cliff Sta...2022-07-2927 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionGresham’s HopeIn this episode we revisit the fascinating story of how one small town in our area, Gresham Wisconsin, is making dreams come true for its youth. In a town of fewer than 600 people, that means a lot. For the past 21 years, young people graduating from Gresham High School have been given an opportunity to pursue their dreams. And it’s all because people in Gresham and its surrounding neighbors have decided that its young people are worth investing in. Listen to how an incredible community initiative has come about, giving Gresham residents a chance to build a treasure for thei...2022-07-0625 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionE-CPR: Help for Emotional CrisisWe’ve probably all faced an emotional crisis. Something that rocks our world and sends us into a feeling of despair. Just in the last two years alone, people have experienced increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. It's that collective trauma of living in a world that is no longer predictable. The growing need for emotional support is urgent. In this episode we’re going to talk about a program in the Fox Valley called e-CPR, and, like CPR, it can be a lifesaver. E-CPR is a community education workshop that teaches people how to support anot...2022-06-2327 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionMemory Link: Navigating Memory LossIn 2015, it was estimated that 115,000 people in Wisconsin had dementia. By 2040, that number is expected to increase to 242,000 people with dementia, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Kaukauna native J.J. Smith met his wife Joyce in the Air Force nearly 60 years ago and were looking for resources to help with Joyce’s memory loss. “Sometimes it’s frustrating for me,” says J.J. The couple became involved with the Fox Valley Memory Project and are excited for its newest program, Memory Link, launched in April. . Thanks to a federal grant of nearly $1 million an...2022-06-0824 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionCare in Action: Community Crisis Response Part 2In this episode, we continue our conversation about how a new two-year pilot program is embedding an Outagamie County clinical therapist within the Appleton Police Department to improve the way first responders handle crisis situations involving mental health. The idea is to have the therapist immediately available as a co-first responder to mental health crisis when law enforcement are called. How has the program made an impact in Appleton? Is it safe for the therapist? What have we learned so far? We'll hear from the therapist and two members of the Appleton Police Department, as well as...2022-05-2525 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionCommunity Crisis ResponseThe challenge and complexity of mental health issues in our community is growing and – since the onset of the COVID pandemic – has now reached a critical stage. How do we as a community respond to and provide help to people in the middle of a crisis? The Appleton Police Department and Outagamie County Health and Human Services recently launched a new two-year pilot program that is taking a unique look at mental health situations and how to help respond when people are experiencing a mental health crisis. A few weeks ago the program embedded a clinical therapist into...2022-05-1130 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionStrengthening Our NonprofitsHow do we make our local nonprofit organizations in the Fox Valley strong and equip their leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to serve our community? We take our leaders to school! The idea is to build better leaders so that together we can build a better community. Leadership Institute is an innovative programs offered through our Nonprofit Leadership Initiative, and last week 15 local leaders already working in their professional capacity at their nonprofit organizations graduated from the year-long program. We couldn't be more excited for them. Listen now to hear from the students, and t...2022-04-2623 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHistorical GemOne of the oldest nonprofits in our area, Appleton's History Museum at the Castle, is turning 150 years old. Imagine what it was like living in the Fox Valley in 1872! This community gem has a unique way of bringing our history and its bygone eras back to life. We can learn about our rich past through the many opportunities we have at the Castle, from cemetery tours, to learning tricks from our famous Fox Cities resident and escape artist Harry Houdini, to programs for young people. Listen in as we look back, and forward. Program links on our w...2022-04-1523 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionCOVID-19: Reflection and ResponseWhen the pandemic hit in March of 2020, everything changed. Our communities were in a crisis. Many vital services which so many people rely upon were suspended. The Community Foundation and United Way Fox Cities immediately put together the Covid 19 Community Response Fund. This fund has granted $1,776,497 to 118 local nonprofits, thanks to the enormously generous people, business and other organizations who gave to the fund to help our most vulnerable and underserved community members during this medical and economic crisis. We invited Tammy Geenen, our Vice President of Community Engagement, and Tony Gonzalez, Vice President Community...2022-03-2924 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionThe Changing Face of the Fox Valley: Part 2One of the largest shifts in the Census data is in the Hispanic population. In fact Hispanics make up the largest minority group in northeast Wisconsin. Hispanic and Latino residents of communities along the Interstate 41 corridor between Oshkosh and Green Bay increased by 46% between 2010 and 2020. The growing number of Hispanic and Latino people in northeast Wisconsin outpaced Hispanic growth nationwide in the last 10 years, but lags the multigenerational growth that has built large Hispanic communities in other parts of the country, we’re going to link up all the Census numbers in our program notes today which you c...2022-03-0823 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionThe Changing Face of the Fox ValleyThe most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows us what we all can see: Racial and ethnic diversity in northeast Wisconsin is increasing. The number of Black, Asian, Native American, multiracial and Hispanic people increased 57% over the past decade. And it is wonderful to see! But much more important than the numbers are the people behind them and their stories. We hear from Timber Smith, the City of Appleton's diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator. We also sit down with Natalie Eilbert from the Green Bay Press-Gazette, and Duke Behnke from The Post-Crescent in Appleton...2022-02-2528 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionRent: Finding HomeThere's a shortage of more than 119,000 rental housing units in Wisconsin, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. It says that a typical Wisconsin household needs to make a combined annual income of almost $36 thousand dollars to afford a two-bedroom rental home. The Appleton Housing Authority’s programs are making a positive impact in our communities, through its Section 8 voucher program as well as other programs assisting the elderly and veterans. We spoke with renters, landlords, and the Housing Authority to learn how these programs are inspiring and supporting participants to become financially independent. Re...2022-02-0928 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionDomestic Abuse: Help and HopeDomestic abuse and domestic violence cases have exploded in the Fox Valley. It's happening to people in all races, ages, religions, economic status, and it's happening to people you and I might know – to people in our neighborhoods, in our schools and churches, in our workplaces, perhaps even in your home. This episode may be difficult to hear. Our hope is that we can have a conversation about domestic violence and abuse. Get the links and resources for this episode on our website: https://www.cffoxvalley.org/podcast/domestic-abuse-help-and-hope/ 2022-01-2625 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionRethinking HomelessnessOn any given day there are an average of 350 people who are struggling with homelessness in the Fox Cities. We at the Community Foundation have been working with numerous nonprofit organizations in communities throughout the Fox Valley who are “boots on the ground” to help people who are experiencing homelessness, and they do this with the power of many people who support them through volunteering or through generous donations. One of those nonprofits is Pillars, headquartered in Appleton. In this episode we hear from Joe Mauthe, executive director of Pillars, and we experience what homelessness feels like through the experience of o...2022-01-1327 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionStarting Over: What We‘ve LearnedImagine your family starting life over in a new country where everything from the education to the language to the food and the people are different. In this episode, we continue our conversation about the challenges of resettling here in the Fox Valley from other countries, and we’re referencing our newest neighbors coming here from Afghanistan and starting a new life. (Listen to Part I: Welcoming our Afghan Neighbors) What can we learn from past groups of refugees and immigrants who’ve settled here? To find out, we wanted to look back at the interesting parallels between this recent...2021-12-2127 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionWelcoming Afghan NeighborsIn this episode we hear from Tami McLaughlin, executive director of World Relief Fox Valley about the resettlement of people from Afghanistan seeking refuge and starting a new life in our communities. It’s difficult for us to imagine the trauma these newcomers had to experience in their country, and they didn’t plan on being uprooted and evacuated to the U.S. Now, the first of many have come here, and more are coming. Tami shares what you need to know about our newest neighbors, what they’ve been through, and the challenges they face as they m...2021-12-0829 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionAffordable Housing CrisisIn this episode, and over the next several weeks, we’re going to explore a critical topic in our local communities: The affordable housing crisis. An increasing number of families are in a desperate search for an affordable, safe home to buy or rent, or to prevent eviction from their current home. An estimated one of every three households in our region struggles to afford basic needs, like shelter, food, technology, transportation and health care. Even when residents have an income from their job, it’s just not enough to meet the rising costs of mortgages and rents, to help...2021-11-2325 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionTrails: Connecting CommunitiesThe Fox Valley region is full of walking and biking trails that connect our communities. But who uses them and are they accessible to all? And what should we be thinking about when it comes to making improvements so that more people can enjoy all that our communities have to offer? How do we begin talking about terms like, "Environmental Justice," and "Transportation Equity?" There are so many ways people are getting involved in these projects, from generous donors who are supporting these projects financially, to local leaders and environmental specialists who are rolling up their sleeves to...2021-11-0325 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionHealthy Smiles For AllIt’s estimated that there are over 85,000 people in the tri-county area of Northeast Wisconsin who cannot afford even limited oral health care. And according to the Dental Association, about a third of all children in the state of Wisconsin have untreated tooth decay. The dental community wanted to do something about that. For the past two decades, volunteer dentists and dental hygienists have been offering their services free of charge through the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic. Several years ago, the clinic decided to hit the road, and bring dental care to children in our community who need i...2021-10-2025 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionCaregivers: Room for GraceWith memory loss comes new challenges in caring for your loved one’s physical and emotional needs, and caring for your own. That’s often a missing piece in the caregiver’s journey. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of these caregivers rank their emotional stress as high or very high and many are suffering from depression. For Deb and George, the unexpected journey has often been one of helplessness, guilt, and anxiety, but also one full of love and tenderness. Thanks to programs like the Fox Valley Memory Project and REACH, caregivers are no longer alone. at 2:37 Deb Depi...2021-10-0626 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionGresham‘s HopeIn this episode we take you to the small community of Gresham Wisconsin, a town of fewer than 600 people. For the past 20 years, young people graduating from Gresham High School have been given an opportunity to pursue their dreams. And it’s all because people in Gresham and its surrounding neighbors have decided that its young people are worth investing in. Listen to how an incredible community initiative has come about, giving Gresham residents a chance to build a treasure for their next generations. at 2:24 Meet Mindy Hoffman, Gresham grad and Physical Therapist. at 9:19 Alex Aschenbrener, Gresham Stu...2021-09-2229 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley RegionOur StoryWhat does a Community Foundation do? In this first episode of Voices from the Valley, we share our story, and discuss: at 3:07 How the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region got its start in 1986 at 19:23 Our Story Today: What Voices from the Valley is all about Your hosts: Amy Spreeman, Marketing Technologist Carolyn Desrosiers, Community Engagement Manager Featured Voices Curt Detjen, President and CEO Char Sigman Char and her husband Bob started one of the first funds at the Community Foundation, and Char was one of the first board members back in 1986.2021-08-3129 min

Voices from the Valley: A podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region"Our Story"Welcome to Voices from the Valley, a podcast of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. What does a Community Foundation do? One of our roles in the Fox Valley Region is to connect people and organizations, bringing them together to learn and about big issues, problem solve, and also celebrate things we care about that enrich our quality of life. This podcast gives us a unique opportunity to not only share them but to help our listeners hear directly from the people closest to these issues. In this debut episode of Voices from the Valley, we share Our S...2021-08-2329 min