A Mt. Juliet mother is helping create meaningful change for children with disabilities, and she’s doing it with the support of Wilson County officials and members of her community. Jennifer Ethridge is a mother to several children, including her son Leo, who was born with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Because of his unique needs, traditional Parks & Recreation playgrounds haven’t always provided a space where Leo can safely play, explore, and have fun. But Jennifer wanted more for her son, and for other children like him. She teamed up with Mt. Juliet Parks officials and community members to turn that vision into reality. Today, LeoLand is underway and continuing to grow, creating an inclusive space where children of all abilities can play, connect, and simply be kids. We spoke with Parks Director Ross Hudson about the work that went into bringing LeoLand to life. We also spoke with local nonprofit founder Steven Whitehouse of SW & Friends, whose organization has helped provide funding to make the space even bigger and better. Find out how one mother's determination is helping build a place where every child has a chance to play.

A Mt. Juliet mother is helping create meaningful change for children with disabilities, and she&rsquo;s doing it with the support of Wilson County officials and members of her community. Jennifer Ethridge is a mother to several children, including her son Leo, who was born with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Because of his unique needs, traditional Parks &amp; Recreation playgrounds haven&rsquo;t always provided a space where Leo can safely play, explore, and have fun. But Jennifer wanted more for her son, and for other children like him. She teamed up with Mt. Juliet Parks officials and community members to turn that vision into reality. Today, LeoLand is underway and continuing to grow, creating an inclusive space where children of all abilities can play, connect, and simply be kids. We spoke with Parks Director Ross Hudson about the work that went into bringing LeoLand to life. We also spoke with local nonprofit founder Steven Whitehouse of SW &amp; Friends, whose organization has helped provide funding to make the space even bigger and better. Find out how one mother's determination is helping build a place where every child has a chance to play.

LeoLand--a Space Where Children of All Abilities Can Play

Tala spoke with Melinda LaFollette, Musicians On Call's Director of PR & Events, and local musician Mikki Zip about the organization’s history and its mission to bring the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers. They shared stories about the many artists who have supported the cause, the Middle Tennessee hospitals they serve and how musicians and community volunteers can get involved. Mikki also opened up about what inspired her to join the mission and the unforgettable patient experiences that have made every performance worthwhile.

Tala spoke with Melinda LaFollette, Musicians On Call's Director of PR &amp; Events, and local musician Mikki Zip&nbsp;about the organization&rsquo;s history and its mission to bring the healing power of music to patients, families and caregivers. They shared stories about the many artists who have supported the cause, the Middle Tennessee hospitals they serve and how musicians and community volunteers can get involved. Mikki also opened up about what inspired her to join the mission and the unforgettable patient experiences that have made every performance worthwhile.

The Healing Power of Music: Musicians_On_Call

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) is raising awareness about the growing threat of cryptocurrency scams and the importance of recognizing financial fraud. In our conversation with Kevin Walters, he explained their ongoing work to educate Tennesseans and strengthen protections against crypto-related fraud as well as commerce and insurance fraud throughout Tennessee.  
The TDCI has warned that scammers increasingly exploit crypto kiosks to take advantage of unsuspecting victims, with more than $110 million in reported losses involving these kiosks nationwide in 2023. Tennessee’s recent ban on crypto kiosks underscores the need for continued education and awareness. Kevin also discussed other ways TDCI can support the community, including its various training programs for the Nashville Fire and Police departments. These programs equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to identify emerging scams, assist victims of financial fraud, and help protect the community.

Tennessee Department of Commerce &amp; Insurance (TDCI) is raising awareness about the growing threat of cryptocurrency scams and the importance of recognizing financial fraud. In our conversation with Kevin Walters, he explained their ongoing work to educate Tennesseans and strengthen protections against crypto-related fraud as well as commerce and insurance fraud throughout Tennessee.&nbsp;&nbsp; The TDCI has warned that scammers increasingly exploit crypto kiosks to take advantage of unsuspecting victims, with more than $110 million in reported losses involving these kiosks nationwide in 2023. Tennessee&rsquo;s recent ban on crypto kiosks underscores the need for continued education and awareness.&nbsp;Kevin also discussed other ways TDCI can support the community, including its various training programs for the Nashville Fire and Police departments. These programs equip first responders with the knowledge and tools to identify emerging scams, assist victims of financial fraud, and help protect the community.

Avoiding Cryptocurrency Scams

We spoke with William Kenney of the Parkinson’s Foundation Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter about his personal connection to the organization’s mission. After witnessing his father’s experience with Parkinson’s disease firsthand, William joined the foundation to help ensure other individuals and families have access to education, resources and a supportive community throughout their journeys.

He also discussed Moving Day, one of the foundation’s largest annual fundraisers, which brings the community together to celebrate movement, honor those affected by Parkinson’s and raise critical funds for research, programs and services. William shared how people can participate, support the cause and help create a future without Parkinson’s disease.

We spoke with William Kenney of the Parkinson&rsquo;s Foundation Tennessee and Kentucky Chapter about his personal connection to the organization&rsquo;s mission. After witnessing his father&rsquo;s experience with Parkinson&rsquo;s disease firsthand, William joined the foundation to help ensure other individuals and families have access to education, resources and a supportive community throughout their journeys.
He also discussed Moving Day, one of the foundation&rsquo;s largest annual fundraisers, which brings the community together to celebrate movement, honor those affected by Parkinson&rsquo;s and raise critical funds for research, programs and services. William shared how people can participate, support the cause and help create a future without Parkinson&rsquo;s disease.

Parkinson's Foundation of TN and KY

We spoke with Clip In 4 the Cure Director of Community Development LeighEllen Blevins about the high-energy team cycling event benefiting cancer initiatives at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. LeighEllen shared her personal connection to the cause and why supporting patients, families, researchers and care teams affected by cancer is so meaningful to her. We also discussed the powerful stories behind the event, where the money raised goes and how the Nashville community continues to rally around those facing cancer.

From riding solo or forming a team to fundraising, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, LeighEllen explained the many ways people can participate—regardless of their cycling experience. She also offered a look at what attendees can expect from this inspiring, high-energy event and how every rider, donation and act of support helps move us closer to a world without cancer.

We spoke with Clip In 4 the Cure Director of Community Development LeighEllen Blevins about the high-energy team cycling event benefiting cancer initiatives at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Vanderbilt. LeighEllen shared her personal connection to the cause and why supporting patients, families, researchers and care teams affected by cancer is so meaningful to her. We also discussed the powerful stories behind the event, where the money raised goes and how the Nashville community continues to rally around those facing cancer.
From riding solo or forming a team to fundraising, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, LeighEllen explained the many ways people can participate&mdash;regardless of their cycling experience. She also offered a look at what attendees can expect from this inspiring, high-energy event and how every rider, donation and act of support helps move us closer to a world without cancer.

Clip In 4 the Cure Cycling Event

We spoke with Ashleigh Gonzales, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at AncoraTN, about the organization’s work to nurture survivor healing and combat human trafficking throughout Middle Tennessee. AncoraTN provides survivors with long-term, trauma-informed support through residential and community-based services, while also working to prevent exploitation through education, advocacy and training for professionals and community members. 

During our conversation, Ashleigh helped dispel common misconceptions surrounding human trafficking and explained how exploitation can involve force, fraud or coercion—not only kidnapping or physical restraint. We discussed some of the vulnerabilities and warning signs community members should recognize, how to respond safely when something does not seem right and the importance of reporting concerns rather than attempting to intervene alone. Ashleigh also previewed Flourish: A Gathering of Hope, AncoraTN’s upcoming women’s luncheon supporting survivor healing and human- trafficking prevention across Tennessee. 

We spoke with Ashleigh Gonzales, Chief Development and Marketing Officer at AncoraTN, about the organization&rsquo;s work to nurture survivor healing and combat human trafficking throughout Middle Tennessee. AncoraTN provides survivors with long-term, trauma-informed support through residential and community-based services, while also working to prevent exploitation through education, advocacy and training for professionals and community members.&nbsp;
During our conversation, Ashleigh helped dispel common misconceptions surrounding human trafficking and explained how exploitation can involve force, fraud or coercion&mdash;not only kidnapping or physical restraint. We discussed some of the vulnerabilities and warning signs community members should recognize, how to respond safely when something does not seem right and the importance of reporting concerns rather than attempting to intervene alone.&nbsp;Ashleigh also previewed Flourish: A Gathering of Hope, AncoraTN&rsquo;s upcoming women&rsquo;s luncheon supporting survivor healing and human- trafficking prevention across Tennessee.&nbsp;

AncoraTN

The Collective in Nashville takes a holistic approach to mental health and recovery, helping individuals struggling with mental health conditions, addiction and other emotional challenges find a path toward lasting wellness. Tala spoke to founder and CEO Courtney Grimes on how this innovative program got started. Through its eight-week program, participants receive comprehensive, personalized support from nutritionists, nurse practitioners and mental health professionals, along with individual therapy, group therapy and additional healing resources. By caring for the mind, body and overall well-being, The Collective equips participants with the tools, support and stability needed to move forward.

The Collective in Nashville takes a holistic approach to mental health and recovery, helping individuals struggling with mental health conditions, addiction and other emotional challenges find a path toward lasting wellness. Tala spoke to founder and CEO Courtney Grimes on how this innovative program got started. Through its eight-week program, participants receive comprehensive, personalized support from nutritionists, nurse practitioners and mental health professionals, along with individual therapy, group therapy and additional healing resources. By caring for the mind, body and overall well-being, The Collective equips participants with the tools, support and stability needed to move forward.

The Collective--Mental Health

For pregnant and parenting college students, continuing their education can feel nearly impossible without a strong support system. Tala sits down with Ella’s House founder Elise Jenkins, who shares how her own experience of discovering she was pregnant as she entered college inspired her to create the organization. We also hear from a mother who recently graduated from one of Ella’s House’s programs and learn how that support helped transform her journey. From safe housing and nutritious food to education, mentorship and long-term stability, Ella’s House of Nashville provides resources designed to protect the well-being and future of both mother and baby. We also explore the many ways the community can get involved and help these women build healthy, independent lives for themselves and their children.

Find more at: https://ellashouse.org/

For pregnant and parenting college students, continuing their education can feel nearly impossible without a strong support system. Tala sits down with Ella&rsquo;s House founder Elise Jenkins, who shares how her own experience of discovering she was pregnant as she entered college inspired her to create the organization. We also hear from a mother who recently graduated from one of Ella&rsquo;s House&rsquo;s programs and learn how that support helped transform her journey. From safe housing and nutritious food to education, mentorship and long-term stability, Ella&rsquo;s House of Nashville provides resources designed to protect the well-being and future of both mother and baby. We also explore the many ways the community can get involved and help these women build healthy, independent lives for themselves and their children.
Find more at: https://ellashouse.org/

Ella's House: For Pregnant and Parenting College Students

We explore the future of one of Nashville's most historic corridors. Jefferson Street was once the heart of Black culture, commerce, and community before the construction of Interstate 40 divided the neighborhood in the 1960s. Now, through the city's Choose How You Move initiative, a new draft plan aims to reconnect and reimagine the corridor while honoring its rich history. Justin Cole, Transportation Planner with the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), and Timothy Hughes, a member of the Jefferson Street Corridor Study Community Advisory Board and president of the Nashville NAACP, discuss the vision for the project and the importance of community input. They explain how the plan addresses concerns about preservation and displacement while exploring what the future could hold for residents, businesses, and visitors. They also share how Nashvillians can get involved and help shape the next chapter of Jefferson Street.

We explore the future of one of Nashville's most historic corridors. Jefferson Street was once the heart of Black culture, commerce, and community before the construction of Interstate 40 divided the neighborhood in the 1960s. Now, through the city's&nbsp;Choose How You Move&nbsp;initiative, a new draft plan aims to reconnect and reimagine the corridor while honoring its rich history.&nbsp;Justin Cole, Transportation Planner with the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT), and Timothy Hughes, a member of the Jefferson Street Corridor Study Community Advisory Board and president of the Nashville NAACP, discuss the vision for the project and the importance of community input. They explain how the plan addresses concerns about preservation and displacement while exploring what the future could hold for residents, businesses, and visitors. They also share how Nashvillians can get involved and help shape the next chapter of Jefferson Street.

Reimagining Historic Jefferson Street

How can the right support change a student's future? In this episode, we sit down with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee to discuss the incredible impact of its Achievers program, which helped graduating seniors secure an astounding $6.2 million in scholarships this year. We talk about the importance of college and career readiness, bridging gaps in educational support, and how mentors are empowering Middle Tennessee students to pursue higher education, technical training, and meaningful careers. It's a conversation about opportunity, investing in young people, and building a stronger future for our community. We speak with two representatives from the program as well as one of the student recipients who has just been awarded scholarship money. 

How can the right support change a student's future? In this episode, we sit down with the YMCA of Middle Tennessee to discuss the incredible impact of its Achievers program, which helped graduating seniors secure an astounding $6.2 million in scholarships this year. We talk about the importance of college and career readiness, bridging gaps in educational support, and how mentors are empowering Middle Tennessee students to pursue higher education, technical training, and meaningful careers. It's a conversation about opportunity, investing in young people, and building a stronger future for our community. We speak with two representatives from the program as well as one of the student recipients who has just been awarded scholarship money.&nbsp;

YMCA Achievers

Public Affairs program that airs on Sunday mornings.

Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

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