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;

Public Affairs program that airs on Sunday mornings.

Anna Marie's Sunday Focus

YMCA Achievers

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.

YMCA Achievers

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