Beyond The Blog

Hosted by The Patterson Foundation

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114

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Aug 2026

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EN-US

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The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify and iHeartRadio .

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August 20, 202642 min

School Attendance Matters: Susan Flores and Donna Puhalovich Share How Engaging Families and Communities Helps Children Reach Success

In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Donna Puhalovich from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) and Susan Flores , Coordinator of Social Work and Mental Health Services with Charlotte County Public Schools, to talk about one of SCGLR’s core pillars, attendance ! Together, they discuss two different initiatives: the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest and Motivating Improved Attendance. Each guest shares their insight on the impact of these initiatives and how both have strengthened efforts to improve attendance across the Suncoast region. Timestamps 00:47 - Introduction to Donna Puhalovich 01:07 - What is the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest? 02:05 - Why attendance is a big deal 07:27 - What students do after receiving a poster template 15:06 - How schools can participate in the Attendance Awareness Poster Contest 15:58 - Donna’s final thoughts: Consistent attendance creates a strong student. 19:19 - Introduction to Susan Flores - How social work relates to attendance 20:26 - How the pandemic shifted concerns about attendance and in-person learning 21:09 - Chronic absenteeism. What is it and why is it a big deal? 28:43 - Criteria and purpose of Motivating Improved Attendance (MIA) Program 33:00 - Successful community messaging: the March Madness competition of attendance 40:20 - Susan’s final thoughts: Attendance is primary and foundational Links to Learn More Donna Puhalovich Susan Flores Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Attendance Attendance Awareness Poster Contest Motivating Improved Attendance Connect Beyond The Blog Donna Puhalovich Susan Flores Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

August 18, 202623 min

Taking Fundraising to the Next Level with Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and Rebekah Prieto

What happens after you complete Fueling Dynamic Fundraising? Rebekah Prieto, Director of Development and Marketing at Parenting Matters, joins the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast to share how the program helped her organization strengthen its fundraising infrastructure and put new strategies into action. Rebekah discusses what she learned through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising, from donor stewardship and board engagement to annual planning and building a case for support. She also shares how the program’s ongoing education and one-on-one consulting helped Parenting Matters develop a major donor program, strengthen donor relationships, and create a more intentional approach to fundraising. Hear how Parenting Matters turned the lessons from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising into systems and strategies that continue to shape the organization more than a year later. Timestamps 00:39 What is Fueling Dynamic Fundraising? 01:27 Why Rebekah chose to participate 02:42 What an experienced fundraiser relearned 03:51 Helping board members engage in fundraising 08:54 The value of one-on-one fundraising consulting 11:58 Donor stewardship, case for support, and annual planning 13:47 Building an intentional fundraising calendar 18:09 Creating a culture of philanthropy across the organization 20:28 Rebekah’s biggest accomplishments since the program 21:32 How Parenting Matters’ fundraising has changed Connect Beyond The Blog Rebekah Prieto on LinkedIn Links to learn more Blog: Building the Foundation for Stronger Fundraising Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Initiative Webpage Indiana Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Website Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

August 10, 202623 min

Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Beth Duda on A Walk to Respect

On this episode of Civic Sparks, Leah Verier-Dunn and Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and playwright, talked about the acclaimed one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect . A staged reading and powerful theatrical experience, Beth and Leah discuss the impact of this opportunity to look back at our country’s history through an artistic lens that provides space to take a deeper dive. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had opposing views and lived very different lives, but through deep listening and consideration, they found themselves at the meeting place of respect. This effort led to an unsuspecting friendship, and Beth’s discovery of this friendship inspired the crafting of A Walk to Respect. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:44 How A Walk to Respect Began 05:12 Lincoln and Douglass: Different Views, Mutual Respect 09:36 What Makes the Play Unique 10:49 The Post-Show Discussion Experience 13:11 How Audiences Have Responded 16:29 Creating Conversation Without Blame 18:09 Where the Play Goes Next 20:38 What Lincoln and Douglass Can Teach Us Today Links to Learn More Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect Voter Education Initiative Ticket Information for A Walk To Respect Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog ! Join The Journey

August 5, 202626 min

Shaping A Shared Future: Cheri Coryea on Growing Together in North River Manatee County

Growing Together: North River Manatee County highlights the people, partnerships, and possibilities shaping the future of North River. Each episode shares real stories and local insights that reveal what matters most to residents and how communities grow stronger by listening and working together. In this episode of Growing Together: North River Manatee County, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Cheri Coryea , initiative lead for the Aspirations to Actions initiative at The Patterson Foundation . Together, they discuss Cheri’s deep roots in North River and her public‑service leadership. We offer a thoughtful look at community growth, collaboration, and trust. We explore the history and rapid expansion of North River and the multi‑year partnership among the Bishop Parker Foundation , The Patterson Foundation , and The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation a long‑term effort to strengthen civic culture and support residents in shaping a shared future. Whether you live, work, or play in North River, this podcast invites you into meaningful conversations about where we are and how we can grow together. Timestamps 00:55 – About North River and Its Growth 3:07 – Investing in North River with The Harwood Institute and the Bishop Parker Foundation 10:31 – Lessons from the Growing Together in North River Manatee County Report 16:25 – Why Meaningful Community Change Takes Time 18:07 – How You Can Get Involved and Help Shape the Future Links to Learn More North River Manatee County Initiative Description North River Manatee County Harwood Report Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

July 7, 202632 min

Partnerships Rooted in People, Purpose, and Possibility with Rich Harwood

In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Rich Harwood, President and Founder of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, a nonprofit advancing positive community action by inspiring people and communities to turn outward. Working with Rich Harwood and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade, The Patterson Foundation has provided the community with an additional tool for changing how it approaches challenges and developing innovative, collaborative partnerships that might not otherwise form. Through its Aspirations to Actions work in DeSoto County and North River Manatee County, as well as its book circles series, the Foundation has helped introduce new ways of thinking and working together. Most interestingly, Debra and Rich pull back the curtains and share how the alignment of leadership, willingness, readiness, capacity, and culture amongst their two organizations has been critical to a successful and evolving partnership. What You'll Learn in This Conversation: Why people-centered approaches help communities move from identifying challenges to taking meaningful action together. How alignment in leadership, culture, readiness, and shared values has sustained a successful partnership between The Patterson Foundation and The Harwood Institute for more than a decade. The meaningful impact and ripple effects that can emerge when organizations invest in community-driven relationships, collaboration, and public innovation. Timestamps 2:03 – Why TPF and Harwood Have Worked Together for More Than a Decade 3:36 – The Harwood Approach Explained 6:52 – What Communities Across the Country Have in Common: Lessons from DeSoto, Alamance, Reading, and Beyond 9:18 – How Harwood Practices Took Root in DeSoto and North River 10:35 – Shifting from Problems to Possibilities 19:20 – Why We Created Book Circles Instead of Book Clubs 23:11 – How Debra Jacobs and Rich Harwood Met 25:19 – A Real-World Example of Partnership in Action 27:25 – The Truth About Long-Term Partnerships: Highs, Lows, and Growth Links to Learn More The Harwood Institute DeSoto County Coming Together: Unleashing the Community’s Potential (2024) Growing Together in North River Manatee County: Shaping a Shared Future Blog: The Power of Partnerships To Create Meaningful Impact Connect Beyond The Blog Rich Harwood The Harwood Institute Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

June 22, 202618 min

Engaging Young Readers: From Summer Slide to Summer Success with Ben Tollefson

On this episode of Connecting Communities, host Leah Verier-Dunn sat with Ben Tollefson, consultant with The Patterson Foundation, to discuss the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading’s THIS BOOK IS COOL! program. The summer slide is a real concern, particularly for our asset-limited families. Research spanning more than a century has shown that students can experience academic learning loss over the summer when they are not engaged in educational activities. These losses can widen existing achievement gaps, making it even more difficult for students to stay on track academically. Without intervention, students may fall further behind year after year. SCGLR creates opportunities to prevent the “summer slide” and help close the achievement gap. Timestamps 00:30 – Meet THIS BOOK IS COOL! 01:28 – How a Simple Idea Became THIS BOOK IS COOL! 04:09 – Combating the Summer Slide Through Reading 06:59 – Who the Program Serves and Why It Matters 09:36 – What’s Inside a THIS BOOK IS COOL! Backpack 16:48 – Getting Started: Ben’s Tips for Families Links to Learn More Season of Sharing (Community Foundation of Sarasota) THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisode Library Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR) Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

June 18, 202626 min

Voter Education and Civic Responsibility: Why The Patterson Foundation Cares

In this episode of Civic Sparks, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, about why TPF cares about investing in civic responsibility. Together, they discuss the history of The Patterson Foundation and its continued commitment to knowledge sharing and widespread participation. Identifying that voting is perhaps the most important place to encourage widespread participation. Listeners will hear about: TPF’s voter education efforts Voting resources Why TPF cares This conversation addresses the need to remove barriers, make resources accessible, and demystify the voting process to encourage more turnout at the polls. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Civic Sparks and voter education 00:43 The Patterson family history and connection to civic responsibility 04:46 How census work led to the voter education initiative 08:42 How civic responsibility strengthens people and communities 11:37 Encouraging widespread participation in voting 13:54 Why every vote matters 15:13 Voting resources and making election information easier to understand 17:19 Removing the chaos from election season 18:43 You do not have to vote on every item to participate meaningfully 20:16 Sharing voter education resources through community partners 22:20 Voting as a way to build the society we want 23:52 Multilingual voter education resources and county-specific information 24:20 Voting matters at every age 25:36 Closing thoughts and call to learn more Links to Learn More The Patterson Foundation’s Voter Education Initiative The League of Women Voters Vote411.org Flyer in English Flyer in Spanish Blog: Engaging Voters: Why The Patterson Foundation Promotes Civic Responsibility Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

May 26, 202624 min

Nonprofit Is a Tax Status, Not a Business Plan: Rick Yocum on Margin & Mission Ignition

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series of Beyond The Blog, a Podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host Read Corley talks with Rick Yocum, executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County, about his experience with Margin & Mission Ignition. Rick shares how the program helped his team focus its veterinary clinic around community needs, build a stronger business plan, and keep every decision tied to the organization’s mission. He also discusses the role of board and staff buy-in, listening to the public, expanding dermatology services, and using clinic revenue to support the shelter and keep more pets with the families who love them. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Rick Yocum and Margin & Mission Ignition 01:29 The first Margin & Mission Ignition venture 03:14 Listening to staff, board members, volunteers, and the public 06:02 Investing in staff and capacity to grow clinic revenue 08:38 Tracking impact beyond dollars 10:02 Expanding into dermatology services 11:40 Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business plan 14:56 Why board involvement mattered from the beginning 18:20 The waves created by Margin & Mission Ignition 23:23 Rick’s advice: be open and transparent with stakeholders Links to Learn More Margin & Mission Ignition Humane Society of Manatee County Blog: How Margin & Mission Ignition Helped the Humane Society of Manatee County Grow With Purpose Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , iHeartRadio , or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

May 14, 202621 min

Ericia Henry Reflects on Gaining Confidence, Courage, and Connections During Her TPF Fellowship

In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Ericia Henry, TPF Fellow 2024/26, right before she launches to the Kiwanis International Headquarters . Both reflect on her TPF Fellowship experience and what happens when someone actually leans into possibility even when it’s uncomfortable. In this conversation, you'll…. Hear what it really looks like to choose courage over comfort because Ericia doesn’t sugarcoat the unknowns, she walks through the fear, the decision-making, and what it takes to say yes anyway. Get an inside look at the TPF Fellowship experience, not just the structure, but how it actually stretches you, builds new skills, and shapes who you become along the way. Walk away with a clearer sense of what can happen when you explore possibilities for your own path. Whether you’re considering the Fellowship or just navigating your next step, her journey sparks that “what if I did it too?” feeling. Timestamps 1:18 - About Fellowship 3:53 - About Ercia Henry 4:11 - Indiana University Southeast 5:40 - Learning About The Fellowship Through Avery Crews Prado de Lima 6:15 - Getting to Know TPF Through the internship with Neurochallenge 8:27 - TPF’s Immersive Impact: Through Engagement, Experience, and Expertise (Aka Study Away) 9:48 - The Flexibility & Opportunity of The Fellow Day-to-Day Experience 11:20 - Developing Intellectual Muscles & Connections While at TPF 13:17: Learning To Work High Level with Intention, Strategy, and Organization 15:40 - Ericia’s Plans to Make the World a Better Place 16:43 - Launching to Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Steewardship and Engagement Officer 17:45 - Reconnecting and Reconvening Fellows During TPF Beyond 19:41 - Why Apply to be a Fellow? Links to Learn More About Ericia Henry The Patterson Foundation Fellowship Blog: Reflecting on Ericia Henry's Confidence and Courage Throughout Her TPF Fellowship Join The Journey

May 6, 202637 min

The New Civic Path: Turning Hope Into Community Action

In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2. They discuss the practices that have shaped both The Harwood Institute and The Patterson Foundation — listening deeply, not arriving with the answers, turning outward, and meeting communities where they are. These principles are woven into TPF’s culture and continue to guide Aspirations to Actions efforts across people, organizations, and communities in our region. Listeners will hear about: How communities across the country are rediscovering hope through small, intentional actions — and how those actions create ripple effects that strengthen trust, connection, and belief in one another. Why shared aspirations can bridge our differences. The conversation explores how The New Civic Path offers a way forward in a time of division, inviting people to leave politics at the door, focus on what matters most locally, and take meaningful action together. This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work of building hope one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time. Timestamps 02:16 — How The Harwood Institute Shows Up in Community 06:51 — The New Civic Path: What It Is and Why It Matters Right Now 10:04 — Adapting the Work for Each Community While Centering Local Agency 13:13 — Why and How The Patterson Foundation Launched The New Civic Path Book Circles 17:55 — Creating Space for Wide Participation Across People, Organizations, & Communities 19:48 — Partnership Spotlight: William & Mary 23:45 — Join the National New Civic Path Book Circle (June 2, 2025) 26:23 — What’s In It for You? 33:14 — Real Examples: How Book Circles Sparked Ripples of Change Links to Learn More Register for The National Book Circle Blog: Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic Possibility Connect Beyond The Blog The Harwood Institute Facebook: Rich Harwood Instagram: Rich Harwood LinkedIn: Rich Harwood Join The Journey