Community Connections

Hosted by Kings Partnership

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

"Community Connections: Changing Lives Together," a production by Kings Partnership, offers a compelling narrative of collective impact and transformative initiatives. Delve into the heart of our community as we highlight stories of resilience, empowerment, and progress. Join us every other Friday as we showcase the power of collaboration and the profound changes we make when we come together as a community.

Listen to episodes

57 recent

August 14, 2026Episode 316 min

Helping Students Dream Bigger: Inside KCOE’s Dream Center for Youth

This episode spotlights the meaningful work of Lavena Najera and her team at the Kings County Office of Education’s Dream Center, a safe space for foster care and unhoused youth to receive a variety of beneficial resources such as: education access, professional development skill-building, enrichment programs, basic need fulfillment (clothing, food, laundry services, hygiene, products, etc.), and more. Learn about how collaboration, community, and hope creates a transformative impact in our youths lives and futures. This episode is sponsored by Valley Voices . Support the show

July 30, 2026Episode 228 min

Parenting Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

In this episode of Community Connection: Changing Lives Together , Executive Director Gaby Rodriguez talks with Jennifer Quinonez, Program Coordinator at Kings Partnership, about how trauma-informed practices can help parents build stronger, healthier family relationships. Drawing on nearly a decade of trauma-informed training and experience, Jennifer shares practical strategies for understanding children's behavior, creating safe and supportive home environments, and finding strength through community. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, this conversation offers encouragement, practical tools, and hope for raising resilient children because no family has to do it alone. Topics include: What it means to be trauma-informed Understanding children's behavior as communication Creating emotionally safe homes Practical parenting strategies The power of community support Join us as we continue our mission of changing lives together—one conversation at a time. Sponsored by Team Drin! Support the show

July 10, 2026Episode 118 min

Saving Lives in Kings County: Preventing Opioid Overdoses Through Education, Treatment, and Recovery

Join Kings Partnership and the Kings County Department of Public Health for an informative conversation about opioid overdose prevention, substance use disorder, and the resources available to support individuals and families in Kings County. Learn how local partners are working together to reduce overdose-related deaths, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and strengthen community awareness. Whether you are a parent, educator, healthcare professional, community member, or someone seeking support, this podcast offers valuable information, practical resources, and a message of hope for those affected by substance use. Support the show

June 26, 2026Episode 2323 min

Building a Resilient Central Valley

In this episode of Community Connections , we are joined by Laura Gromis, Executive Director of USGBC Central California, for a conversation on Building a Resilient Central Valley . Together, we discuss extreme heat as a growing public health and community resilience issue, how our homes and neighborhoods impact our ability to stay safe, and simple steps residents can take to stay cooler and reduce energy costs. This episode also highlights the importance of partnerships, sustainability, and preparing Kings County communities for a changing climate. This episode is sponsored by Kings United Way. Support the show

June 19, 2026Episode 2217 min

Familias Unidas

In this episode, we are going to be discussing Familias Unidas, a family centered program designed to strengthen family relationships and support youth development provided through Kings Partnership. We will also share information about our upcoming third cohort. For more information contact: Program Coordinator, Gisselle Tamayo at gisselle@kpfp.org or 559-242-6458 Program Support Specialist, Carolina Soto at carolina@kpfp.org or 559-242-6484 for communications in Spanish. Today's episode is proudly sponsored by Kings Valley Academy. We appreciate their support in helping us bring valuable conversations and resources to our listeners. Support the show

May 22, 202630 min

Exploring His Journey : Healing Through Experience

In this episode, we’ll be diving into Jesus’s life story, exploring his journey through substance use, the challenges he faced along the way, and the strength it took to overcome those experiences. We’ll also be talking about healing, growth, and the importance of sharing lived experiences to inspire and support others in our community. Support the show

May 9, 20269 min

Helping Youth Thrive: A Community Conversation

In this episode of the Community Connections Podcast, host Iranda Ramirez, Outreach Specialist for Kings Partnership, sits down with Barbara Holland, Program Coordinator for the Youth and Family Tree Program in Hanford through WestCare California, Inc. During this meaningful conversation Barbara shares her passion for supporting youth and families impacted by substance use and discusses the work her organization is doing to create positive change in the community. Support the show

May 1, 2026Episode 1917 min

Building Stronger Students: Support, Wellness, and Community at Learn4Life

In this episode of Community Connections , Gisselle is joined with Christianna Percell, Principal at Learn4Life, for a thoughtful conversation about the transformative roles of community, collaboration, wellness, and breaking down barriers each play in supporting student success. Christianna has been in education for close to three decades with a focus on implementing alternative education models with excellence. She has dedicated her career to help improve access to a quality education for all students and ensuring their academic achievement. Visit learn4life.org or call 877-360-LEARN to get connected! Sponsored by the Central Valley Justice Coalition . Support the show

April 10, 2026Episode 1830 min

Leading with Strength & Vulnerability

In this powerful and honest conversation, host Gaby is joined by Devonderia Sanchez of Finding Inner Transformation and KPFP co-host Gisselle Tamayo for a deep dive into what it really means to lead with both strength and vulnerability. Together, they explore the often unspoken challenges leaders face around mental health, breaking down misconceptions, addressing the pressure to “have it all together,” and highlighting the importance of balance, transparency, and self-care. Grounded in real experiences and thoughtful reflection, this episode offers practical insights on supporting leaders, fostering healthier organizational cultures, and showing up authentically even during difficult personal seasons. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this conversation reminds us that strength and vulnerability can and should coexist. Sponsored by: Lemoore College Support the show

April 3, 2026Episode 1718 min

Guiding the Next Generation: Empowering Youth Against Substance Use

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Aliyah Ortiz from Kings Partnership is joined by special guest Cristal Garcia from SOL Youth to dive into the vital work being done to support and uplift today’s youth. Together, they explore how SOL Youth is creating meaningful change by empowering youth with the knowledge, confidence, and resources needed to resist substance use. This episode highlights how guiding the next generation isn’t just about prevention, it’s about building resilience, fostering leadership, and creating spaces where young people can thrive. Tune in to learn how organizations like SOL Youth are making a difference and how we can all play a role in empowering youth to make positive, life-affirming choices. This episode is sponsored by our partner, California Health Collaborative. Support the show