What's Good In The Neighborhood

49. Kendra Devejian on The Practice of Empathy

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Kendra Devejian explores how businesses and leaders can move beyond transactional relationships to truly value people as whole individuals—offering meaningful support through real-life challenges like housing, childcare, and mental health. She highlights the practical “good neighbor” skills of proximity, reciprocity, and endurance, showing how we can walk alongside one another in sustainable, life-giving ways.

Kendra Devejian is a fourth-generation Fresno native who has spent her career doing one thing: making sure people in the Central Valley have what they need to thrive. As CEO of Heartland Compass, a workplace-based support program powered by the Fresno Business Council, she and her team meet employees right where they are, inside the companies they work for, helping them navigate life's hardest moments so they can show up fully at work and at home.

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48. Christy Manning and Kasey Jackson on the Practice of Cultivation

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Christy and Kasey weren't looking to become non profit leaders, but they did commit to come in close to girls who were in the foster care system. The two women share their stories about how their personal stories and lives ignited a passion for those who are aging out of the foster care system. The two talk about what it takes to show up for formerly and current foster youth on a day to day basis, the statistics that seem insurmountable, and also the amazing hope and healing they've been able to witness up close.

To learn more about Good Dirt Collective - https://gooddirtcollective.org/

To learn more about the Redemptive Impact Accelerator - https://www.cctfresno.org/ria/

Kasey Jackson and Christy Manning are Co-Founders of Good Dirt Collective, united by their shared experience as foster and adoptive parents and a desire to support young women who have been impacted by foster care. Together, they created Good Dirt Collective to provide pottery-based job training, mentorship, and hope, offering a safe place to grow skills, confidence, and community. This work is rooted in their faith as they seek to follow God’s leading in how they serve others. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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47. New Series Intro! The Neighboring Practice!

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Grace and Andrew get us ready for our new series, The Neighboring Practice. What does it mean to be a good neighbor, not just a person who does a service project annually? The two discuss the social context that has led to a culture of one time service as opposed to a lifetime of proximity, reciprocal relationship, empathy, consistency, and compassion. "The things you are close to are the things you care about." We hope this series inspires you, moves you, and challenges you to think about the person across the street. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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46. More Than Marketing, with Ashley Goldsmith

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:41:00 -0000

In this episode, Ashley Goldsmith joins the conversation to explore what it means to practice marketing and communications with integrity in the nonprofit world. Together, we unpack the tension between raising funds and honoring people’s dignity—especially when telling stories about communities experiencing hardship. Ashley shares practical insights on how nonprofits can communicate impact without exploiting pain, avoid “poverty porn,” and instead elevate stories of resilience, partnership, and hope.From crafting donor messaging to shaping brand voice, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for ethical storytelling that builds trust, inspires generosity, and reflects the values at the heart of the mission. If you care about communicating in a way that truly impacts communities while honoring the people you serve, this conversation is for you.

Ashley Goldsmith launched Blue Chair Communications her senior year of college out of a fierce desire to creatively share important ideas. For years, she’s helped nonprofits, government agencies, and values-driven businesses translate complex work into stories that move even stubborn hearts. Her ultimate vision? To see the Central Valley become a healthier, safer, more economically and spiritually vibrant place to live because the organizations working toward this reality communicate effectively.

Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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45. Working Genius with Jeff Jones

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Andrew and Grace sit down with Jeff Jones from Fresno Pacific University to explore the Working Genius framework and why it’s been such a game-changer in the workplace. They share how having a common language around gifts, talents, and skills has helped their teams collaborate more effectively and understand what each person brings to the table. This conversation is packed with practical insight for anyone looking to build healthier, more productive staff cultures. Jeff Jones is a Certified Facilitator of The Six Types of Working Genius. With over 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, he now helps for-profit and non-profit organizations apply this powerful productivity model to improve collaboration and deliver immediate results.

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44. Reflections in Leadership with Artie Padilla

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Artie helped launch and lead Every Neighborhood Partnership over 17 years ago, and today is STILL working in the community development space and is STILL passionate about seeing Fresno flourish. Andrew and Grace get curious about HOW he continues to press in and continues to create community impact. The three talk sustainability, how faith and service parallel each other, long term commitment to the city, and what it costs to lead at a high capacity. Artie has worked in the area of community and human development for the last 25 years. He continues to learn new strategies to help create change at a micro and macro level so that our community residents and youth can achieve economic and social upward mobility.

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43. Looking Back and Looking Forward - Mid Year Reflection, with Andrew + Grace

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Andrew and Grace give a little update on the state of Every Neighborhood Partnership, their own personal leadership growth and goals, heading into the new year, but a mid year report in light of the budget cycle. Every Neighborhood Partnership is a Fresno, CA based non-profit that exists to Activate. Equip. Mobilize and Transform so that our students excel, community members are healthy and whole, and our neighborhoods thrive. Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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42. An Advent Reflection with Dr. Randy White

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0000

What kind of people were Joseph and Mary to say yes to God? Dr. Randy White brings his deep wisdom and mentorship to this conversation, reflecting on the Christmas season and all the expectation and longing that it holds.

Rev. Dr. Randy White has served in Christian Community Development and Ministry for more than 40 years. He is the founder of the Center for Community Transformation, and the Pink House, and as a seminary professor trained leaders for urban ministry. He's the author of many books and articles and has just published a new novel, Consummation. He and his family continue to live and serve in urban neighborhoods seeking the shalom of their neighbors and watching God at work.

You can learn more about Randy and his books here: https://randywhiteassociates.com/

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41: Jordan Mattox - Hot Topics in Our Schools: Integration, Tech, and Choice

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:11:00 -0000

In this episode, Jordan Mattox breaks down some of the hottest conversations shaping today’s schools: integration, technology, and school choice. He explores how each of these forces impacts equity, student experience, and the future of public education. Jordan highlights good teachers, parent engagement, the promise and pitfalls of tech in the classroom, the ongoing challenge of creating truly integrated schools, and the tension between choice and access. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at what’s working, what’s not, and what educators and families should be paying attention to next.

Jordan Mattox is a librarian, podcaster, and writer. He hosts the podcasts Fresno's Best, Fresnolandia, and The History of California Podcast. He is currently working on book about the history of Fresno.

- Fresnolandia Podcast Episode with Misty Her

- Nice White Parents Podcast

- Article - Getting Fast Thinkers to Slow Down

- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

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40. Beyond the Bell Series - Why We Stayed: A Parent’s Perspective, with Melissa Danisi

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Melissa has every opportunity, blessing and resourcing laid out in front of her - her and husband have good jobs, financial flexibility, and two amazing adopted kids. When it came time to pick a school for them, some may be surprised that instead of picking the advanced charter or even private school up the street, the Danisi's chose and stayed in their districted dual immersion school.

Today, Andrew and Grace get curious - why stay? They learn alot about Melissa's school history and her own experience, her son's education hurdles he is battling and winning, and the overall experience of what it means and feels like to root yourself deeply in a school and a community regardless of perception or benefits.

Melissa has been married to her husband Santino for 19 years and is a mom to two awesome kids through adoption. She has served on staff at The Well Community Church for 12 years writing and teaching bible studies and the past few years as the life group director. Prior to that she was a classroom teacher in Fresno Unified for several years.

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39. Partnerships That Change Schools—and Neighborhoods, with Carlos Huerta

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0000

Carlos Huerta is back to chat with Andrew and Grace about what it has looked like to partner two or more organizations together and really embrace the word, Partner. Carlos and crew discuss authentic engagement, what is ours to do and when is it time to pass the baton, what happens when conflict arises, when organizations choose partnership over credit, and what it takes to put aside differences to see real change happen.

Carlos is the Executive Director of the FPU Center for Community Transformation. With a mix of both for-profit and non-profit experience, Carlos loves to dream of a Central Valley that works for every neighbor, in every part of our city, all the time so that no one gets left out. He oversees the work of CCT, providing support to all programs that serves churches, start-up business, non-profits and school districts. Carlos has the honor of being a Locke Innovative Leader and counts it a joy to live, eat, serve and play in Fresno, CA.

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38. From Schools to Community Hubs: Fresno Unified’s Next Chapter, with Darrin Person

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

What exactly is a community school, and what is the benefit not only to the community but to the individual who benefits from it? Grace and Andrew sit down with Darrin Person, Executive Director of the Community Schools initiative with Fresno Unified. Darrin is a long time partner and board member of ENP, and brings a lot of insight to the conversation around what it means to really engage families in underserved communities, in partnership with elementary school faculty and staff. The three chat through what the goal of community school is, and why it matters that a child's needs are seen through a holistic lens, not just a academic lens.

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37. Creating Safe Schools Together, with Erin Obwald

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Erin Obwald joins What's Good today to chat through what it looks like to support a school outside the school. Erin runs an organization called Safe 2 School, which prioritizes the safety of the child on their route to and from school. Erin shares about what it takes relationally to build the capital and trust with parents and principals, the changes that are being made around traffic and safer walking routes by the city, and what it takes to educate and train crossing guards to become "guardians of the neighborhood," and empowered leaders.

Erin is a lifelong Fresno native with deep ties to the local community. She grew up attending Fresno Unified schools and is a graduate of Hoover High School. She and her husband, her high school sweetheart of 26 years, have 5 children (three adult children and two children still at home).

While her professional background is in graphic design, Erin spent most of her adult life homeschooling her children and actively engaging with her church community and local schools within the Fresno Unified. In 2017, she began working alongside her father, the founder of Safe 2 School, a nonprofit dedicated to creating safe passage for children to and from school. Erin recently completed her master's degree in Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University in 2023, the same year she became the organization's Executive Director. She is driven by her passion to empower neighborhoods and help school communities not just survive, but thrive, by working together to Build Safer Communities.

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36. Beyond the Bell Series Intro, with Andrew and Grace

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:28:00 -0000

Our series Beyond the Bell is a deep dive on the dynamics, stories, and systems that shape our schools today. Whether that be test scores, socio demographics, safety, school choice, all these factors impact not only our kids, but the future of our city. Andrew and Grace open up the series to chat about their own personal lens and world view that shapes how we process and think about school, and how their own decisions as their kids have become of school age have impact.

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35. Staff Roundtable: When is it Selfish, and When is it Self Care?

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Soul Care sounds really lovely until its gets real! So we thought we should sit down with some of our staff members about their own personal experience around burnout, high expectations around service as a lifestyle, and the importance of understanding your own personal limits and your opportunities.

Our team gets personal about their own stories and how missed opportunities or struggle have shaped how they show up to work and leadership today.

To learn more about our team, visit our Staff page - https://everyneighborhood.org/meet-our-team/

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34.Being a Leader with true friends, with Victoria White

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Can you lead and not have a close friend? Victoria is a leader of leaders - she finds herself in spaces guiding and holding space for the people who are leading the next generation. On this episode Andrew, Grace and Victoria chat through what kind of friendships you'll need to lead for the long haul, confronting your personal fears in community, the necessity of social chemistry in work, how to avoid echo chambers in our circles, and why community is the key to flourishing leaders. To learn more about Leadership Education at Duke Divinity - https://leadership.divinity.duke.edu/To order Victoria's book, Holy Friendships - https://a.co/d/htucagW Rev. Dr. Victoria White catalytically connects individuals, communities, organizations, and resources to increase resiliency and deepen the habits and practices of thriving and flourishing within networks and ecosystems. She is the Managing Director of Grants and Awards at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity where she facilitates capacity building within traditionally marginalized and under-resourced institutions serving pastors and congregations. She is the author of Holy Friendships: Nurturing Relationships that Sustain Pastors and Leaders.

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33. Coaching from the Inside Out, with Jon Hand and Joyce Harrington

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

An investment in your own leadership will not only grow you in your work, but also more than anything your personal life. Today we have the gift of hearing from Jon Hand, co founder of Lead from Transformation coaching, as well as Joyce Harrington, ENP's own Associate Director who is in the middle of LFT coaching course. The two share their personal stories of where their journeys led them vocationally to be a leader desiring to lead from their own work, and that being able to face and journey through your own story is the key to unlock being a healthy leader.

To learn more about Learn from Transformation

Jon lives in Southern Ontario with his wife Aimee, where they’ve made their home since moving from the U.S. in 2015. With over 27 years of experience in church and business leadership, Jon’s journey took a pivotal turn after a life-altering season of burnout in his thirties. That moment led him to discover the transformative power of coaching—shifting his leadership from command-and-control to a non-anxious, team-empowering style.Since then, he’s built a thriving coaching practice and developed Soul Coaching, a yearlong journey that helps Christian leaders deepen their identity and character in Jesus so they can lead with renewed capacity and bear lasting fruit. Jon is driven by a clear vocational pledge: to wake up every day to challenge, equip, and inspire leaders to lead from their own transformation.

Joyce was raised in Fresno and was the first in her family to graduate from college. Obtaining a BS in Business with an emphasis in Accounting she successfully worked in the corporate sector for over 15 years as a Controller. The social events which occurred in our nation in 2019 awakened Joyce to begin combining her Christian faith with the business skills she acquired to help non-profits. She took on the role of Finance Director at a statewide social justice non-profit where she excelled in Operations and Strategic Planning, helping bridge the gaps of programmatic work and back-end operations. With three amazing children in tow, Joyce is passionate about creating a world where faith, work and personal life are balanced. She believes when people are living their purpose, they strive less and are able to bring their whole selves to the workplace and have greater impact in their communities. Joyce finds refreshment, release and retreat in the expansive beauty of the Sequoia National Park and ministering to women.

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32. Spiritual Practices, with Dan Braga

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0000

How does being a high capacity leader and being a non anxious presence intersect? Today Grace and Andrew have the opportunity to chat with Dan Braga, hearing about his story and journey of ministry. Dan talks about how learning from the desert fathers and mothers of faith and practicing a contemplative spirituality saved not only his leadership and ministry, but his faith. Dan asks the question -- can you plant a church that doesn't kill leaders or the people who choose to be part of it...and thrive? And if so, what will that require of your inner life?

This episode will encourage you to rethink your pace and your presence you practice in community. We hope it encourages you.

Dan Braga loves the noble call of the local church pastor more than ever. He and his wife, Alexis, have been immersed in the church planting world for 20 years and currently lead Neighbors Church. Dan also teaches formation as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Western Seminary, and is midway through a doctorate in Spiritual Theology under Jon Coe at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. A lifelong surfer and self-described kook, he still paddles out almost every morning.

To learn more about Neighbors Church, visit - https://www.sdneighbors.church/

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31. Emotionally Healthy Leadership, with Drew Hyun

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Ever gotten a big question like, "Hows it going as a leader?" ...and not known what to say?

Today on the podcast, Drew Hyun shares his story of walking with Jesus in his own pastoral leadership as being beautiful, disappointing, and hopeful. Drew talks about how God orchestrated opportunity after opportunity for him to experience deep healing, how he got involved with working in Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, and some of the shifts that are happening in the organization relating to community and coaching resources. Andrew, Grace, and Drew chat how our family of origin shapes how we see the world, how to confront our deepest pains and wounds, practice slow down spirituality, all in order to allow our souls to breathe and flourish.

Drew Hyun is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC, a diverse church with three locations in New York City. Drew is also the Executive Director of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, an organization that aims to transform church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed pastors and leaders. He regularly speaks at churches, conferences and college campuses throughout the United States and abroad. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Fuller Theological Seminary (DMin).You can learn more about Drew’s newly released book, Beautiful, Disappointing, Hopeful: How Gratitude, Grief, and Grace Reflect the Christian Story at Amazon, Churchsource, or Barnes and Noble.

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30. Centered and Directed by Jesus, with Mark and Lynn Baker

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

What would your life and work look like if you operated out of the centering presence of Jesus? Today, Mark and Lynn Baker share with us their wealth of wisdom around how our beliefs about who God is matters because it informs how we practice formation. Who is the God who you are seeking to be devoted to? Lynn walks us through what we can discover when we begin to put our beliefs into practice. She shares how prayer and contemplative spiritual formation will move us toward healing our concept of God. To learn more about the Bakers and their work, visit https://www.profmarkbaker.com/

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29. How Conflict and Recovery Intersect, with Dave Obwald

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

As leaders, we deal with conflict everyday.

Whether its inter personal or personal, we each need to own our own piece of the contribution. Dave Obwald is a Pastor at The Well Community Church and a certified transformational coach who walks alongside individuals and organizations in their journey of recovery, growth, performance, and spiritual transformation. With a master’s degree in conflict and peacemaking and over two decades of experience coaching others, he serves as a “transformational tour guide”—always growing and helping others become all that God invites them to be. In this conversation, Dave walks us through how we pick the narratives we live in and how we bring those into conflict resolution and our own recovery journeys.

To learn more about Re:generation - https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/

To learn more about Dave's coaching -- https://overtcreativecoaching.com/david-obwald

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28 Series Six, SoulCare and Leadership - Intro Episode with Andrew and Grace

Thu, 08 May 2025 07:00:00 -0000

Welcome to a new series from What’s Good in the Neighborhood—Soul Care and Leadership. In this opening episode, we set the stage for a timely and necessary conversation about what it means to lead from a healthy soul. We’ll explore the rhythms that sustain emotionally healthy leadership, how to navigate conflict without burning out, and why recovery, spiritual practices, and deep friendships aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. Whether you're leading in a church, a nonprofit, or just trying to be a steady presence in your community, this series invites you to go deeper, get honest, and rediscover the "good" in the neighborhoods we serve and in the souls we lead from.

Tune in and journey with us as we talk real soul care for real leaders.

Learn more about us at everyneighborhood.org/podcast

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27: Immigration and Real Relationships, with Ariana Martinez Lott

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Today Andrew and Grace get to chat with local advocate and activist, Ariana Martinez-Lott who spent over ten years in advocacy work and real time relationships with undocumented folks here in Fresno county. Arianna brings real world insight and authentic experience to the conversation. Arianna talks about staying positive, seeing the current situation as an opportunity, and staying curious.

Serving as a consultant and engaged community member for local initiatives, Ariana Martinez Lott leverages her cross-sector relationships to strengthen resident-led transformation in Fresno. In her previous role as Community Relations Director for City of Fresno District 3, Ariana led policy analysis, managed district projects, and proudly helped residents navigate complex issues. An avid thrifter, she spends her spare time smothering her two children with kisses, or trying (relentlessly) to convince her husband to let her bring home more plantitas.

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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26: Immigration Series, with Mark Bowers of World Relief

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Andrew hangs out today with Mark Bowers of World Relief on the podcast. Mark describes how his own personal journey led him to a life on the margins with refugees and immigrants. Mark and Andrew discuss the Church's role and responsibility to the immigrant, how World Relief is addressing and responding to the recent policy changes, and how you can learn and get involved with refugees in your own neighborhood.

J. Mark Bowers serves as Sr. Training Advisor for World Relief where his team builds tools for refugee and immigrant ministry in The Workshop. When the screens are powered down, Mark runs a housing business for immigrant families in East Lake—an under-resourced neighborhood where his own family lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

To learn more about World Relief - https://worldrelief.org/

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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25:Immigration and Local Policy Resources, with Mariana Diaz of MCC

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0000

Andrew sits down with Mariana Diaz, of Mennonite Central Committee West Coast, and they talk about not only her personal story of immigration, but local immigration policies, ways to navigate and learn the system, and how to be a better neighbor to our local undocumented community.

West Coast MCC’s immigration program serves immigrant populations affiliated with our constituent churches and surrounding communities. They provide documentation services, and educational learning opportunities through workshops and outreach.

Mariana is a Fresno native and alumna of Fresno Pacific University. She is currently a Legal Immigration Caseworker for the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee where she assists individuals with applying for immigration benefits. She is proud to be able to serve and empower our immigrant community.

To learn about MCC visit - https://mcc.org/about/us/west-coast

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24: Immigration Series, Introduction with Andrew and Grace

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Considering our current cultural moment, Andrew and Grace process the current administration's philosophy on immigration in light of ENP values and point of view.

The two discuss how their personal faith is intersecting with the issue of immigration, and frame up for listeners why we're taking a pause to learn from experts who have dedicated their lives or careers to people who live in the shadows of citizenship.

To learn more about the National Immigration Forum

To take a look at the Fresno Immigration Timline

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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23: A Conversation about being Asset Based, with Christian Gonzalez and Samai Munoz

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0000

As we finish out our conversation about being a good neighbor, we finish our series with Christian Gonzalez and Samai Munoz. Both women work personally with women and residents in our urban communities here in Fresno, and have the lived experience of working with people at a slower and messier pace than we would like in order to see real change.

Samai is Mexican born, Fresno raised, and transformed through the power of travel, language, people, cultures and traditions. She finds herself continually learning through life experiences about radical acceptance of others and hyper-inclusive spaces. Samai is committed to evolving, self-development and growth in order to be a better family member, friend, and neighbor.

Christian Gonzalez is the eldest daughter of immigrant parents. She is the Manager of Neighborhood Development She has worked both in ministry and in local place-making initiatives that build on adopted city plans, policies, and smart mobility streetscapes to encourage new mixed-use housing, businesses, public amenities, and jobs.

To learn more about Lowell CDC - https://lowellcdc.org/

To learn more about Parent Engagement with ENP - https://everyneighborhood.org/nd/

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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22:A Pastor’s Perspective on Being a Good Neighbor, with DJ Criner

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:57:00 -0000

Today we get the privilege to sit down with and laugh with Pastor DJ Criner!

DJ is a pastor, teacher, and visionary here in Fresno as he shepherds the people of Southwest Fresno at St Rest Baptist Church.

DJ shares his thoughts about what it means for a church and a pastor to be a good neighbor in their space and place. The three chat theology, contexual ministry, community work, and city flourishing.

To learn more about St Rest - https://www.saintrest.org/

To learn more about their SW Food Hub - https://www.fresnometmin.org/StRest-Food-To-Share

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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21: A Good Neighbor Makes a Place, with Mike Oz

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0000

Mike Oz is the guy who knows a thing or two about finding the best things about where he lives and making them a pretty big deal. Andrew, Grace and Mike talk about what it takes to care about your city so much that you begin to make places for people to hang out at. Mike is the pro at this in Fresno, we are grateful we got the chance to pick his brain about why Fresno refuses to love itself, and creating spaces where people may just change their mind.

You can find out more about Fresno Street Eats here: https://fresnostreeteats.com/

Mike Osegueda (aka Mike Oz) is the president/founder of Fresno Street Eats, which serves as both an events company and a business development group for mobile food vendors.

Mike lived the first half of his life in the Bay Area, but has adopted Fresno has his home after living here for more than 20 years now, having moved to the 559 to work for The Fresno Bee.

In the time that he's been in Fresno, he's taken a big interest in Fresno's inferiority complex, putting a spotlight on the things that make it cool (like tacos!) and building rad things for the community.

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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20: A Quiet Resistance in Advent, with Andrew and Grace

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0000

It's December 19th and it felt fitting that we paused for a moment to recognize the season we are in. Grace and Andrew discuss Advent, the meaning and purpose of the season, and how the God we serve made deliberate choices to come as baby, born into poverty, already so needy.

God is in the Manger, by Dietrick Bonhoeffer

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, by Ann Voskamp

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

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19: A Good Neighbor is Hospitable with Simon Biasell and Nicole Castech

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Two of Fresno's conveners join us today on the podcast to talk about creating spaces and places so that every neighbor is welcome. The four talk about how hospitality is radically inclusive, invested, advocates for those whose voices aren't heard as loud, and extremely simple. This episode talks specifically about the different ways Fresno High and the Tower District neighborhoods have activated hospitality, so please enjoy and learn about what it could look like for you in your neighborhood!

Simon Biasell is a third-generation San Joaquin Valley Presbyterian pastor and currently serves at the Big Red Church and Woven Coalition for Justice. Over the past two decades, Simon has worked to build radical hospitality within faith-based groups and is passionate bringing people together and mobilizing communities to dismantle systems of oppression and exclusion. He and his wife Natasha live in the Fresno High neighborhood with their two children, Paloma and Pax.

Nichole Castech has lived in Fresno’s Tower/Fresno High area for six years and has called Fresno home since 2010. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chico State and a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Fresno Pacific University. Active in her community, Nichole serves on the boards of the Tower Neighborhood Association and Tower District Business Association and is a member of the District 1 Project Review Committee. In her free time, she enjoys paddleboarding at Millerton Lake and exploring her neighborhood on leisurely strolls.

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18: A Good Neighbor Empowers with Ivan Paz and Karl Gurney

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Being a neighbor doesn't mean you just happen to live in a place! Ivan and Karl teach us today what it means to lift the head of our neighbor and empower them to change the culture and landscape of their place. The four talk disempowerment, how the ability to choose is the ultimate privilege, and that the dream that neighborhoods would be marked by equity. We learn more about Community Land Use Academy (CLUA), run by the team here at ENP. This episode is full of long term wonder for the future of our neighborhoods, and really practical advice about how to identify the positive markers in your neighborhood.

To learn more about CLUA learn more here: https://everyneighborhood.org/nd/

To learn about the FresGO app, click here: https://www.fresno.gov/3-1-1/

Ivan grew up in Fresno and is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University (FPU). Ivan majored in pre-law and in religious studies (general religion). He also has a master's degree in theology and teaches a master's level course at FPU called "Forming A Community of Mercy, Justice, and Peace", where he partners theology with community organizing frameworks to help students think deeply about community and develop plans for engagement. Ivan lives in downtown Fresno with Taz Paz, an Australian cattle dog. He has been active in community development work in Fresno for over 10 years, has launched community programs, and is a member of First Presbyterian Church Fresno. Ivan loves to draw, read, and train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Karl lived in five different cities until 2014, when he moved to Fresno to work in urban ministry. He studied Environmental Science and Urban Planning as an undergraduate, which galvanized his love for living things and inhabited places. He later earned his Master’s Degree in theology before working in Catholic parish ministry. You can still find him leading music at his parish as a volunteer, but Karl is grateful that ENP allows him to weave together his passions for justice, learning, and intercultural engagement for the sake of the city’s long-term prosperity. He lives with his wife Alyssa and their cat Koestler, and loves creating things like artwork, playlists, travel plans, and hand-prepared cups of coffee.

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17: A Good Neighbor - Intro Episode with Andrew and Grace

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0000

Who is my neighbor?

Andrew and Grace introduce our new series, A Good Neighbor. This series will focus on what it means to advocate for your neighbor, what it means to be long term invested in people and place, and how to show up and in small and big ways. On this episode, Andrew and Grace share their personal experience and context with what they've learned about neighboring, they answer the question of who is their neighbor in their faith context, and also what are some simple ways that you can show up for your neighbor.

We hope you enjoy this series!

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Podcast edited and produced by Josh Gilbert Media

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16: For the Long Run: Racism in Fresno with Julie Vue + Jaeden Herms

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this final episode in our series, For the Long Haul, Andrew and Grace sit down with Julie and Jaeden from Central Valley Community Foundation to discuss the issue of Racism and how it has impacted our city long term. The four discuss our community's prejudices, assumptions, and biases and what we can all do to join the conversation around changing the course of the future.

To learn more about Facing Fresno click here - https://www.facingfresno.org/

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15: For the Long Run: Food Systems with Natalie Caples and Jennifer Rhoden

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today, Andrew and Grace picked the brains of Natalie Caples and Jennifer Rhoden, two people who tackle a very large question every day in their work - How do we get food into the hands of people who are food insecure?

Natalie has served as Nutrition Education Coordinator, Programs Supervisor, Programs Manager, Director of Programs, and Chief Operations Officer since joining Central California Food Bank in 2008, and was appointed co-Chief Executive Officer in June 2020. She graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics and a minor in Business Administration.

Jennifer is the Program Manager for the Nutrition Education Department with Fresno Metro Ministry

To learn more about Central California Food Bank -- https://ccfoodbank.org/

To learn more about Fresno Metro Ministry -- https://www.fresnometmin.org/food-to-share-page

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14: For the Long Run - The Power of the Job with AP Amour and Mark Ford

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Today, Grace and Andrew sit down with two local CEOs, AP Armour and Mark Ford. AP and Mark share learned insights around job readiness, job development, and the power of a job. The 4 chat about the different models and perspectives they implement in order to hire people who may be on their 2nd or 3rd chance in order to develop incredible employees. If you want to learn more about barriers to employment, hiring those that live on the edges of society, and the amazing benefits that it brings to businesses, you will love this conversation!

To learn more about Neighborhood Industries - https://neighborhoodindustries.org/

To learn more about JD Foods - https://www.jdfood.com/

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13: For the Long Run - Addiction and Mental Health, with Nolen Burchett and Ahmad Bahrami

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this episode of WGITN, Grace and Andrew sit down and talk with Nolen Burchett and Ahmad Bahrami. Nolen and Ahmad come from two different edges of the mental health and addiction solution spectrum, and yet were able to find common ground about the drugs, addictions, and hurdles that plague our county and country, as well as the long term solutions. Grace also shares a bit of her personal experience navigating recovery options as a family member.

To learn more about Touchstone Recovery, learn about them here - https://touchstonerecoverycenter.com/

To learn more about Fresno Behavioral Health, learn more about them here - https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Behavioral-Health/Care-Services/Get-Involved/Behavioral-Health-Equity

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health, there is help. Please don't hesitate to receive care.

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12: For the Long Run - Youth in Crisis, with Tumani Heights and Richard Burrell

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Richard and Tumani work with kids in urban environments in Fresno that have every odd stacked against them - the foster care system, homelessness, abuse, and trafficking to name a few. But these two have dedicated their lives to not only provide safe environments, but also to offer kids in crisis the opportunity to plan, dream, and execute the life they want.

Join us today on What's Good to talk about what it takes to engage kids who need support, how you can get involved, and what it means to be a person who provides access and hope.

To learn more about LiveAgain Fresno and Richard's story - https://liveagainfresno.org/

To learn more about ProjectAccess and Tumani's team - https://www.fresnounified.org/departments/dpi/project-access

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11: For the Long Run - Homelessness, with Zack Darrah, McKenna Gillman

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we talk with two people operating from 2 different ends of the homelessness crisis but have chosen to partner together; McKenna Gilman of KuppaCares, who provides a hot cup of coffee and a kind conversation to the homeless of Fresno, and Zack Darrah, CEO of Poverello House, a full service homelessness center providing temporary shelter, addiction and recovery services, a church, and a "free" restaurant. The two discuss interacting with the homeless, the issues they're seeing on the street, having faith centered conversations, and why both of their roles are a call to serve the least of these.

To learn more about KuppaCares, Kuppa Joy's newest non-profit - https://kuppajoy.com/kuppa-cares/

To learn more about Poverello House - https://poverellohouse.org/

To get involved and volunteer at Papa Mikes - https://poverellohouse.org/papa-mikes-cafe

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10: For The Long Run - Housing with Esther Carver and Dan Zack

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In our new series, For the Long Run, we're tackling big issues that won't be fixed overnight. Today, we talk with Esther Carver and Dan Zack to discuss the obstacles facing affordable housing, the creativity needed to offer different options to people, and the exciting solutions that folks are working on to bring change to the space. This episode is Fresno heavy, and discusses in detail the specific issues we face here in the valley.

To learn more about Esther and her work with Lowell CDC - HERE

To learn more about Dan Zack and Zack Urban Solutions - HERE

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09: A Church With & For the Neighborhood with Jason Spencer

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Is the church the asset in the neighborhood or is it one of many? Jason Spencer tackles this question head-on as local pastor who has committed to not just being a church in a neighborhood, but a church with the neighborhood, there to empower people in their God-given dignity and the work they've been called to do! The trio talk about the difference between outreach and place based focus, leadership development, and the power of being a real partner in the neighborhood and not just a location to attend.

Jason Spencer is the lead pastor of an Image Church in Southwest Fresno. Image Church started their community development organization called Generation Changers for kids in their local schools, and also has opened up their property for job skill development.

You can learn more about Jason and Image Church HERE

And you can support and learn more about Generation Changers HERE

To learn about how Fresno is entering into the service of homeless students HERE

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08: Sowing Hope: Using Gardens to Create A Better Fresno with Chris De Leon

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0000

If you went on our Drive Tour, you heard Chris De Leon talking about the Yo-ville Community Garden in Southwest Fresno. Chris joins the pod to chat more in depth about the current state of food insecurity in the agricultural capital of America, what kind of dignity we instill in each other and ourselves when we grow our own food, and why the existence of community gardens mean we all thrive.

To learn more about Chris and his community garden work, you can find him here - https://www.fresnometmin.org/Farm-and-gardens

To learn more about Life Labs, click here - https://www.lifelab.org/

To learn about the educational gardens ENP is installing on elementary school campuses, click here - https://everyneighborhood.org/blog/schoolgardens/

To learn how you can get involved and grow food in your community, email Chris at chris@fresnometmin.org

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07: The Power of a Job, with Carlos Huerta

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0000

Andrew and Grace are joined today on the podcast by Carlos Huerta. Carlos is the Executive Director of the Center for Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific University. The three talk about the economic realities of the Central Valley, the roadblocks that exist for people to get jobs that meet their needs, and the creative options that exist for our community, our churches, and our organizations. Carlos asks the question, what is the faith community's responsibility to spark innovation in the business sector?

To learn more about the Center for Community Transformation, click HERE

To learn more about redlining, and rare Fresno maps, read this article from KVPR

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06: A Bigger Imagination for Southwest Fresno, with Marcel Woodruff

Thu, 30 May 2024 11:00:00 -0000

On this episode in our Drive Tour Series, Andrew and Grace sit down with Marcel Woodruff. On Marcel's part of the Drive Tour, he gives us amazing stories of community members that are dreaming for healthier thriving in Southwest Fresno. Marcel talks on this episode about the why behind that, what drives him as a community organizer and mentor, and how everyone can start thinking about the neighborhoods that your city has left behind.

Learn more about The Community Justice Network HERE

Learn more about Advance Peace HERE

To learn more about Kieshaun White and his Fresno Clean Air Project HERE

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Episode Produced by Josh Gilbert Media

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05: Welcome to Series Two! ENP's West and Central Fresno Drive Tour

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In our second series on What's Good In the Neighborhood, we are slowing down and interviewing some of the amazing people who are featured on our new and improved Drive Tour!

If you don't what the Drive Tour is, how you can take it, or what you'll be learning about this episode with our very own Gabrielle Piceno will answer all your questions!

To download the app and take the tour, visit VoiceMap here --

https://voicemap.me/tour/fresno-california/every-neighborhood-partnership-a-drive-through-fresno

Learn more about us by visiting https://everyneighborhood.org or @enpfresno on socials.

Episode produced by Josh Gilbert Media

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04: Moving at the Pace of People with Kim Contreras

Thu, 02 May 2024 19:54:00 -0000

Today Andrew and Grace get to dive into the conversation with Kim Contreras, a long-time presence in the urban missions world here in Fresno, CA. In this episode they discuss working and living missionally in concentrated poverty, what it takes to do it long term, and how to do it without causing harm.

During Kim's years in Fresno, it has been a deep honor to learn about the city and be changed by that experience through the Lord and her neighbors and friends in the Lowell and Hidalgo community. As Trauma Healing Specialist, Kim focuses on equipping the church and community to understand trauma and experience their own healing journey, along with an invitation to participate in outreach to survivors of human trafficking. Two of the accessible tools she utilizes are the Clear-Thinking Solutions method and Trauma Healing Institute healing groups. She can be found with her husband Manuel and their two children, Ian (18) and Sophia (13) sharing an Anaconda burrito from Yareli’s, enjoying good coffee on the steps with their dog Shadow and playing with their cats, Fuego, Sombra, and Rosa.

You can learn about what is happening in the Hildalgo neighborhood HERE

You can find out more about Clear Thinking HERE

You can find out more about the Trauma Healing Institute HERE

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03: You Can't Build on Broken with Joe White

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0000

What would it look like to view the people and places around as gifts, not negatives? In this episode, Andrew and Grace sit down with Joe White, pastor of Neighborhood Church in the historic Jackson Neighborhood of Fresno, CA. Joe is a long time advocate of being a church with the neighborhood, not a church to or for it. Joe reminds us that Jesus is the absolute best news we can give, and that He himself cares about people and places and the thriving of them both.

To learn more about Joe and Neighborhood Church, visit https://www.neighborhoodchurchfresno.com/

Joe refers to the book, Transforming Power, by Robert Linthicum

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02: Transforming a Community, with Dina Gonzalez-Pina

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0000

God longs for shalom, and He's asking us to work towards shalom in our spaces. Every Neighborhood Partnership has adopted the language and frameworks of Christian Community Development to pursue God's shalom! CCD ideas act as the tide beneath the waves of our work here at Every Neighborhood Partnership. Andrew and Grace sit down with Dina Gonzalez-Pina, who has been a member of the board of the Christian Community Development Association and is currently the director of the Mennonite Central Committee on the West Coast. Dina helps us unpack the eight pillars of CCD philosophy and Andrew and Grace tie it back contextually to our work here at ENP.

To learn more about Christian Community Development: https://ccda.org/about/philosophy/

To learn more about John Perkins and his work: https://www.johnmperkins.com/

To hear more from Dina and MCC: https://mcc.org/what-we-do/where-we-work/us/west-coast

Episode and Show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media. You can find Josh here.

Art and Logo was designed by Nick Leuvano. You can find Nick here.

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01: In Fresno as it is in Heaven, with Daniel Dominguez

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0000

In our very first episode of our very first series, we sit down with Daniel Dominguez, Every Neighborhood Partnership's Neighborhood Development Director. Daniel has been on staff with ENP for over 6 years, and is a culture carrier for us here at the organization. We talk about God's heart and vision for not only a city but for a people, and what that means for us as we engage with our neighbors and the poor. You'll hear us reference the Bible a handful of times as we unpack what it means for us to come into alignment with what God would desire when we say, In Fresno as it is in Heaven.

Read the podcast blog and transcript here: https://everyneighborhood.org/podcast

Support this podcast and ENP's work here: https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/EveryNeighborhoodPartnership

Episode and Show is produced by Josh Gilbert Media. You can find Josh here.

Art and Logo was designed by Nick Leuvano. You can find Nick here.

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Trailer: What's Good in the Neighborhood

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 19:33:00 -0000

It's easy to look around and notice everything wrong in your city. In this podcast by Every Neighborhood Partnership, join Grace and Andrew as they invite friends, activists, pastors, leaders, and city workers to discover What's Good in the Neighborhood. Join us for insightful conversations that will encourage you to see your city and its people in a new way.