Luminaries in the Dark

"Mental health has been an issue in our communities for a long, long time. If you look at any youth health survey results from communities around Snohomish County, depression, anxiety, kids vaping, drug use, all of that has been on the rise even before COVID." -Patsy CudabackChildren are our future. They will be responsible for building and leading our communities and helping us, as humans, progress to achieve a more just and caring world. It’s a fact that children are largely molded by their environment, and with the advent of COVID, children everywhere are facing the consequences of shelter-in-place orders. Suddenly, the things that are vital to a child’s development, such as school, community activities, and even friendships, are put on hold.The YMCA, a not-for-profit that has been around for more than 120 years, is ready to meet the challenge to support and care for children in our communities. This week, host Bruce Bracken speaks to Patsy Cudaback, Senior Vice President for the YMCA of Snohomish County, who is fearlessly answering the call to provide mental health support to our youth. By hiring mental health counselors and incorporating them into the day camps at the YMCA, Patsy provides children with a listening ear and skills for coping with the changes around them.ResourcesPatsy Cudaback - LinkedInSnohomish County YMCA - https://ymca-snoco.org/YMCA and BGCSC Summer Camp Partnership - KOMO newsBruce Bracken - LinkedInDiscover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.” – Henry David ThoreauFor some, thinking of summer conjures up youthful memories of hiking with friends, canoeing down a river, fishing from a lakeshore, or late-night campfire stories. But this year, with travel and group gatherings curtailed, many of us face the challenge of finding ways to continue those summertime outdoor adventures.Luckily, this hasn’t stopped organizations from inventing unique ways for people to enjoy the season’s beautiful weather. Avid4 Adventure is one such organization that has pivoted its programs to accommodate safety and social distancing concerns while providing summer fun. With its mission to empower kids of all ages and skill levels and encourage them to choose active, outdoor lifestyles, Avid4 Adventure offers safe summer activities through their Camp at Home and Small Group Adventures programs.Paul Dreyer, CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) of Avid4 Adventure, joins host Bruce Bracken for this week’s episode and discusses the importance of providing an outlet for children to improve their concepts of self-development and teach the importance of community through an evolution of summer camp and activities.Listen in and be inspired to rethink your summer adventure plans!Resources Paul Dreyer - LinkedInAvid4 Adventure: https://avid4.com/Avid4 Adventure - Camp At Home: https://avid4.com/camp-at-homeAvid4 Adventure - Small Group Adventures: https://avid4.com/small-group-adventuresBruce Bracken - LinkedInDiscover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts

"I can't imagine being more fortunate than to have a business that blends passion for a product with giving back and with helping others." -Teresa Spellman GambleMany businesses are struggling to stay financially afloat while successfully serving their customers amidst social distancing rules. But for other businesses the question they are struggling with is – what else more can we do to help our community?Tinte Cellars is one of those very special businesses, founded on a philanthropic model that seeks to support the community. Host Bruce Bracken talks with co-owner Teresa Spellman Gamble, who started a campaign aimed at brightening the day of so many elderly people who are affected by COVID-19.Drawing from her unique upbringing and her devotion to her community, Teresa encouraged those around her to create thoughtful handwritten letters or cards, that would then be distributed by Northshore Senior Center, the second largest senior center in the United States. In a short time, Teresa’s Love Letters to the Elderly campaign quickly grew in popularity in Washington State, inspiring others everywhere to do the same.It’s heartening to realize the power that a few meaningful words on paper can have to brighten and bring hope to someone’s day.Resources:Teresa Spellman-Gamble – LinkedIn  Tinte Cellars – Love Letters to the ElderlyNorthshore Senior Center – WebsiteSeattle Times - ArticleWoodinville Weekly - ArticleSeattle PI - ArticleTinte Cellars Website: www.tintecellars.comReservations: https://tintecellars.com/tasting-experiences/Contact: info@tintecellars.comBruce Bracken - LinkedInDiscover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts