A Sustainable Future

In recent years, pets are viewed as increasingly important members of the family.  They don’t just live in the backyard anymore, as people now share a larger portion of their daily lives with their pets.  This shift has created demand for more pet friendly businesses, as our furry friends accompany their owners on routine errands and vacations.

In this episode, we’re talking all about pet adoption with Karen Martiny, founder of Animal Rescue of the Rockies.  Her organization saves thousands of animals every single year in the hope that every dog and cat in Colorado finds a loving home.

Links:

Animal Rescue of the Rockies

Produced by Yes Communities

In an effort to make a positive impact in the communities we serve, YES created the YES We Care program to give back to our residents, team members, and local charitable organizations. 

Volunteer work is more than just contributing time.  It's about creating positive change, building connections, and fostering a sense of community. In this episode, we're highlighting the profound impact that YES volunteers make all year round. 

Patrice Mitchell, Culture Ambassador of YES Communities joins me to discuss all things YES We Care; from guaranteed PTO for team members to spend volunteering, to complete home makeovers for deserving residents and families.

Produced by Yes Communities

With the holiday season quickly approaching, our home kitchens and electrical systems are busier than ever.  Before hosting relatives in your home, take a few minutes to double check your fire safety equipment and prepare a family evacuation plan.   

In this episode, we're exploring the ins and outs of fire safety to keep your loved ones and property safe.  Our special guest, Chicagoland firefighter Pat Schlueter joins us to discuss some all too common fire hazards to avoid when cooking and decorating for the holidays.

Produced by Yes Communities

In this episode, we’re going all in on the art of grilling.  Maybe this year you want to branch out beyond hamburgers and hotdogs.  Or maybe you hope to make it through the holiday with your eyebrows intact.   

Our special guest, Clayton Cook of LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Mama Fried in Austin, Texas, shares how you can elevate your grill game and keep your guests clamoring for more.   And later, you’ll hear from YES’ Head of Risk Title Brian Von Helmolt on some grill safety tips to pull off your cookout without incident.

Links:

Mama Fried

LeRoy & Lewis BBQ

Chuds BBQ Tutorials

Produced by Yes Communities

Scholarships are more than just financial assistance. They're the bridge that connects ambitious students to their wildest aspirations, regardless of their background or financial situation. In this episode we’re exploring YES Communities’ Building Futures program, which is designed to uplift those who dare to dream and strive for greatness.

Links:

Mark Adams

Building Futures

Produced by Yes Communities

In recent years, the cost of housing has increased sharply across our country. The average home sale price in the US  increased 30% since 2020. At the most basic level, these higher prices are caused by a shortage of available housing units. Zoning, public policy, and a “Not In My Backyard” resistance to new construction are all contributing factors to the housing supply shortfall.

Author & journalist Erika Bolstad joins us to discuss the affordable housing shortage and potential solutions to making housing more affordable for all.  

Links:

Erica Bolstad

Yes Communities

Produced by Yes Communities

Families with children make up 30% of the homeless population in our country. Clayton and Family Promise have teamed up to provide transitional housing and create long term solutions to help end this national crisis.

Clayton’s Ted Rutland and Sandy Minuitti of Family Promise tell us what it means for families and children experiencing homelessness to secure safe housing. 

Links:

Family Promise

Clayton

Clayton / FP Partnership

Yes Communities

Produced by Yes Communities

In this episode, we are going to help you absolutely nail your next holiday meal. Executive Chef Joe Goetze of Founding Farmers restaurant group walks us through some simple ways to create memorable, winning meals.

We'll also check in to see how YES team members are sharing their holidays with residents in their communities.

Guests:

Joe Goetze - Executive Chef of Founding Farmers

Melinda Graulau - YES Communities Regional Manager MIW

Tara Blakita - YES Communities Field Manager MISW

Links: 

Founding Farmers

Produced by Yes Communities

The past two years have presented unprecedented challenges for education in our country. Parents, teachers, and students are finally seeing the light at the end of a very long tunnel, but studies show that a massive effort is required to catch up from the time spent away from in person learning. 

In this episode, we talk to Richard Tagle, President and CEO of the Denver Public School Foundation on how we can help students catch up in math and reading.

Links:

Denver Public School Foundation

Richard Tagle

Produced by Yes Communities

For a long time, workplace wellness meant a break room stocked with free bananas and granola. But as the conversation around work life balance becomes more wholistic, the concept of wellness has expanded to include mental health, paid leave, and even personal finance. Yes Communities' Leanna Cline and Cigna's Kylee Geffre discuss how the approach to wellness has changed, and what goes into  creating a wellness culture that attracts and retains talent.

Links:

Cigna

Yes Communities

Produced by Yes Communities