KZ Community Beat

This week we help bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis! As we honor Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week, we welcome in great friend to the pod Brian Gorsich and new friend Savannah Simpson, who is new to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Central Illinois Community Council! This episode we learn first hand from Savannah’s recent journey of diagnose, life changes, acceptance and how she and her husband have navigated this new challenge. We also talk about the upcoming #WalkMS2024 event and how it has evolved! To get more information visit walkMS.org !!

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This episode we hear about the groundbreaking new cancer treatment services and Institute opening at OSF Healthcare here in Peoria, IL! We welcome Tom Cox - VP of OSF Oncology Services and Dr James McGee - A Radiation Oncologist at OSF/ and Founding Director of OSF Cancer Institute!

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This ep we meet a proud Peorian born and raised in the Taft! From the basketball courts to traveling all over the USA. Charles White has cultivated a story that he wishes you will learn to pass the blessing forward. Charles is the Director of The Head Start Program at the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity (known as The PCCEO! Listen in as we learn about the PCCEO, Charles and never forget, there are blessings in the redirection! A Central Lion, A Bradley Brave and Peoria Proud, I introduce you to Charles White!

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Welcome to episode 50!! This week, we welcome Chris Setti, the CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council! For 20 plus years this transplant has transformed into a Proud Peorian. Listen in as we touch topics of how Peoria bounced back after the lock down; the 4 day weekend; the changing climate economically and how we must adapt. Amazing conversation with a proud member of our community who has had a major impact on Peoria out of love!

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This week we meet Adrienne Caudle, a Therapeutic Foster Care Resource Worker at Lutheran Social Services. We talk about the difference between foster care and Therapeutic Foster Care. Also how this program is new to Peoria, how it has impacted other communities across the world and her hope to make a difference for our youth as they grow!

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This week we meet Christine Kahl (President and CEO of Phoenix CDS) and Jolene Whisler ( Resource Development Manager). We talk, “Gimme Shelter 2024” an event to help raise funds for our community members who are experiencing homelessness. In this episode you will learn more about the underlying issues with those in a time of crisis; how preconceived notions have changed through experience and how we as a community have sadly added to the trauma of those at their lowest. Phoenix CDS prides itself on being a licensed accredited Behavioral Health Provider!

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This episode we meet Everley Davis! A born and raised Peorian through and through. This year she is the guest speaker for the 2024 Martin Luther King Freedom Vehicle Parade & Commemorative Service, an event she has attended since her youth with her family! 

…she is also the Assistant Curator and Community Engagement Coordinator of the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Everley has accomplished much in her life, however, her journey of self discovery is just beginning. Listen in as we touch topics of culture, racism, the journey of self acceptance and the drive to become more!

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This week, from the classroom at Manual High School, we meet Ms Adrienne Tinsley! She has a passion for teaching and giving her students the safe space to explore their creativity with ample amount of faith to try, fail and grow! Ms Tinsley was the recipient of the “One Class At A Time” Grant! This ep we get to know Adrienne and all of her “nerdy” passions! 

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https://x.osfhealthcare.org/foundation/get-involved/event-forms/choi-toy-drive 

This episode we meet a man who for 27 years has made it his mission to bring joy and gifts to our children who unfortunately have to spend the holidays in a hospital. Santa Bill has seen his cause grow from a simple request to a full yearly operation! A tragic moment in his life and his love for the Bears took his life in a direction he never thought of!

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Some may know him as Tightest Whitest, others in the community know him as Brian Yarbrough. Music to movies and community outreach, he’s got his hands all over Peoria! His story has many twists and accomplishments. From creating the script for ‘Space Jam 2’, a friendship with Kobe, battle rap champ and soo much more. He is also working on something BIG with the NBA for Peoria! From humble beginnings in Kingspark you will be surprised what he says is his biggest accomplishment!

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This week we meet Jon Davis and Keith McDaniel! Jon is a retired Peorian Firefighter and Keith McDaniel a retired Peorian Police Officer. After many years of service to our community and friendship little did they know their life would change due to their collective love for House Music. Now they work in service with their new venture, the Peoria House Music Peace Project! On this episode, we hear the passion for music, service and an added bonus of 3 Chicago transplants who now call Peoria home.

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This ep we meet EDUARDO AND BEVERLY CABALLERO! From Harlem to Peoria, they have brought our community their passion for Salsa and dancing! Once a month at the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, you can come out to dance Salsa, bachata, cumbia and sooo much more, and if you don’t know the steps, they have a free hour long dance lesson for the beginners and those who got a little dust on their dancing shoes!

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This episode we talk to the minds behind "Beat The Funk Out of Multiple Sclerosis" ! Meet Jarett Newnam - Council member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society central Illinois Community council and friend of the pod returns Brian Gorsich the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chair of the central Illinois Community council and a patient of Multiple Sclerosis

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This episode we welcome back home Glenn Bowie! Originally born and raised in Peoria. From Taft Homes to the Heights and LA. Glenn’s journey has been filled with “serendipity”! From his mentorship with Ray Becker, to shadow boxing with Muhammed Ali, Glenn has lived and seen plenty, but his heart has always been here in Peoria! Back this weekend to talk about his new book, "THE ART OF SPEAKING INTO EXISTENCE"

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This ep Willie Williams returns a year later to announce the launching of H.O.O.P.S (Honorable, Oneness, Opportunity, Patriarch, Selfless) INC! Willie has collected  a wide range of community members aiming to instill hope, inspiration, and leadership skills into our next generation of men!

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This ep we meet Jalen Jenkins! Jalen was born and raised in Peoria, IL and throughout his 23 years, he’s grown into a community mentor for our youth! His 5 years of service at Proctor Recreation Center has enabled and encouraged Jalen to find his path in this life. He now has created a 6 week class to help empower the next generation of youth. “Think like a man” is a program to help young men find their confidence, their voice and provide them a safe space to navigate their emotions!

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Have you ever felt challenged with finding your “voice or personality? What about navigating being a people pleaser? Or feeling embarrassed to answer your calling in life? All that and more were and still are the challenges and trials Greg Batton faces on his journey! Those who listen weekly will recognize him as the co-host of the WMBD morning show (Greg & Dan), and some have nicknamed him the "unofficial mayor" of Peoria!

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This episode we meet Yvonne Greer Batton! Yvonne by all means is a musical soul with a service driven heart! From Detroit to Peoria, Yvonne walks this earth with a passion to accomplish and music has helped her navigate the trials of life! “If you must, you can”

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A story of dedication, humility and bouncing back! This episode we meet Marquise Henderson from Top 4D Central Illinois' Top 40 Party Band! From Florida, to recording studios with Lil Kim and Rick Ross to now Peoria, Marquise’s story teaches you that there are blessings in redirections and to not fight acceptance. 

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This week we welcome back Becky Rossam the CEO of PCAV to talk about the news of the organization's potential closing. We discuss the reality of living in "Survivor mode" and how much of an impact PCAV has had on the 500 plus families they have provided aid and comfort to in the past year.

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