In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. welcome Ravin Williams from Place Corps, a Hudson Valley–based educational institute dedicated to helping the next generation build sustainable and meaningful livelihoods. Ravin explains how Place Corps creates place-based, community-engaged learning experiences that empower young people to know, love, and serve themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

The conversation dives into the challenges young people face as they navigate their path into the workforce and adulthood. Ravin emphasizes the importance of creating secure foundations—personally and professionally—so that individuals can grow into contributors who enrich and strengthen their communities. This inspiring discussion highlights how investing in our youth today helps shape a brighter, more connected tomorrow.

The Common Unity Podcast is back! Hosts Tony Marmo and Rev Mapes sat down with Stephanie Kearns, President & CEO of United Way of Ulster County, for a powerful conversation about the upcoming Children’s Charity Classic on August 29th at HITS-on-the-Hudson and, above all, the importance of community. Together, they explore what it means to raise families as a village, how coming together strengthens us all, and why events like the Charity Classic are about so much more than fundraising—they’re about nurturing collaboration to build connection, hope, and opportunity for every child in Ulster County. Tune in to be inspired and reminded that united truly is the way forward!

If you are interested in attending or donating to the Children's Charity Classic please follow this link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/chichacla/event/childrenscharityclassic

In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. sit down with Heidi Kirschner, President and CEO of the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. They recap the success of the YMCA’s recent fundraising event (Bowties and Blue Jeans) and talk about the vital role the Y plays in our community through its camps, youth programs, and family activities.

Heidi shares the Y’s ongoing mission to create fun, safe, and enriching spaces for children and teens—places that not only inspire personal growth, but also help guide the next generation toward becoming kind, capable, and connected adults. The conversation also touches on exciting plans for the future and the continued importance of investing in our youth through community-driven support.

In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. welcome Rick Soshensky, owner of The Music Therapy Studio on Broadway in Kingston, NY.

Rick shares his work using music to support individuals with mental and social disabilities, including autism, and how therapeutic musical experiences can lead to meaningful breakthroughs. He discusses the balance between clinical, evidence-based practices and the emotional, almost magical impact music can have on healing,empowerment, and personal growth.

Rick’s approach reminds us that sometimes the most powerful forms of connection and transformation happen through sound, rhythm, and shared creativity.Check Rick's Studio out at https://themusictherapystudio.com/ to see the magic in action!

In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. sit down with Mike Iapoce, Commissioner of Ulster County Social Services, and Laura Nordstrom, Director of Housing and Homelessness. They discuss the growing housing challenges in Ulster County and the impact those challenges are having on local families.The conversation highlights how the Department of Social Services is working to meet the increased demand for support, while also planning long-term strategies to address housing instability. Mike and Laura share what’s being done now and what’s on the horizon to ensure every resident has access to safe and secure housing with compassion and real solutions.

In this episode of Common Unity Ulster, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. sit down with James B. Childs, a lecturer dedicated to educating companies and municipalities on the true meaning of diversity.

James breaks down the misconceptions surrounding DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and explains why, at its core, diversity is simply about people connecting, understanding, and working together.

This insightful conversation sheds light on the importance of fostering inclusivity and reminds us that, beyond the labels, we all just want to interact as human beings.

#CommonUnity #DiversityMatters #DEI #Inclusion #BuildingBridges #CommunityConversation

In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. have a candid conversation about the power of community as a stabilizing force amidst the turmoil in Washington.

They discuss how local engagement matters more than national rhetoric and how we, as neighbors, can shape our own lives without letting political divisions erode our relationships.

They also share ways for people to get involved in civic life, fostering a stronger, more connected community versus the isolationism that is still lingering from the pandemic.

In this episode of Common Unity, hosts Tony Marmo and Reverend Don Mapes Jr. sit down with Stephanie Kearns, President & CEO of United Way of Ulster County, to discuss her inspiring journey from Texas to becoming a true leader in Ulster County.

She shares what motivated her to take on this role, the goals she has for the future of United Way, and how she is committed to strengthening its impact as a vital force in the community. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and encouraging community involvement from a young age.

Stephanie also shares her vision for making United Way more program-driven, ensuring that the organization can directly address the needs of those it serves in impactful and meaningful ways.

#CommonUnity #UnitedWayofUlsterCounty #CommunityLeadership #UlsterCounty #MentorshipMatters