One year ago, our community was hit by one of the most devastating tornadoes in our history. While the initial shock has faded, the vital work of protecting our neighborhoods, supporting our neighbors, and planning for the future never stops. In this episode, we take a deeply personal look back at that day and explore what it truly means to build long-term resilience right here at home so we are fully ready for whatever comes next.

We are joined by Tito DeJesus for an honest and insightful conversation about what disaster recovery really looks like behind the scenes. Tito shares his unique perspective on everything from the practical "airbags of preparedness" every household needs to the powerful role local businesses and volunteers play when a crisis hits. We dive into the logistics of coordinate response efforts and discuss the critical importance of volunteer aftermath support for homeowners who might otherwise feel forgotten in the wake of a storm.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your own household safety plan, understand the ultimate safety net of community action, or simply find inspiration in the incredible strength of our region, this conversation is packed with heart and actionable insights. Tune in to hear Tito’s powerful take on recovery, foresight, and community strength, and let’s make sure we are moving forward and preparing for the future together.

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About United Way of the Mohawk Valley

United Way of the Mohawk Valley works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Through this podcast, we share stories, conversations, and insights that highlight the work we do and the people who make it possible across Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

Our efforts focus on three key areas: Health & Wellness, Economic Stability, and Community Responsiveness. By partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders, we invest in programs and solutions that support individuals and families, respond to urgent needs, and create lasting change.

United Way of the Mohawk Valley also serves as the local 211 Helpline provider, connecting residents to essential services and resources 24/7.

To learn more about our work, get involved, or support our mission, visit www.unitedwaymv.org

In this episode of Inside the Impact, host Kassandra is joined by Gene Allen, a leader within the City of Utica and a key voice for Keep Mohawk Valley Beautiful (KMVB). Together, they dive into why we can no longer let community spaces sit ignored and how clean neighborhoods directly impact the families living in them. Tune in to hear about the power of local collaboration, growing stronger every year, and how you can take action for our upcoming Day of Action on June 17th, whether by volunteering or supporting our t-shirt fundraiser at unitedwaymv.org/2026dayaction. Let’s stop looking the other way and show some extra care for our shared spaces!

Support the show

About United Way of the Mohawk Valley

United Way of the Mohawk Valley works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Through this podcast, we share stories, conversations, and insights that highlight the work we do and the people who make it possible across Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

Our efforts focus on three key areas: Health & Wellness, Economic Stability, and Community Responsiveness. By partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders, we invest in programs and solutions that support individuals and families, respond to urgent needs, and create lasting change.

United Way of the Mohawk Valley also serves as the local 211 Helpline provider, connecting residents to essential services and resources 24/7.

To learn more about our work, get involved, or support our mission, visit www.unitedwaymv.org

Local stories don’t magically appear. They’re found by showing up when it’s inconvenient, asking one more honest question, and caring enough to listen for the human thread. We sit down with Mohawk Valley multimedia journalist Ron, a familiar voice on local radio and a recipient of a Communications and Community Awareness Impact Award, to talk about what it really takes to elevate neighbors and strengthen community life through media.

Ron walks us through how he chooses stories, why he actively looks for people and groups who have never been covered before, and what happens when you use a platform to hand the mic to someone who has been ignored. We also dig into why podcasts, radio, and other free, accessible media are such a powerful tool for nonprofits: you don’t just share information, you share faces, voices, and lived experience. That’s how trust grows, how community pride builds, and how people move from “hearing about a cause” to feeling connected to it.

The most personal part of our conversation is Ron’s journey through chronic fatigue syndrome, which took a decade of his life and forced him to rebuild from the smallest steps imaginable. He explains the reality of post-exertional malaise, the discipline of pacing, and the mindset shift that helped him let go of regret and choose gratitude. Along the way, he shares what it means to trust your voice while living with a stutter, and why authenticity can be more powerful than perfect delivery.

If you care about local journalism, nonprofit storytelling, community leadership, or simply finding your way back after a hard season, this one will stay with you. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the most memorable line you heard.

Support the show

About United Way of the Mohawk Valley

United Way of the Mohawk Valley works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Through this podcast, we share stories, conversations, and insights that highlight the work we do and the people who make it possible across Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

Our efforts focus on three key areas: Health & Wellness, Economic Stability, and Community Responsiveness. By partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders, we invest in programs and solutions that support individuals and families, respond to urgent needs, and create lasting change.

United Way of the Mohawk Valley also serves as the local 211 Helpline provider, connecting residents to essential services and resources 24/7.

To learn more about our work, get involved, or support our mission, visit www.unitedwaymv.org