This week on The Ripple Effect Podcast, host Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union and co-host Kim Graves welcome a very special guest: Kevin Smith from the Kokomo Rescue Mission! Kevin shares huge news on their "Engage" project and new facility: More Beds: The men's shelter is expanding from 65 to over 100, finally ending the waiting list. New Center: The Engagement Center is launching to connect residents with partners (including Solidarity for financial literacy!) to help them step out of poverty. Holiday Cheer: Hear about their massive Thanksgiving Feast and the multi-county Red Ribbon Christmas program. Plus, hear about the Mission's massive Thanksgiving Feast and the heartwarming Red Ribbon Christmas program! Kevin shares how volunteering can be a deeply personal, life-changing experience. #therippleeffectpodcast #kokomoindiana #solidaritycommunityfcu #kokomorescuemision

This week on The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union welcome Jeremy Leazenby-Bruce "Mr. LB" from Kokomo Curtain Call for a deep dive into the world of local theater and its community impact. He shares how Curtain Call has been transforming lives for 25 years by building confidence, creating lifelong friendships, and giving kids and adults a place to belong. From family-focused productions to youth mentorship, volunteer opportunities, and real stories of growth and healing through the arts, this episode highlights how theater is more than performance; it is community, connection, and purpose. #therippleeffectpodcast #kokomoindiana #solidaritycommunityfcu #kokomocurtaincall

This week on The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union welcome a special guest, Jennifer Yates from More for Miami. Jennifer shares how their community coalition is using grants, youth programs, parent education, and substance-free events to prevent substance use before it starts, build life skills, strengthen families, and create healthier futures for kids in Miami County. From school-based programs to National Night Out and Recovery Month celebrations, her team is proving that prevention, partnership, and mentorship really do change lives. #therippleeffectpodcast #kokomoindiana #solidaritycommunityfcu #moreforiami

This week on The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union sit down with one of Kokomo's most respected educators, Joe Dunbar, Executive Director of the Kokomo Education Foundation. With more than 55 years connected to Kokomo Schools, Joe shares how the foundation has been shaping young lives through programs that go far beyond the classroom. From providing food, clothing, and athletic gear to students in need, to funding grief counseling, mini-grants for creative teachers, and over 70 scholarships each year, the Kokomo Education Foundation is making a lasting difference. ✨ Joe also reflects on the foundation's history, its partnership with the Community Foundation, and the incredible local support that helps ensure every child in Kokomo has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

On the latest episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union welcome Brian Moon from Taylor High School! Brian details Taylor's "2-1-2" philosophy and the impact of the Titan Financial Academy (TFA) partnership, which teaches seniors essential financial literacy.

They also highlight the school's massive annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Coat Drive on November 20th. Want to support the 2-1-2 initiative and make sure every kid has a coat this winter? Listen now to find out how to donate and learn about the incredible work happening at Taylor and how you can support the community!

On the latest episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union welcome a special guest, Nan Braun, to discuss her beautiful new non-profit: Flowers Feed Folks! The mission is simple: sell beautiful flowers and host fun events to fund the growth of fresh, local produce for those facing food insecurity. Nan shares the amazing math behind their efforts—proving that $75 in seeds can yield a quarter of a million green beans! Learn how they are finding creative ways to provide good, clean food to the community, including looking for donated land and volunteers. The Ripple Effect is all about community impact, and this is a story you don't want to miss!

On the latest episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, hosts Jessica Ausbrook and Kim Graves from Solidarity Community Federal Credit Union welcome a special guest, Michel Hopsapple from the Family Service Association! Michael, the Nonviolence Education Coordinator, dives into the crucial work of combating domestic violence—a "pervasive" problem that often goes unnoticed. He explains the impact of their 26-week educational program (based on the proven Duluth Model) and how its success relies on strong community involvement and judicial support. Learn why the smallest crime problems often have the biggest impact behind closed doors, and how you can get involved in supporting this vital community effort!