Better Together: A Work Skills Podcast

18: Art, Heart & Holiday Magic

Get ready for a heartwarming and inspiring episode as Julie and Stacey spotlight the incredible growth of the Artisan Corner, where artists with barriers turn creativity into confidence, community, and income! From newcomers discovering hidden talents to powerful stories of healing through art, this episode celebrates the magic happening behind the scenes and the support that keeps it going. With a holiday match opportunity, volunteer options, and Giving Tuesday on the horizon, Julie and Stacey bring the energy, gratitude, and holiday spirit. Tune in for joy, impact, and maybe a little Thanksgiving fun!
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
Email julies@wskillsfoundation.org 
Ph: (517)304-8003

17: Women of Work Skills: Empowering Future

In this episode, Julie and Stacey sit down with Tina Hubbard and Meg Novacek, two long-time members of WoW – the Women of the Work Skills. Tina reflects on how she first got connected with Work Skills and the benefits her company gained from having WSC participants as a part of their team.  Meg shares what has kept her engaged for more than a decade - the joy of helping individuals recognize their own potential and achieve success.  Their stories highlight the Foundation’s significant impact over the past 20 years, creating opportunity, challenging assumptions about people with disabilities, and proving that with the right support, anyone can thrive.  
 
00:00 Introduction to Work Skills
01:12 Meg and Tina’s Work Skills Journey
03:40 Beyond Basic Skills: Real-World Impact
07:21 Corporate Board, Foundation, and Group Home
11:32 The Women of Work Skills (WOW)
15:09 Tours, Artisan’s Corner, and Community Engagement
19:57 The Secret Sauce: Tours and Therapies
25:29 Innovative Giving: QCDs and WOW Community
29:57 Expanding WOW and Monthly Giving
35:05 Giving Tuesday and Matching Donations
37:41 Clinical Services and Community Impact
41:31 Work Ethic, Impact, and Starfish Analogy
46:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
Email julies@wskillsfoundation.org 
Ph: (517)304-8003
 
Guest Links
Tina Hubbard, President and CEO
HDA Truck Pride
Website: https://www.hdatruckpride.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdatruckpride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hdatruckpride/
X: https://x.com/HDATruckPride
Email: tina.hubbard@hdatruckpride.com
 
& Meg Novacek

16. Creating Independence Through Care and Community

In this episode of Better Together, hosts Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson sit down with Kim Harbaugh, home supervisor at Work Skills’ Genoa House. Kim shares her journey from selling cars to discovering her calling in caregiving, a path that has brought meaning both at work and in her personal life.
The discussion highlights how Work Skills supports residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities by teaching essential life skills, encouraging healthy choices, and fostering independence. Kim explains how family-style meals, creative outings, and job opportunities help residents build confidence and community connections. She also reflects on the importance of adaptability for staff and clients alike, emphasizing that learning often comes from trying new approaches. The episode captures the heart of Work Skills’ mission: dignity, growth, and purpose.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
03:19 Genoa House and Resident Success
06:20 Daily Life and Support at Genoa
09:46 Promoting Independence and Healthy Habits
12:12 Work, Transportation, and Personalization
16:09 Impact of Work and Payday Excitement
20:29 Transitioning to the Home and Dynamics
25:24 Culture of Acceptance and Adaptability
30:38 Learning and Growth for All
36:20 Conclusion and Call to Action
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
 

15: Coaching, Community, and Changing Lives

Julie Smith welcomes board member, donor, and volunteer Brandon Krugh for a heartfelt conversation about community, family, and the mission of Work Skills Foundation. A lifelong Brighton resident and high school coach, Brandon shares how his daughter’s journey with special needs deepened his connection to the organization. Together, he and Julie highlight the 20th Anniversary "20/20/20" initiative and invite listeners to reallocate a small monthly expense toward lasting impact. With personal stories, laughs, and an open invitation to visit, this episode captures why we are Better Together. Chapters:00:34 Welcome to Better Together01:18 Brandon’s Journey in Brighton04:12 Discovering Work Skills09:06 The Impact of Community and Support12:01 Celebrating 20 Years of Work Skills16:32 Artisan Corner: A Gateway to Opportunity20:08 The Importance of Tours and Community Engagement22:00 The 20/20/20 Initiative27:00 Personal Stories of Impact30:00 Building Confidence and Finding Passions34:00 Looking Forward: Goals and Community Spirit Show LinksTo learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.Website: https://wskillsfoundation.orgDonate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg Guest LinksBrandon Krugh, Owner -State Farm Insurance AgencyWebsite: https://brandonkrugh.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonkrughSF/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfagentbkrugh/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-krugh-735a129b/ 
 

14: When Love Steps In: A Grandparent's Story

In this episode, Julie and Stacey speak with Clarence, a grandparent raising two grandchildren with special needs. Clarence shares the challenges his family has faced—from early diagnoses and medical hurdles to navigating education systems and support services. With the help of Work Skills, they’ve found critical resources and compassionate guidance, bringing stability and hope to their journey.
 
01:13 Meet Clarence and Mike
02:20 Clarence’s Journey as a Grandparent
05:00 Understanding Autism and Special Needs
10:10 Navigating Educational Support
15:00 The Impact of COVID-19
20:00 Insurance Hurdles and Financial Struggles
25:00 Progress and Success Stories
32:00 The Power of Community Support
34:00 Building Connections and Skills
39:00 The Role of Play in Development
45:00 Challenges of Modern Parenting
51:00 Celebrating Individuality and Potential
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

13: Built to Serve: The Work Skills Legacy

In honor of the Work Skills Foundation's 20th anniversary, Julie and Stacey sit down with two icons of the Work Skills legacy: Rod Jones and Freddie Robinson. Packed with laughter, powerful stories, and lasting legacy, this episode is a tribute to the heart behind the mission. From its humble beginning in 1973 to now, discover how being in the business of serving people has shaped the organization's past and continues to inspire its future.
 
00:00 Introduction to Work Skills Foundation
02:01 Rod Jones’s Journey to Work Skills
06:09 Transforming Work Skills: Growth and Challenges
09:20 Creating Independence and Purpose
11:45 Adapting to Change: The Future of Work Skills
19:02 The Power of People Skills
20:36 Celebrating Longevity and Culture
22:01 The Foundation’s Role and Vision
25:21 Fundraising and Community Impact
35:43 Rod’s Legacy: Building a Culture of Excellence
38:20 The Future of Work Skills: Adapting to Change
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg

12: The Best Kept Secret No More

Julie Smith and Stacey Anderson team up with Rob Johnson to spotlight the Work Skills Foundation’s 20-year journey of creating real change—one step at a time. From breaking the “best kept secret” to tackling big topics like mental health and workplace accessibility, they share how quick action, strong partnerships, and a whole lot of heart are driving community impact in a major way. Plus, hear what’s coming up next, including fresh initiatives and their 17th annual golf outing that’s sure to make a difference on and off the course.
 
01:08 The Foundation’s Vision
03:50 Breaking the Best Kept Secret
06:02 Accessibility in the Workplace
10:02 Quick Responses to Community Needs
12:10 Impact of Immediate Support
15:20 Prioritizing Community Needs
19:06 The Unique Work Skills Experience
21:06 Celebrating Progress and Growth
23:55 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
 
Wayne Media Group Links:
Website: https://waynemedia.com/
Website: https://www.speakeasynetwork.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynemediagroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waynemediagroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/waynemediagroup/posts/?feedView=all
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WayneMediaGroup

11: New Voices, Big Plans

Julie and Stacey welcome new Work Skills Foundation board members Erika McNamara and Andrew Szewc to discuss their passion for empowering individuals through employment. Erika, an attorney, highlights the importance of community support, while Andrew, a wealth advisor, shares his excitement to chair the upcoming golf outing fundraiser. They explore Work Skills’ impact, from breaking down employment barriers to fostering confidence and independence, and look ahead to the foundation’s 20th anniversary initiatives.
 
01:20 Meet the New Board Members
02:49 The Importance of Community Connection
04:11 Andrew’s Passion for Work Skills
06:12 The Annual Golf Outing
10:12 Spotlighting Participants
12:11 Celebrating 20 Years of Impact
15:07 Creating a Welcoming Culture
19:22 Empowering Individuals Through Work
27:06 The Value of First Jobs
30:40 Board Member Responsibilities
36:05 Looking Ahead: Monthly Donor Program
 
Show Links
To learn more about the Work Skills Foundation check out their links below.
Website: https://wskillsfoundation.org
Donate here!: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=T6W5SDJ5SQZLL 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WskillsFoundation
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvB58IqpYoBV5fm3CL2RUAg
 
Guest Links
Andrew Szewc - Vice President - Advisor EP Wealth Advisors
Chair of Oppurtunitees Gold Outing
Ph: (810) 255-7132
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.szewc.1
 
Erika McNamara
Email: erikamcnamaralaw@gmail.com
Ph: (734) 476-0739
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikamcnamaralaw/