24 OCT 2023 · Episode 124: In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of music and its power to transform lives, specifically young girls. Our guest is Amanda Ashley from Girls Rock Rochester, a non-profit that uses music to instill confidence in girls and guide them through the often male-dominated music industry. Amanda shares the inspiring stories of Mike and Rebecca, two apprentices from Homesteads for Hope, who went from exploring their passion for music to forming their own band, all under the supportive environment of Girls Rock Rochester. We discuss the crucial role of respect, acceptance, and empowerment in fostering inclusivity and how music can serve as a bridge in a world teeming with differences. Join us on this empowering musical journey where we're not just hitting the right notes, but also transforming lives along the way. https://girlsrockrochester.org/

10 OCT 2023 · In this episode, you will meet David Palermo, a dedicated Homesteads Board Member and Financial Advisor. He will share how he came to know about our community farm and future housing village and why he feels our mission is investment worthy. David will also shed light on different ways our community members can donate to nonprofits beyond cash or check. You will appreciate his direct, easy to understand way of describing finances and we think that by the end of this episode, you will feel empowered to PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS. Thank you to RocVox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. http://www.rocvox.com/

26 SEP 2023 · In this episode, you will meet Mark Olson the CEO LTO Ventures. Jenny met him at the beginning our her nonprofit journey and wanted to share some of his wisdom with our audience. Mark is an amazing person who has made it is his life's work to help communities build housing villages all over the country. Take some notes, dig into this content and let us know if you'd like Mark back on our show to answer your questions. You will learn how each state is navigating the need for housing, especially for those with special needs. Mark will tell you about some of the more progressive waiver programs and ideas to advocate for in your hometown. Please visit Mark's website to learn more: https://www.ltoventures.org/ Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com

13 SEP 2023 · In this episode you'll learn about some of the history of our canalside property, as well as a sneak peak into what the future holds for Homesteads for Hope. This episode includes some unique perspectives from our Founder and CEO, Jennyrae Brongo (whose Great Uncle previously owned the property), our local Assembly Member Josh Jensen (who grew up in our area and majored in history), and our Canal Way Grant Representative, Andy Marzo. Our conversation will touch on some of the reasons why our history-rich campus stands out and is memorable, as well as the need for some updates and upgrades to improve accessibility for people with varying physical and safety needs. Many people have heard of accessible playgrounds... Homesteads for Hope strives to be one the first truly accessible farms with a campus that offers a continuum of opportunities for people of all abilities. Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. http://www.rocvox.com/

29 AUG 2023 · In this episode, you’ll get to know Laura Bentley and Darrell Morgan who specialize in meeting your Kubota equipment needs at Bentley Brothers in Albion and Brockport. Last year, right around this time, we were looking for a tractor and stumbled across Kubota’s 50th anniversary contest. We fill out grant applications every day and they can be painful – but – this was a quick and easy form asking why we were making our HOMETOWN PROUD. It took 5 minutes and we made it to the finals. People across the country began voting for Homesteads for Hope and we ended up winning the grand prize of $200K!! Learn what we have done with this monumental gift and how we have developed a meaningful relationship with Bentley Brothers. Kubota and specifically, our friends at Bentley Brother are champions of the farm and are a great example of how local businesses can make a real difference in communities like ours!

15 AUG 2023 · In this episode, you will meet two amazing women who are fellow MOUNTAIN MOVERS! Teena is a self-advocate and well-known for her "suitcase" presentation where she unpacks what life looks like for people with disabilities. Julie not only works to support families who have loved ones with special needs, she also has two children on the Spectrum. Navigating adulthood can be hard enough and then adding in the need for some accommodations and safeguards can be daunting. Our guests teamed up with us to talk with us about the idea that EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME - A place that feels like home because there is CHOICE and the respect and dignity to build a life around what personally matters to each person. As the discussion unfolds, you'll realize that while our current housing reality is tough, there have been times that even fewer options were available. Lean into this conversation and learn how we can "work" our current system and advocate for change. We hope you leave the discussion with some ideas and peace of mind knowing you are not alone. Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this important content. http://www.rocvox.com/

1 AUG 2023 · In this episode, we showcase a SIMPLE, but incredibly life-changing spelling method for people who struggle with traditional, verbal communication. Learn about this way to help non-speakers or unreliable speakers unlock their ideas, so they can share them and be finally be heard! Some spellers were adults when they were first shown a letterboard. Others were much younger, but regardless of age, they all end up saying the same thing - They wish their families had known about it sooner. Which is why we are doing this podcast, in hopes of spreading awareness and sparking hope in families who may have given up on truly communicating with their loved ones. It takes extreme patience to be trapped in a body that doesn't work and for people to assume you are intellectually delayed. You will see why we owe it to everyone in this situation to presume confidence and to fight the urge to believe what IQ scores imply. For all the families who "just know" their loved one has more to say then they can express with their device or picture cards - THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! The women in this episode are pioneers and their dedication to sharing this method will change lives across the globe. Thank you Mary and Amy! We are releasing this episode to coincide with our special spelling to communicate two-day event. Please check our website for details for on our Aug 12th and 13th events - You won't want to miss them! Thank you to Dawnmarie Gaivin who is traveling in from California to join us and share her perspective on this "revolution."

20 JUL 2023 · In this episode, you will learn how some students, families, and teachers feel about the day the SCHOOL BUS STOPS COMING... Everyone's journey is different, but some of the feelings and hurdles span across people and places. Our guests give us a sneak peak on how services and supports can look after graduation. We will discuss what's working and what is falling short. Sadly, many of the programs and housing options that families hoped would embrace their loved ones with special needs are closing or running at limited capacity, which means many people are "stuck at home" with aging family members.

18 JUL 2023 · Thousands of people tuned into part one of this series were we are inviting NYS employees who work in group homes to share their perspective on what is happening behind closed doors. and have eagerly anticipated this follow-up episode. The is episode will standout with a deeper dive into the I/DD Crisis. We are proud to showcase a perspective that often goes unheard on a topic not many people are fully aware of... Join us to hear from OPWDD staff members who are on the frontlines and have been serving people with special needs for 10+ years each. We will share some of the scary realities happening "behind closed doors" and given the nature of this conversation, please be advised that this content may not be appropriate for all audience members. This episode is part one in a series of episodes we are dedicating to Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) also known as aides, caregivers, and sidekicks. WE SEE YOU and stand with you. Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this very important content with our audience and encourage everyone to SHARE THIS EPISODE. http://www.rocvox.com/

4 JUL 2023 · In this episode, you will join in on a conversation with two NYS Assembly Members who are dedicated to the special needs community, Sarah Clark & Jen Lunsford. Listen to their ideas regarding advocacy and new legislation and let us know your thoughts on these important topics. People with disabilities deserve CHOICE and with so many traditional options crumbling, we all need a seat at the table to problem solve. We are grateful that our legislators joined us and thank RocVox for helping us share this valuable content (https://rocvox.com).