Little City, Big Voices

Little City Foundation
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Non-Profit

Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Episodes

  1. Apr 22

    Big Footsteps and Bigger Connections - Guest: Andrea Biwer

    Andrea Biwer has spent 30 years building relationships across the Chicagoland business community, and in this episode she talks with host Rich Bobby about why those connections matter beyond the bottom line. As president of the Schaumburg Business Association, she shares how partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits like Little City create real, lasting impact.

    27 min

  2. Mar 25

    Creating Space to Shine - Guest: Julie Bell

    On this episode of Little City Big Voices, Julie Bell shares a personal perspective on the power of creativity and connection. Inspired by her sister Andy, she reflects on her belief that art can open doors, creating opportunities for expression, learning, and meaningful social engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   Julie also recognizes the people who make that impact possible every day, expressing gratitude for DSPs and staff whose compassion and commitment help create fuller, more vibrant lives. It is a conversation rooted in love, advocacy, and the idea that when we invest in creativity and care, everyone benefits.

    31 min

  3. Jan 27

    Families: Take a Breath, You Are Not Alone Guest: Samantha Alloway

    Little City, Big Voices welcomes Samantha Alloway, Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, to the podcast this week. A former Director of Government Relations at Little City, Samantha now advocates for Illinois families supporting loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She shares her powerful personal story—including her cancer journey and her son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 3—and how those experiences fuel her work today. Under Samantha’s leadership, the Arc of Illinois gives families a place to turn, take a breath, and know they are not alone.

    32 min

  4. 12/19/2025

    Human First: Mental Health Advocacy - Guest: Quinette Hobson-Robb

    Quinette Hobson-Robb, Executive Director of the Township of Schaumburg Mental Health Board, highlights the importance of human connection, prevention, and community support in mental health advocacy.

    33 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    Living Big: Howard's Journey Guests: Little City Resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager

    Little City resident Howard and Sarah Sanariz, Employee Development Operations Manager, talk about Howard’s journey, his work history, his involvement in Special Olympics, and the support that helped him succeed. An inspiring look at what a meaningful life can look like at Little City.

    15 min

  6. 10/24/2025

    Empowering Through Employment - Guest: Jenny Boland

    Jenny Boland, Director of Employment Services shares how her team helps people with disabilities build job skills and connect with inclusive employers across the community.

    29 min

  7. 10/02/2025

    The Roadmap to IDD Support - Guest: Ann Morris

    Ann Morris discusses the new IDD Navigator website, built to make it easier to find intellectual and developmental disability services in Illinois and connect families, caregivers, and professionals with support.

    26 min

  8. 09/08/2025

    DSP's Make the Difference - Guest: James Sitati

    What does it mean to be a DSP? James Sitati knows better than most. For 22 years, James has dedicated himself to supporting people with disabilities at Little City. On this episode of Little City, Big Voices, he reflects on his journey and the powerful impact DSPs make every day.

    32 min

  9. 08/22/2025

    Marty's Story - Guests: Gil and Betty Fergus

    Gil and Betty Fergus join the podcast to share the story of their son, Marty, who has called Little City home for more than 25 years. They reflect on their family’s journey to finding Little City, their deep connection to the mission, and their excitement for the upcoming Hero Walk.

    33 min

  10. 08/06/2025

    Expanding Behavioral Health in the Community - Guest: Amy Board

    Amy Board, Director of Community-Based Clinical Services at Little City shares how her team is breaking barriers in mental health care for children and families. She also highlights how the new Little City Behavioral Health Center will expand access to vital services.

    37 min

  11. 07/09/2025

    Empowering Big Lives - Guest: Lisa Pollard

    Lisa Pollard joins the show to talk about her son Brady and her journey as a parent of a child with I/DD.

    26 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Sharing the real stories of people who love, empower and champion children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges.

Information

  • Creator
    Little City Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Little City Foundation
  • Show Website
    Little City, Big Voices