Inspiring Good

Community Foundation of Elkhart County

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County seeks to inspire good in Elkhart County, Indiana.This podcast, hosted by Kevin Deary and Marshall King, will talk to nonprofit leaders and others in the county, where generous donors support a strong network of nonprofits.This community produces many recreational vehicles in the United States and is also where Alka-Seltzer was invented and many band instruments were made.  The Community Foundation has assets of nearly $500 million and works to inspire generosity.This podcast is a look at how nonprofits operate in this unique place and improve the community.

  1. APR 28

    Jane Allen On How Healing Starts for Kids

    We sit down with retired educator Jane Allen to trace how Stable Grounds grows from a school mental health shortage into a trusted place where kids find calm with miniature horses and donkeys. We talk through the moment the community could not ignore, the fundraising miracles that followed, and what it takes to keep a youth mental health nonprofit sustainable.  • early warning signs in schools and why traditional services could not absorb the need  • the auditorium question about suicide and why it became a tipping point  • what groundwork equine-assisted therapy is and why Stable Grounds does not do riding  • the story of a miniature horse choosing connection  • how Stable Grounds gets land, a building, and community buy-in  • the school partnership that keeps the budget manageable  • current needs like feed, hay, veterinary care, and maintenance  • interest from other communities and what makes the model unique  • Jane’s path through teaching, coaching, leadership, and relationship-building  • what we hope kids learn about resilience beyond the screen  • the child Jane remembers most and the adults who stepped in  Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    37 min
  2. APR 14

    Scott Griffey On Building A Food Bank

    We talk with Scott Griffey about how a small weekend backpack effort for hungry students grows into Gymtown Food Bank, Elkhart County’s newest and only food bank. We trace the real mechanics of fighting food insecurity, from door-to-door deliveries during COVID to countywide partnerships that move food faster and with more dignity.  • teachers spotting hunger first and asking for help  • backpack meals evolving into doorstep food boxes  • growth pains that force nonprofit structure and a board  • what “food desert” means in daily life and tough trade-offs  • Hunger Ends Here building trust and sharing resources  • the difference between a food pantry and a food bank  • transportation as a linchpin including shared cargo vans  • Scott’s leadership roots, mentors, and the power of saying yes  • what gives hope that no neighbor goes hungry in Elkhart County  Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    36 min
  3. FEB 5

    Andy Murray on Why Calling, Not Career Ladders, Drives Real Change

    We talk with Andy Murray, Chief Strategy Officer at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, about aligning business discipline with community care to boost kindergarten readiness, expand trail connections, and coordinate hunger relief. A story-driven look at convening partners, funding systems, and building momentum that lasts. The episode includes: • role of a chief strategy officer as convener and funder • career shift from RV industry to purpose-driven work • translating business skills to nonprofit capacity • kindergarten readiness as a keystone metric • Countdown to Kindergarten summer camp and scaling plan • childcare affordability and provider sustainability • Pumpkinvine Trails vision, funding, and maintenance • connections as a better metric than miles for trails • forming a county food bank and coordinating 50 pantries • leveraging scale for bulk purchasing and logistics • what gives hope about Elkhart County’s culture Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    35 min
  4. JAN 13

    Darrell Peterson and David Gaona on Passing The Torch At Lifeline

    What does it take to carry a legacy without getting stuck in the past? We sit down with outgoing executive director Darrell Peterson and incoming leader David Gaona to explore how Lifeline Youth Ministries, a long-standing youth organization in Elkhart, turned a devastating fire into a season of growth, forged a culture built on intentional relationships, and executed a rare, joyful leadership transition. This conversation offers a blueprint for nonprofit leadership, youth development, and community partnership: keep the mission anchored, adapt the methods, and invest deeply in people. If this story resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who cares about youth and community, and leave a review with the moment that inspired you most. You can learn more about Lifeline at https://www.elkhartlifeline.com/ Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    41 min
  5. 12/16/2025

    Vince Turner on retirement, community involvement, and the next chapter in Fairhope

    Life and Legacy: Vince Turner's Transformative Journey In this episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, hosts Marshall King and Kevin Dearie sit down with Vince Turner, a communications expert from Goshen, Indiana, known for his prolific career in broadcasting, sports writing, and community service. Vince shares his journey from being a foster kid at Indiana State University to becoming a celebrated broadcaster, journalist, and dedicated community volunteer. The conversation touches on his impactful roles at the Boys and Girls Club, his broadcasting accolades, and his significant contributions to the nonprofit sector, particularly at Bashor Children's Home. Vince reflects on the unique and supportive nature of the Elkhart County community, the influential figures that shaped his path, and his upcoming move to Fairhope, Alabama. The episode concludes with a heartfelt thanks and an expression of hope rooted in faith and the community's resilience. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Good Podcast 00:26 Meet Vince Turner: A Community Icon 02:30 A Journey in Journalism and Broadcasting 05:33 Memorable Interviews and Broadcasting Highlights 08:13 Choosing Elkhart County: A Personal Decision 16:36 Transition to Nonprofit Work 23:22 Banking and Beyond 29:25 Final Reflections and Farewell Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    33 min
  6. 10/13/2025

    Kris Weimer on Education and Entrepreneurship

    Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Kris Weimer's Journey with Startup Moxie In this episode of the Inspiring Good Podcast, hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary interview Kris Weimer, the dynamic leader of Startup Moxie Elkhart County. Kris shares her journey from a music teacher and school principal to directing a transformative entrepreneurial program aimed at high school students. Startup Moxie focuses on immersing students in real-world business experiences, helping them develop soft skills, and fostering their potential as future innovators. Kris speaks about the diverse student backgrounds, the challenges and successes of their business ideas, and the invaluable community support that drives the program. She also highlights the importance of adaptive learning, including the integration of AI in education, and her vision for the program's growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Inspiring Good Podcast 00:26 Meet Kris Weimer: Leader of Startup Moxie Elkhart County 00:50 Impressions from the Classroom 02:35 Overview of Startup Moxie Program 04:10 Kris Weimer's Journey to Startup Moxie 06:15 Student Success Stories and Impact 09:18 Challenges and Support in Entrepreneurship 11:08 Diversity and Inclusivity in Startup Moxie 13:17 Navigating Nonprofit Leadership 18:17 Student Projects and Business Ideas 25:47 Future Vision for Startup Moxie 27:50 How to Get Involved and Support 30:13 The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship 32:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    37 min
  7. 09/17/2025

    Mark Mikel’s Journey in Nonprofit Service

    In the Inspiring Good Podcast, hosts Marshall King and Kevin Deary engage Mark Mikel, the retiring executive director of the Center in Nappanee. Mark shares his decades-long journey of service, highlighting the Center’s wide-ranging support services like food pantries, rent assistance, free baby immunizations, and more. Mark recounts the transformative Vision 2020 project, a collaborative community effort that raised over $5 million for multiple initiatives, including a new Boys and Girls Club, park, and senior housing. He discusses the importance of authenticity and transparency in nonprofit leadership and reflects on his experiences with the donor network. Mark also speaks candidly about his family, particularly his daughter Kelsey’s legacy as an organ donor, and his ongoing commitment to coaching at NorthWood High School.  Send us Fan Mail This show is a production of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. It is powered by equipment from Sweetwater and recorded in The Riverbend building in Elkhart's River District. Editing is done by the award-winning communication students at Goshen College, home of one of the best college radio stations in the nation. Listen to Globe Radio at 91.1 FM. Learn more about the Community Foundation of Elkhart County at inspiringgood.org You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Music is provided by Sensational Sounds. Thanks for listening. We hope you are inspired and inspire good and your community.

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Community Foundation of Elkhart County seeks to inspire good in Elkhart County, Indiana.This podcast, hosted by Kevin Deary and Marshall King, will talk to nonprofit leaders and others in the county, where generous donors support a strong network of nonprofits.This community produces many recreational vehicles in the United States and is also where Alka-Seltzer was invented and many band instruments were made.  The Community Foundation has assets of nearly $500 million and works to inspire generosity.This podcast is a look at how nonprofits operate in this unique place and improve the community.