Johnson County, KS Government’s Post

It has been 10 years since Commonwise was founded and I still love the opportunity to share our story directly with older adults. It is not only energizing, but I learn (and relearn) so many lessons in this type of setting. For example: Bring Good Energy: It's remarkable how much the energy we bring elevates the quality of conversations we have with families. Connection Over Content: While the content is essential, establishing a connection with the audience is equally (if not more) vital. It's about being relatable and human first, and an expert second. The Importance of Simplicity: Health topics can be complex, but breaking them down into easily digestible parts is crucial. Day 1 Thinking: After 10 years, I am sometimes guilty of thinking I know everything and everyone, and that mindset is always proven wrong when I put myself out there. Today was no exception - learned so much from fellow presenters, the innovative services and products on display, and the shared personal experiences of attendees.

What does Grassroots Grocery do during the week when we're not hosting our Saturday Produce Party? One major focus is our commitment to nurturing the future through regular produce deliveries to middle and high schools in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. A prime example of this commitment is our partnership with New Directions Secondary School, initiated by a committed school social worker, Jolyon Davis, LMSW,SIFI, who sought out resources for his students. Today marked a particularly special moment, bringing me back to my educational roots in the Bronx. This time, invited by Jolyon not for a produce delivery but to share insights from my career journey alongside a diverse group of professionals at the NDSS career fair. Speaking at this event was an opportunity to demonstrate the synergy between our weekday school deliveries and our vision for a healthier, empowered future for young minds. I hope that today I helped some students envision a future as rich and diverse as the produce we deliver. A heartfelt thank you to Jolyon for integrating Grassroots Grocery into the fabric of NDSS, and a shout-out to all the other professionals today for enriching the career fair with their insights and experiences. As Grassroots Grocery continues to bridge the gap between food access and education, every delivery, conversation, and partnership, especially ones like with NDSS, underscores our belief in the transformative power of community engagement. Together, we're not just feeding families; we're planting seeds of potential in the next generation. Let's keep building those bridges, one produce delivery and career fair at a time. #CommunityImpact #EmpoweringYouth #FutureLeaders #FoodJustice #BuildingBridges

To learn more about this upcoming resource fair, please see the flyer below.

Hispanic Heritage Month Action Steps! We spent this month in the pride and celebration aspect, but let us remember the awareness component. This takes ACTION! Look to see what resources you currently have at reach or that are within reach to begin creating an inclusive environment for all and improving the accessibility in your organization. Here are a few steps to begin: >Spread awareness by hosting or participating in a Fundraiser for Healthcare Access. Organize or attend a job fair that seeks to provide opportunities for Hispanic and Latino communities. >Host a webinar or panel discussion to talk about the impact of climate change on Hispanic and Latino communities, often disproportionately affected due to socioeconomic factors. >Support and Invest in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). >Mental Health Awareness Campaign: Provide resources, share personal stories, and bring in mental health professionals who can offer expert advice and coping strategies. What other actions do you recommend? #Hispanicheritagemonth #DEI #Celebrate #accessibility #takeaction

My old school can't keep me away! 🤭 Yesterday evening, I attended Furze Platt Senior School's Careers and Higher Education Fair 2023 to answer students' questions about getting into marketing. It was great to revisit the school and gain insights into the career aspirations of the next generation. #FurzePlatt #CareersFair #Careers #MarketingCareer #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment

Have you seen our posts about JA Inspire and wondered "What exactly JA Inspire?" 🤔 Don't worry, we have you covered! Head over to the link below and read all about Junior Achievement's biggest event of the year 🤯 ➡️ We still have spots left in both OKC and Tulsa for exhibitors! If you are interested in inspiring Oklahoma's future workforce, check out https://buff.ly/3WtWZZs #JAInspire #CareerGoals #JobReady

It's always interesting to speak to the next generation and engage them in a discussion about the wonderful world of Construction! While my main goal at these events is to hopefully find someone to join our team, I do my best to talk about the construction industry as a whole, highlighting the diversity within, the different trades and the variety of opportunities available. At this particular event, parents were guiding their kids through the area, some walking past construction related stations, and commenting "that's construction, keep walking". When I volunteered at another event with even younger minds, it was somewhat unnerving to hear the majority of children proclaiming they want to be YouTube influencers when they grow up. Talking to these middle school and high school students, they are constantly told that in order to have a good job with actual living wages, you need to go to a good college. If you do that, sure you will have student debt, but you will also have a good salary. These students have acquired a narrow view and perhaps some misconceptions about Construction. Now, I am in now way saying that college isn't good or in some cases necessary, especially as the majority of companies require a 4 year degree. What I am saying is that not everyone is ready for college, or want to go to college for whatever reason. So my thought would be, instead of pushing kids to go to college, teach them that there are other options, there are trade schools and other opportunities too. There are so many programs that high-schoolers can become educated in a trade during their HS career, earning credits and if desired, can graduate with a degree as well as a license and maybe even a job offer. Working in construction as a GC, we have a unique view of the different industries. Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC, Misc Metals and my favorite... Masonry -- all have need. These are not dying industries, these are industries that are alive and well and will forever be, but don't garner the interest of the young. And for those who know, being in the C-suite isn't the only career where you can make a 6-figure salary and have a vacation home. (--That's not me... I'm just saying) All that said, Construction is so much more than wearing boots, a safety vest and a hardhat. It takes management, accountants, human resources, public relations, IT, and a myriad of others. It takes the whole team with knowledge of the industry to run efficiently. Lets encourage the Youts (said in Joe Pesci's thick Jersey accent) the benefits and diversity of our industry!

Excellent Training for Construction. Workforce Reddiness .