paulsunodeuce

Celebrating John Barnas: A Lifelong Champion for Rural Health in Michigan

In every community, there are people quietly doing the work that changes lives. They aren’t always the loudest voices in the room. They’re the connectors. The problem-solvers. The ones who keep showing up year after year because they believe people deserve better.

For more than 26 years, John Barnas has been exactly that kind of leader for rural health care in Michigan.

Recently honored with the Louis Gorin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Rural Health, John’s impact stretches across hospitals, clinics, communities, and countless lives throughout the state. But what makes this recognition so meaningful isn’t just the title—it’s the story behind it. A story rooted in relationships, compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving care for people who are too often overlooked.
—
A Career Built Around People

When colleagues talk about John Barnas, one thing comes up over and over again: relationships. Over decades of work through the Michigan Center for Rural Health (MCRH), John has built trust with rural hospitals, clinicians, health systems, and community leaders across Michigan. That trust became the foundation for meaningful progress.

“When you think about this award, John has all the attributes that this award really tries to highlight.”

That quote says a lot. Because rural health work isn’t easy. Resources can be limited. Distances are greater. Staffing challenges hit harder. And yet, rural communities continue to push forward because people like John are willing to listen, collaborate, and build solutions together. Instead of approaching rural health with a one-size-fits-all mindset, John focused on understanding what communities actually needed.

That approach changed everything.
—
The Connector Who Makes Things Happen

Every organization has someone who sees opportunities before everyone else does. At MCRH, that person has been John Barnas.

People describe his “superpower” as being a connector. He sees possibilities where others see roadblocks. He brings hospitals, clinics, clinicians, and stakeholders together around shared goals. And maybe most importantly, he doesn’t just point toward solutions—he helps build them. That ability has had ripple effects throughout Michigan’s rural health landscape.

Through partnerships and collaboration, MCRH has grown into a statewide force supporting more than 55 rural hospitals, including 36 critical access hospitals that serve remote communities where access to care can literally become a life-or-death issue.

That kind of growth doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens because leadership is rooted in trust, consistency, and action.
—
Rural Communities Teach Resilience

One of the most powerful parts of John’s story is how deeply connected he remains to the people and communities he serves.

Rural communities know how to adapt. They know how to wear multiple hats. In small towns, the same person might be a caregiver, volunteer, neighbor, advocate, and first responder all at once. That resilience has shaped the culture of MCRH itself.

“Rural communities have taught me and all of our staff what it means to get up, care, and work.” There’s something incredibly grounded about that mindset. Rural health isn’t just about policy or funding. It’s about people helping people. It’s about making sure families have access to care close to home. It’s about ensuring hospitals can survive and communities can thrive.

And through every challenge, John helped create systems that support not just patients, but the professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes.
—
Building a Legacy Through MCRH

The Michigan Center for Rural Health didn’t start as a massive organization. Like many impactful nonprofits, it began with a mission and a handful of people determined to make a difference. Today, it manages millions of dollars in health care support and programming while serving rural and underserved populations throughout Michigan.

That growth reflects years of strategic thinking and community-centered leadership.

Under John’s guidance, MCRH has helped:

– Expand access to rural health care services
– Support struggling hospitals and clinics
– Launch innovative health programs
– Strengthen workforce development initiatives
– Build partnerships that improve long-term sustainability

What’s especially important is that the impact doesn’t stop at rural communities. Many programs developed through MCRH also benefit underserved urban populations, proving that good ideas and compassionate leadership create ripple effects far beyond their starting point.

“He has dedicated his entire career to making advancements in rural health in Michigan.” That dedication shows up everywhere.
—
Leadership With Heart

What makes John Barnas stand out isn’t just the scale of the work. It’s the values behind it.

At the center of his leadership philosophy are four simple principles:

– Do your best
– Do what’s right
– Treat others fairly
– Keep a sense of humor

That last one matters more than people realize. Health care work can be heavy. Rural health challenges are real. But maintaining humanity, positivity, and perspective helps teams stay connected and motivated even during difficult seasons.

“Keep a sense of humor. I love a good joke.”

That line feels deeply human—and honestly, it explains a lot about why people enjoy working with him. Leadership rooted in integrity and kindness creates stronger organizations. It creates healthier cultures. And it reminds people that meaningful work can still leave room for joy.
—
Why Rural Health Stories Matter

Rural health often doesn’t get the headlines it deserves. But for millions of people, rural hospitals and clinics are essential lifelines.

That’s why leaders like John Barnas matter so much. They advocate for communities that are sometimes forgotten. They build bridges between systems and people. They help make sure quality care isn’t limited by geography. And perhaps most importantly, they remind us that progress happens when relationships come first.

The Louis Gorin Award recognizes outstanding achievement in rural health—but in many ways, it also recognizes something bigger: a lifetime spent serving others with compassion and purpose. That’s the legacy John Barnas continues to build.

And in a world that desperately needs more connection, more collaboration, and more community-driven leadership, that kind of work deserves to be celebrated.

May was a full one for UnoDeuce and if you blinked, you might have missed some of the best moments of the year so far. From award show excitement to a brand-new community initiative and a fresh way to stay connected, the team has been busy telling the stories that matter most. Here’s a look at what went down and what’s coming up.

**🏆 The Deucey Awards: Records Broken, Stories Celebrated**

The Deucey Awards closed out at the top of May, and by every measure, it was the biggest year yet. Votes poured in at a record-breaking pace — a clear sign that the community is paying attention and that the work being recognized truly resonates. If you weren’t able to catch the live reveal, don’t worry. Every winner’s video and the full reveal show are available on the official Deucey Awards page, ready to watch whenever you are.

The nominees and winners this year showed up and delivered. Their hard work, their stories, and their willingness to be seen on camera made this year’s Deucey Awards something worth celebrating. UnoDeuce is proud of every single one of them, and grateful to the community for engaging the way they did.

**🌟 Hope in Action: Community Stories Worth Telling**

One of the most exciting developments coming out of May is the launch of *Hope in Action* — a new co-production between UnoDeuce and Sheri Jones. The show has its own dedicated YouTube channel and is gaining momentum on Facebook as well. Sheri leads as host while the UnoDeuce team handles the production behind the scenes.

The first full episode features a compelling segment where Sheri sits down with Davon and Tavon Woods — a conversation that sets the tone for exactly what this show is about. Each month brings a new theme and fresh stories spotlighting nonprofits and the passionate individuals driving meaningful change in the community. A companion podcast, made possible through the generous support of LAFCU, extends those conversations even further with in-depth interviews that go beyond what the camera captures.

For organizations looking to get involved, sponsorship tiers are available at every level. Details can be found on the UnoDeuce website. *Hope in Action* is built to shine a light on the good happening right in our own backyard — and that light is just getting started.

**📧 The Newsletter: Stay in the Loop**

UnoDeuce has officially launched a monthly email newsletter — a go-to source for everything happening in and around the community. Whether you missed a story or want to revisit a favorite moment, the newsletter has it covered. A name is still in the works, so stay tuned. To sign up, reach out to Paul directly at pauls@unodeuce.com.

As UnoDeuce steps into its 25th year, the mission stays the same: find the stories worth telling and tell them well. May was proof that there’s no shortage of them.

Welcome to episode 35 of Arts Roll Call, a podcast for the arts curious. Join host Robin Miner Swartz as she interviews artist Michelle Detering. They talk about Michelle’s life as an artist, the challenges and delights of the art festival life, workshops and more!

About Arts Roll Call
Arts Roll Call pulls back the curtain to explore the lived experience of artists and arts organizations in the Greater Lansing region. Presented by Arts Council Greater Lansing and hosted by local celebrity Robin Miner-Swartz, this podcast was created to give the Council’s members an opportunity to share their thoughts and talk about the role of the arts and why they are important to the region and the community. Whether you are from the Greater Lansing area or not, if you are a lover of arts and culture, you will enjoy getting a peek into the creative minds of these leaders and makers in the arts. For more information on the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, visit lansingarts.org. This production is sponsored by UnoDeuce Multimedia and Miner-Swartz Editing & Consulting.

Please Note: The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host, producers or the Arts Council of Greater Lansing.

Big Brothers Big Sisters: The Transformative Impact of Mentorship

There’s something powerful about knowing someone believes in you. Not because they have to. Not because it’s their job. But because they genuinely care.

That’s the heartbeat behind Big Brothers Big Sisters and the message that came through loud and clear. The stories shared weren’t just about mentorship programs or school partnerships—they were about human connection. About creating spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and capable of becoming something bigger than they imagined.

And honestly, the ripple effect is incredible.

From stronger schools and more confident students to future leaders discovering their voice, the impact of mentorship reaches far beyond a single conversation or after-school meeting. It spreads through classrooms, families, neighborhoods, and entire communities.

Mentorship Is Simpler—and More Powerful—Than People Think

One of the biggest misconceptions about mentorship is that you need special training, extraordinary wisdom, or some perfect roadmap for success.

You don’t. At its core, mentorship is about showing up.

“What a lot of people don’t know about mentorship is it’s truly just making a partnership, making a friendship, being there for someone else.”

That’s it. Being someone a young person can count on. Someone who listens. Someone who encourages. Someone who reminds them they matter.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has built its entire mission around that idea. Through carefully supported mentor-and-mentee matches, the organization creates relationships that give young people stability, confidence, and opportunities to grow in ways that feel authentic and lasting. And the results speak for themselves.

The Ripple Effect of Support

When young people feel supported, everything changes.

Students who are mentored are more likely to attend college, develop stronger relationships, and experience better long-term outcomes. But beyond the statistics, mentorship changes how kids see themselves.

Confidence starts showing up where insecurity once lived. Risk-taking becomes less scary because someone’s standing beside them. Failure becomes part of learning instead of something to fear.

“When young people feel supported, they’re able to be more successful because they believe in themselves.”

Sometimes all it takes is one trusted adult reminding a student that they’re capable, talented, and worth investing in. From there, the ripple spreads outward into classrooms, peer groups, families, and eventually entire communities.

Why Schools Are Central to the Mission

One of the smartest things BBBS continues to focus on is school partnerships.

Schools are already where kids spend much of their time. They’re natural gathering places where mentorship can happen consistently and comfortably. Instead of creating additional scheduling challenges for busy families, school-based mentorship programs make connection easier and more accessible.

And the growth has been massive.

“This is a really great year because we are seeing the need in our school systems for partnerships…our matches have increased by 66%.” That increase means more students finding mentors, more opportunities for guidance, and more support systems being built directly inside the places young people already trust.

What makes the BBBS model especially effective is the structure behind the scenes. Every mentor-and-mentee match is supported by a dedicated specialist who checks in monthly, helps navigate challenges, and ensures both participants continue growing together. It’s mentorship with intentional support—not just a quick introduction and good luck.

Growth Happens for Mentors Too

One of the most inspiring parts of Big Brothers Big Sisters as an organization is hearing how mentorship transforms both sides of the relationship. The “littles” gain confidence, emotional support, and leadership skills. But the “bigs”? They grow too.

Older students stepping into mentorship roles begin learning what leadership actually looks like in real life. They discover patience, communication, accountability, and empathy. They become role models without even fully realizing it at first.

“It allows for our older students to teach and to mentor and to learn what that role really looks like and help them become leaders.”

That transformation matters because today’s mentees often become tomorrow’s mentors. And that’s where the real magic happens.

Watching Confidence Come Alive

One story perfectly captured the emotional impact mentorship can have.

A mentor shared how their “little” had already started becoming more outgoing and expressive after being matched. Walking through school together, the child proudly introduced their mentor to others, carrying themselves with a completely different level of confidence.

“He seems like the king of the world.” That line says everything.

For some kids, having a mentor creates a sense of belonging they’ve never fully experienced before. Suddenly they feel important. Supported. Connected. And when young people begin believing they belong somewhere, their willingness to participate, lead, and dream grows dramatically.

Schools Shape Communities

Another major theme is the idea that schools are more than educational buildings—they’re the center of community growth.

“The school is the center of the community.” Schools shape future citizens, future leaders, future parents, future mentors. The values learned inside classrooms eventually ripple outward into neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.

That’s why mentorship programs inside schools matter so much. They don’t just improve individual outcomes; they strengthen the social fabric surrounding entire communities.

Leadership. Kindness. Confidence. Teamwork. Accountability. Those qualities spread across the organization and throughout generations.

The Garden Analogy That Says It All

“A community is a garden.” It’s such a simple mental image, but it perfectly describes what BBBS is building.

Gardens thrive when everything works together. Different people, different roles, different forms of support—all contributing to collective growth. Teachers, counselors, mentors, families, volunteers, and students each play a part in helping young people flourish.

And like a garden, mentorship requires patience, consistency, and care. But when those things are present? Growth happens everywhere.

Lighting the Way Forward

Big Brothers Big Sisters continues proving that mentorship isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

It’s about creating stability during uncertain moments. Encouraging growth when confidence feels shaky. Helping young people recognize possibilities they may never have seen on their own. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about reminding kids they don’t have to figure life out alone.

Every conversation matters. Every partnership matters. Every ripple matters.

Because sometimes changing a life starts with something as simple as showing up and saying, “I’m here for you.”

Meet Zachary Crute: The Event & Studio Wizard Powering UnoDeuce Multimedia

Walk into the UnoDeuce Multimedia studio on any given day and there’s a good chance you’ll hear a mix of camera shutters, live audio checks, creative brainstorming, and somebody laughing in the middle of a production meeting. Somewhere in the center of that controlled chaos is Zachary Crute—the guy helping bring it all together.

Known around the studio as the “event and studio wizard,” Zac has quickly become one of the driving forces behind UnoDeuce Multimedia’s live productions, in-studio recordings, and community storytelling projects. Whether he’s managing livestreams, coordinating nonprofit events, troubleshooting tech minutes before a broadcast, or helping nervous guests settle in front of the camera, Zac brings a calm energy and genuine enthusiasm to every production.

And honestly? That passion shows up in every frame.

From Intern To Events Manager

Zac’s journey with UnoDeuce Multimedia started the same way a lot of great stories do: with an opportunity and a willingness to jump in headfirst.

Back in 2024, Zac joined UnoDeuce as a fall semester intern. Like most internships, it started with learning the ropes—editing videos, assisting productions, and observing how the team crafted stories for nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations across Michigan.

But for Zac, it immediately clicked.

“My time with UnoDeuce started in 2024 as an intern during the fall semester. It was great.” Simple. Honest. Completely Zac.

After spending months sharpening his editing skills and freelancing on additional projects, Zac became the obvious choice when UnoDeuce needed someone to take ownership of events and studio operations. Just a few months into officially stepping into the role, he’s already become an essential part of the team.

And he genuinely loves the unpredictability that comes with it.

“Here I am now two months in. I think the events are cool.” That excitement fuels everything he does.

Making Live Events Feel Effortless

If you’ve ever watched a smooth livestream or polished event production, you probably didn’t think about all the moving parts happening behind the scenes. Zac does.

For him, event production is equal parts technical precision and creative problem-solving. One day might involve setting up cameras and audio systems inside the studio. The next could mean hauling livestream gear across town for a nonprofit gala or community event. And sometimes? Things go sideways.

That’s where Zac thrives.

“I think that it is neat to go out and do different things, hear different speakers, troubleshoot on the fly sometimes if needed.” That ability to adapt quickly is what makes great event producers stand out. While audiences see polished productions, Zac is behind the curtain making sure every mic works, every camera angle lands, and every livestream keeps rolling without interruption.

It’s fast-paced work. But for Zac, that’s part of the fun.

The Stories Behind The Events

What really energizes Zac isn’t just the production side—it’s the people.

UnoDeuce Multimedia works with nonprofits, museums, schools, local organizations, and businesses that are actively making an impact in their communities. Through those productions, Zac gets a front-row seat to stories most people would never hear otherwise.

One event in particular stood out immediately. When asked about his favorite project so far, Zac pointed directly to the “Slavery to Freedom” event featuring Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Held at the Charles H. Wright Museum, the event blended history, storytelling, and baseball culture into a powerful conversation that stuck with Zac long after production wrapped.

“I enjoy sports and I enjoy baseball. So it was really cool hearing him talk about baseball for an hour and a half.” Moments like that remind the UnoDeuce team why storytelling matters. They’re not simply recording events—they’re helping preserve conversations that inspire communities.

Helping Nonprofits Amplify Their Mission

At its core, UnoDeuce Multimedia isn’t just a production company. It’s a storytelling partner for organizations trying to create positive change. That mission resonates deeply with Zac.

“Anybody watching this, I want them to know that we’re here and we’re doing good work. We’re helping nonprofits tell their stories and helping them raise money to further their goals.”

That focus on community separates UnoDeuce from traditional media production companies. The goal isn’t flashy content for the sake of attention. It’s about creating meaningful stories that help organizations connect with audiences, build trust, and inspire action. Whether it’s a fundraising campaign, documentary-style feature, livestreamed event, or promotional video, the team approaches every project with collaboration first.

And Zac believes that trust matters.

Amplifying Stories — Not Manipulating Them

One of the most important things Zac emphasizes is UnoDeuce’s approach to storytelling. The team isn’t interested in reshaping someone’s message or manufacturing emotion. They’re there to elevate authentic voices.

“We’re not coming in to manipulate your story. We’re here to amplify your story.” That philosophy has become central to how UnoDeuce operates. In an era where content often feels overly polished or disconnected, that authenticity matters more than ever.

The Culture Inside UnoDeuce

Beyond the productions and technology, UnoDeuce Multimedia has built a reputation for something equally important: culture. Zac describes the studio environment as collaborative, creative, and supportive—a place where interns, freelancers, producers, and storytellers all contribute ideas together.

In one of the lighter moments during his interview, Zac even gave a shoutout to UnoDeuce intern Aral as his favorite employee.

“My favorite employee is the intern Aral.”

That small moment says a lot about the atmosphere inside the studio. There’s professionalism, sure—but there’s also genuine camaraderie. And honestly, audiences can feel that energy in the final product.

Looking Ahead

As Zac continues growing into his role as events manager, his goals are already expanding beyond day-to-day production work.

He wants to help more nonprofits amplify their voices. He wants to tackle larger events and more ambitious livestreams. And eventually, he hopes to mentor new creatives entering the industry the same way Uno Deuce helped guide him.

Because for Zac, this work is about more than cameras and editing timelines.

It’s about people, it’s about community, and it’s about helping stories reach the audiences that need to hear them.

Final Thoughts

Zachary Crute represents exactly what makes UnoDeuce Multimedia special: passion, adaptability, creativity, and an authentic commitment to community storytelling. Whether he’s troubleshooting livestream equipment five minutes before showtime or helping organizations share life-changing missions with the world, Zac approaches every project with energy and heart.

And as UnoDeuce continues growing, one thing feels pretty clear: the studio wizard is just getting started.