Paul S, Author at Uno Deuce Multimedia

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CLIENT STORY: Giving Back with Heart – How Your Home Solution Experts and Child & Family Charities Are Making a Difference

iving Back with Heart: How Your Home Solution Experts and Child & Family Charities Are Making a Difference

Some companies talk about giving back. Others live it. And every once in a while, you meet a team whose entire culture is built around service—who show up with open hands, open hearts, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves. That’s the story of Steve Fitch and the people behind Your Home Solution Experts: a business that doesn’t just succeed in the community, but for the community.

In partnership with Child & Family Charities, they’ve found a way to turn personal history into purpose, company culture into community impact, and everyday work into something much bigger. If you’ve ever wondered what authentic corporate giving looks like—not the press release version, but the real, human, boots-on-the-ground version—this is it.
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Why Giving Back Isn’t Optional for This Team

For Your Home Solution Experts, philanthropy isn’t a marketing strategy or a once-a-year gesture. It’s a mindset. A rhythm. A responsibility.

Steve says it best:

“We believe in giving a hand up, not a handout.”

That principle defines everything they do. Instead of focusing on charity as a transaction, they see it as a relationship—one built around lifting people up, meeting them where they are, and helping them move forward with dignity.

Child & Family Charities became a natural partner because their mission aligns deeply with this philosophy. Offering more than 30 different programs across the region, the organization supports families, youth, and individuals from all walks of life. It’s broad, it’s diverse, and it’s hands-on—exactly the kind of work Your Home Solution Experts wanted to support.
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A Partnership Rooted in Diversity and Connection

One of the first things Steve mentions is the diversity of the Child & Family Charities board.

“The board is very diverse—different kinds of businesses, all different kinds of people. And with that, they’re able to give back to a diverse group of people.”

When you serve a community, you have to reflect it. And both organizations do. That shared approach creates a partnership that feels authentic, intentional, and grounded in real need—not assumptions.
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Company Culture With Heart

Spend just a few minutes with the team at Your Home Solution Experts, and you’ll notice something: giving back is contagious here. It spreads from desk to desk, from team member to team member, until you can’t tell where the initiative started—only that everyone is in it together.

Some stories stand out:

One employee routinely opens their home to kids who need a safe, welcoming place to land.

Another organizes toy drives every holiday season, ensuring children across the community feel seen and celebrated.

And then there’s Steve’s own story—the one that makes this work deeply personal.

“I was adopted—and I was adopted through Child and Family Charities… So to give back, that’s what it means to me.”

That connection isn’t symbolic. It’s lived. And it shapes the way he leads.
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More Than Money—A Movement

Your Home Solution Experts recently pledged over $100,000 to Child & Family Charities, a massive commitment by any measure. But as Steve explains, writing the check isn’t the hard part.

“The new challenge is not just to give money… It’s how to teach our younger generations the joy of giving back.”

Giving becomes powerful when it becomes shared. When it becomes tradition. When it becomes a story families tell and a value businesses model. And that’s the heart of this company’s mission: to spark a legacy of generosity that lasts long after the cameras stop rolling.
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What Child & Family Charities Brings to the Table

To understand why this partnership works, you have to understand what Child & Family Charities actually does. And the short answer is: a lot.

They provide:

– Foster care and adoption services
– Crisis support and counseling
– Youth development programs
– Food, gifts, and basic needs for families
– Mental health services
– Community events and resource connections

More than 30 programs, countless staff members, and a network of passionate volunteers all working toward one goal: strengthening families and building brighter futures.

For Your Home Solution Experts, partnering with Child & Family Charities was a no-brainer.
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The Power of Recognition—and Why It Matters

When the company received the RNR 2025 Extend Our Reach Award for philanthropy, Steve called it the pinnacle of their achievements.

“We could have the best job, the most profitable work site—but being picked for a philanthropic award means we’re doing what we say we’re going to do.”

Awards aren’t the goal. Impact is. But recognition reminds people that good work matters—and inspires others to follow.
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Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

Steve is passionate about one idea: giving shouldn’t end with this generation. And so Your Home Solution Experts is actively building pathways for young people to get involved.

That means:

– Hosting community service projects
– Encouraging kids and families to volunteer together
– Mentoring young workers not just in business, but in compassion
– Sharing stories of the impact philanthropy creates
– The more people feel the joy of giving, the more they want to keep giving.
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How You Can Join the Movement

You don’t need a big business or a big budget to make a difference. Small acts compound into big ones.

You can:

– Volunteer time
– Donate goods
– Support local drives
– Share your own giving story
– Partner with charities like Child & Family Charities

Impact grows when it’s shared.
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Final Thoughts: A Legacy Built on Heart

Your Home Solution Experts isn’t just improving homes—they’re building community. Their partnership with Child & Family Charities is a reminder that when businesses lead with compassion, entire neighborhoods feel the ripple.

As Steve says:

“I love my community, I love my employees… We’re here to stay for a long time.”

And with every act of service, every donation, every story shared, they’re proving that giving back isn’t a task—it’s a way of life.

The First-Ever UnoCup: A Night of Cards, Community, and Friendly Competition

Giving Tuesday got a whole lot more colorful this year as UnoDeuce Multimedia launched the very first UnoCup, a livestreamed UNO tournament designed to bring together the nonprofits housed in the Child and Family Charities Nonprofit Hub. What started as a simple idea—a fun way to spotlight local organizations—quickly turned into an evening full of energy, laughter, and some surprisingly intense card-playing moments.

The tournament featured three preliminary rounds of classic Uno, each one narrowing the field and building anticipation. The winners of those early battles advanced to a final showdown unlike anything the players—or the audience—expected: a high-stakes round of Brutal UNO, where strategy and nerves were tested right to the last card.

Representing the community were an incredible lineup of nonprofits, including Helping Women Period, CASA for Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, NAMI Lansing, Positive Somebody, DAP Resources, Origami Rehabilitation, Tenant Resource Center, and United Way of South Central Michigan. Each organization had the option to enlist a celebrity champion, and many did—bringing familiar faces like Bob Hoffman, Sheri Jones, and Deb Hart into the mix and adding an extra spark of excitement.

Guiding viewers through every play, skip, reverse, and draw-four were our charismatic announcers: Jeff Croff of Homebrew Tabletop Gaming and Britt Houze of B Houze Originals, whose commentary kept the livestream lively and entertaining from start to finish.

In the end, the honor of becoming the first-ever UnoCup champion went to Origami Rehabilitation, represented by celebrity player Mary Gajda of M3 Group. With their well-earned victory, Origami will hold the UnoCup trophy proudly for the next year—and return next Giving Tuesday ready to defend their crown.

The UnoCup wasn’t just a tournament. It was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and community— and it’s exactly what Giving Tuesday is all about.

INNOVATE STATE: Dan Gilbert | Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, FY26

Dan Gilbert is the founder and chairman of Rocket Companies and a visionary entrepreneur known for transforming the mortgage industry through innovation, technology, and customer-first thinking. As a prominent business leader and philanthropist, he has played a major role in revitalizing Detroit and shaping the future of fintech and real estate.
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The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.

CLIENT STORY: Tri-County Office on Aging – A Journey of Support

A Journey of Support: How the Tri-County Office on Aging Makes a Real Difference

Sometimes life changes in an instant. A fall, a moment of impact, a phone call—those seconds split life into “before” and “after.” And in the opening moments of “Tri-County Office on Aging – A Journey of Support,” we meet someone who knows that shift all too well.

Tim’s voice is calm, steady, almost matter-of-fact as he shares the story that changed everything:

“I broke my neck back in 1992 in a sporting accident and paralyzed with my shoulders down. So in my case, I need assistance with everything with daily living.”

It’s a line that lands with the weight of lived experience. Eating, bathing, shifting in bed—things most of us do without thinking—suddenly require constant support. Yet this story isn’t just about loss or difficulty. It’s also about what happens next: the people, the programs, and the care that step in to lift someone up when the world tilts sideways.

This is the heart of Tim’s journey, and it’s where the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA) enters the frame—not as an agency on paper, but as a partner in daily life.
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The Accident That Changed Everything

When Tim talks about the day his accident happened, there’s no dramatics, just truth. A split second turned into a permanent spinal cord injury, and suddenly the basics of life became complicated.

He needed help with:

– Getting in and out of bed
– Meals and supplement drinks
– Massages to prevent pain and stiffness
– Mobility and a ramp to safely exit his home
– Daily caregiving support

It’s a lot. For anyone. For any family.

And like many people dealing with a new disability, the challenges don’t land on one person—they ripple outward. For Tim, that circle has grown smaller over the years. He explains it quietly:

“Right now it’s just my mom and I. My brother passed away a few years ago, and it’s like TCOA picked up the slack.”

That one sentence captures so much. Grief. Responsibility. Relief. And the need for someone—anyone—to help carry the load.
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Where TCOA Steps In

The Tri-County Office on Aging doesn’t show up with a one-size-fits-all plan. They show up with people—caseworkers, caregivers, coordinators—who learn your name, your needs, your rhythms.

For Tim, that support looks like:

– Consistent caregivers who help with the essentials
– Regular check-in calls from his caseworker
– Home care services tailored to his needs
– Back massages that make pain manageable
– Practical resources, from nutrition support to new equipment
– A mobility ramp that brought independence back into his routine

Tim puts it simply, and sincerely:

“I can’t think of no other organization like Tri-County that has stepped in and assisted us within every area that was needed.”

It’s not just help. It’s partnership. It’s presence. It’s someone in your corner.
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The MIChoice Waiver: An Open Door to Care

At the center of Tim’s support is the MIChoice Waiver Program—a Medicaid program designed to help people stay in their homes instead of nursing facilities. For Tim, this program has been nothing short of life-changing.

He describes MIChoice as “Like an open book.”

Meaning: If he needs something, he can ask. If his situation changes, someone helps him figure out the next step. There’s no judgment. No confusion. Just communication.

Tim explains:

“If you need assistance with something, you call, talk to your caseworker—mine is great.”

And that’s a big deal, because so many people don’t even know help exists.
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The Hidden Challenge: Not Knowing What to Ask For

One of the strongest messages Tim shares is that many people miss out not because they’re unqualified—but because they’re unaware.

“A lot of people with disabilities or older people, they don’t know. And if you don’t know, and you know how to ask, you don’t get anything.”

TCOA tries to bridge that gap by:

– Educating families
– Checking in regularly
– Asking questions proactively
– Helping people understand what they qualify for

Because getting help shouldn’t be complicated.
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Life with TCOA: More Than Surviving

With all the support TCOA brings, Tim says something that stands out:

“Our program never ends because I really enjoy it. I like everything about it.”

That’s not something you often hear about social services. But TCOA isn’t just meeting needs—they’re improving quality of life. They’re helping Tim live, not just get by.

A typical day for him includes:

– Morning caregiving
– Meals and supplements
– Mobility help
– Massage therapy
– Afternoon check-ins
– Time with family

The assurance that if something goes wrong, help is one call away

It’s stability. It’s dignity. It’s peace of mind.

At its core, TCOA is about showing up for people. Not with fanfare. Not for recognition. But because everyone deserves support, and no one should navigate life’s hardest moments alone.
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Final Thoughts: Community Makes the Difference

Tim’s story shows what happens when compassion meets connection. When programs are built around people. When caregivers and caseworkers treat clients like family.

“I wouldn’t want to be with no other organization like Tri-County because they’ve just been wonderful to us.”

For anyone facing a disability, caring for a loved one, or simply not sure where to start, the Tri-County Office on Aging is ready to help—just like they were for Tim.

Because sometimes the biggest difference is knowing someone is there.

And sometimes, as Tim says, that alone is “a blessing.”

Inside the Nonprofit Hub: Melik Interviews Sarah Laurie of Community Mental Health

Behind the Scenes: A Candid Conversation with Sarah Laurie at the Child and Family Charities Nonprofit Hub

Walk into the Child and Family Charities Nonprofit Hub on any given day and you’ll feel it right away—the hum of conversations, the smell of coffee drifting through the air, the steady buzz of people doing real work that matters. It’s the kind of place where handshakes turn into collaborations and hallway chats turn into new ideas. That’s where Melik sat down with Sarah Laurie, CEO of Community Mental Health for Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMH), for a conversation that felt less like an interview and more like two people pulling back the curtain on what community care really looks like.

And if you know UnoDeuce, you know we love moments like these—where the mission meets the people behind it.
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Serving the Community Starts with Humility

Melik kicks things off with a question that makes any leader pause: What’s it like to run such a massive, mission-driven organization?

Sarah doesn’t miss a beat.

She smiles, leans forward, and answers not with the polished script of a CEO, but with sincerity: it’s humbling. It’s an honor. CMH is “woven into the fabric of the community,” she says, and that responsibility isn’t lost on her.

No buzzwords. No grandstanding. Just honesty.

And that’s the heart of CMH in a nutshell—real people meeting real needs, without making it complicated.
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So… What IS Community Mental Health?

Sarah breaks it down simply: CMH serves people—from birth through adulthood—who are navigating serious emotional or developmental challenges. They’re the public behavioral health provider for three counties, and they take that role seriously.

Think of CMH as a lifelong partner in behavioral health, offering:
– Support for youth and adults with severe emotional or developmental needs
– Specialty mental health services
– A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic that anyone in the community can access
– 24/7 crisis services, mobile crisis teams, and walk-in support
In a world where “access” often means a maze of referrals, CMH keeps it refreshingly simple.

If someone needs help, they call. They walk in. They show up—and CMH is there.
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A Better Way to Get Help: Quick, Local, Human

Sarah shares CMH’s philosophy of accessibility like it’s second nature. Crisis shouldn’t come with barriers, and CMH keeps their doors—and phone lines—open around the clock. The Jolly Road location, tucked between Pennsylvania and Cedar, serves as their home base for walk-in crisis care.

No complicated process.
No red tape.
Just support.
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Building the Crisis Care Center: A Game Changer for Mid-Michigan

As Sarah talks about the future, her voice shifts—you can hear the excitement behind the logistics. Right on the nonprofit hub campus, CMH is developing a full Crisis Care Center in a former women’s and children’s building. It’s more than a renovation; it’s a reimagining of how crisis care should work.

This center will bring together:
– Walk-in crisis services
– A recovery center for withdrawal management
– A crisis residential unit
– And the newest addition: a Crisis Stabilization Unit for both youth and adults

This unit is the missing puzzle piece—offering up to 72 hours of safe, supportive care with access to psychiatry, nursing, therapists, and peer specialists. A place where help starts immediately, without sending people out of town or parking them in an ER waiting room.

“Proximity makes a difference,” Sarah says—and she’s right. Keeping people close to their support systems isn’t just convenient; it’s transformative.
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Collaboration at Its Core

One of the most striking takeaways from this conversation is how tightly knit the nonprofit community is inside the Hub. CMH staff, Child and Family Charities, NAMI Lansing, and others share space, ideas, and mission energy—daily.

There’s no ego in the room, just people doing the work.

The new center will house:
– 8 youth beds
– 13 adult beds
– On-site specialty services
– A recovery center operating right alongside crisis services
Instead of being shuffled around the city, individuals can transition seamlessly through levels of care without ever leaving the building.

That’s what partnership looks like—not just meetings and emails, but proximity, intentional space, and shared purpose.
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Looking Ahead: Opening Soon

Sarah estimates the building will wrap up construction by March, with services launching in the summer. It’s ambitious, but she’s confident—and considering the demand, it can’t come soon enough. Beds will fill quickly, because the need is real, local, and growing.
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The Real Backbone: The Staff

When Melik asks what keeps CMH moving, Sarah doesn’t hesitate. She lifts up her team—the therapists, nurses, crisis workers, peer specialists, support staff. They’re the ones doing the hands-on work, the emotional labor, the late-night calls.

“It really is the staff… they are the backbone,” she says.

And that acknowledgment feels like the perfect note in a conversation grounded in real community commitment.
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Final Takeaway: We Can Do More Together

If one line sums up the entire interview, it’s this:

“Proximity makes a difference. We can do more together.”

It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it’s exactly what the Nonprofit Hub is built for.

If you want to get involved, learn more, or get support, CMH and Child and Family Charities are ready to welcome you in.

Presenting the UNO Cup: A Game-Changing Giving Tuesday Event for Nonprofits

Introducing the UNO Cup: Where Fun, Community, and Giving Tuesday Collide
There are two things nearly everyone can agree on: UNO brings out the competitive spirit in all of us, and supporting local nonprofits is always worth celebrating. This year, those two passions are coming together in a way that’s never been done before. UnoDeuce Multimedia is rolling out something fresh, fun, and a little bit chaotic—in the best possible way. And for those who love a good game night mixed with a good cause, this is the big announcement worth staying tuned for.
Because just when you think you’ve played every version of UNO imaginable, UnoDeuce is here to flip the deck.

A Giving Tuesday First: The UNO Cup
This Giving Tuesday, UnoDeuce Multimedia is launching the first-ever UNO Cup, a live-streamed Uno tournament designed to spotlight nonprofits, raise awareness, and bring the community together over a beloved classic. It’s everything people enjoy about Giving Tuesday—generosity, collaboration, celebration—but with a competitive twist that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The format is simple but thrilling: a four-round tournament featuring nonprofit organizations from the local nonprofit hub. Each round will knock out players, elevate tension, and showcase the personalities, missions, and camaraderie shared among Lansing-area nonprofits.
UnoDeuce will produce and broadcast the entire event live, ensuring viewers don’t miss a single draw-four, reverse card, or unpredictable moment. It’s an opportunity to highlight the incredible organizations doing great work in the region—while giving them a chance to duke it out for Uno bragging rights.

Sponsorship With Real Impact
Of course, a community event this unique also comes with the opportunity for local businesses to get involved in a meaningful way. UnoDeuce has created two sponsorship tiers, each designed to give businesses valuable visibility during the broadcast.
Sponsors can expect their logos featured onscreen throughout the event, offering consistent exposure to viewers tuning in from across the region. Higher-tier sponsors can also enjoy video promotions played during breaks in the tournament, giving them an engaging way to connect with audiences while supporting a community-driven initiative.
For businesses looking to show their commitment to local nonprofits—and have some fun doing it—UNO Cup sponsorship offers a fresh and memorable platform. Instead of simply appearing on a flyer or website, sponsors become part of a live event that blends entertainment with impact.

A Community Effort With Big Energy
As with all UnoDeuce initiatives, the UNO Cup is built on partnership and community spirit. With nonprofits participating directly, and with the possibility of celebrity guests joining the competition, the outreach potential extends far beyond a single live stream.
Participants will be promoting the event through their own social media channels, amplifying the reach and ensuring that audiences from across the region—and beyond—tune in. That means more eyes on the nonprofits, more visibility for sponsors, and more energy behind Giving Tuesday.
And no tournament would be complete without prizes. The winning team won’t just walk away with bragging rights; they’ll claim the UNO Cup trophy, a symbol of victory that their organization can proudly display. Even better, the champions will be invited back next year to defend their title, setting the stage for an annual tradition the community can rally around.
This isn’t just a one-off event—it’s the beginning of something lasting.

How to Join the Fun
UnoDeuce Multimedia is encouraging everyone—businesses, supporters, community members, and Uno enthusiasts—to get involved. Whether it’s becoming a sponsor, watching the live broadcast, or spreading the word across social media, every form of engagement helps fuel the excitement and uplift the nonprofit community.
Sponsorship opportunities are open for businesses looking to align themselves with Giving Tuesday and community impact. Viewers can tune in live on UnoDeuce’s streaming platforms, cheer on their favorite nonprofits, and join the conversation online.
And for anyone who has questions or wants to connect directly, UnoDeuce is making it easy. Community members can reach out through UnoDeuce’s website, social media channels, or via email to learn more about the event, available sponsorship packages, or how to support the participating nonprofits.

A New Tradition Begins
In true UnoDeuce fashion, the UNO Cup isn’t just about competition—it’s about storytelling. It’s about showcasing the faces and missions behind the organizations that strengthen the community every day. It’s about creating a fun, inclusive event where nonprofits can shine, businesses can give back, and viewers can enjoy something entirely new on Giving Tuesday.
This year, it’s time to shuffle the deck, raise the stakes, and bring the community together in a way that only UnoDeuce Multimedia could imagine.
And when the cards hit the table, one thing is certain: Giving Tuesday just got a whole lot more exciting.

ART’S ROLL-CALL: Tom Arthur, Stage One–A Community With Many Hats

Welcome to Episode 32 of Arts Roll Call–a podcast for the arts curious. In this episode, host Robin Miner-Swartz talks with director of Stage One Performing Arts Center and pastor, Tom Arthur. Tom shares the history of the church, the evolution of all of it’s offerings, from text kitchen to performance venue and everything in between. 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.Welcome to Episode 32 of Arts Roll Call–a podcast for the arts curious. In this episode, host Robin Miner-Swartz talks with director of Stage One Performing Arts Center and pastor, Tom Arthur. Tom shares the history of the church, the evolution of all of it’s offerings, from text kitchen to performance venue and everything in between.

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.

MISSION CONTROL: Building a Stronger Lansing with Laurie Baumer of Community Foundation

Building a Stronger Lansing: Laurie Baumer’s Vision for Community and Connection

When it comes to building stronger communities, few leaders bring as much heart, vision, and collaboration to the table as Laurie Baumer, President and CEO of the Community Foundation in Greater Lansing. In her conversation with Mission Control host Paul J. Schmidt, Laurie reflects on her journey through nonprofit leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the collective power that drives real, lasting change across Mid-Michigan.

From the start, Laurie makes it clear that her work at the Community Foundation is about more than grants and donations—it’s about creating vibrant, connected communities across Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. The Foundation serves as a trusted partner for donors, nonprofits, and local leaders, channeling generosity into meaningful impact. “Our mission is really about building a region where everyone can thrive,” Laurie shares. “We connect people who care with causes that matter.”

A Riverfront Reimagined

One of the Foundation’s most visible impacts can be found right along the Lansing riverfront—a project Laurie calls both a strategic and emotional investment in the community’s future. When she and her team began exploring economic development opportunities, they noticed something missing: a cohesive plan to make the riverfront a true destination.

Through partnerships, vision, and persistence, that gap became an opportunity. Projects like Rotary Park and Fish Ladder Music Park have redefined how people experience downtown Lansing. What was once overlooked has become a gathering place for concerts, festivals, and everyday connection.

Laurie recalls that not everyone saw the vision at first. “There was skepticism,” she admits. “But once people experienced it—once they saw families playing by the water, music in the air, and businesses coming alive nearby—the excitement grew. It became a symbol of what’s possible when we work together.”

The riverfront transformation stands as a shining example of placemaking done right—where community pride and economic momentum meet to create something that truly belongs to everyone.

The Path to Philanthropy

Laurie’s journey into fundraising wasn’t a straight line. Early in her career, she worked in advertising and state government, sharpening her communication and leadership skills before finding her true calling in the nonprofit world.

It began with volunteer work at the Humane Society, where she quickly discovered a passion for connecting people to purpose. Under the guidance of a seasoned mentor during a major capital campaign, she learned the art of fundraising—not as a transaction, but as a relationship.

“Fundraising is really about storytelling,” Laurie explains. “It’s about showing people the incredible work nonprofits are doing and giving them a chance to be part of that success. When donors see both the need and the impact, it builds trust—and that’s where transformation happens.”

From Ele’s Place to Community Foundation

Before joining the Community Foundation, Laurie spent sixteen impactful years at Ele’s Place, an organization that provides grief support for children and families. There, she applied her marketing background to expand fundraising, awareness, and mission growth during some of the organization’s most pivotal years.

Her transition to the Community Foundation came naturally. “After so many years focused on one mission, I was ready to take what I’d learned and apply it to something broader,” Laurie reflects. “The Foundation gives me the opportunity to support hundreds of causes—each one making our region stronger in its own way.”

Leading Through Challenge

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Laurie’s leadership and foresight were put to the test. Years of building organizational strength paid off as the Foundation pivoted quickly, shifting grant priorities and deepening collaborations with partners like United Way to support nonprofits facing unprecedented challenges.

“Those relationships we’d been nurturing for years became essential,” she says. “We weren’t just funding projects—we were helping sustain the heartbeat of our community.”

The experience reinforced her belief that trust and preparation are the foundation of resilience.

New Energy, New Initiatives

Today, the Community Foundation is moving boldly into its next chapter. Laurie highlights the momentum of the Community Investment team, a dedicated group driving fresh energy into regional initiatives and donor engagement.

With new board leadership and a renewed focus on riverfront development, the Foundation continues to champion projects that bring people together. Laurie is particularly passionate about cultivating local leaders and CEOs as champions for change—people who can use their influence to strengthen the fabric of downtown Lansing and beyond.

“Our role is to help them see how their investment—financially or through leadership—can transform a community,” she says. “It’s about building champions, not just checking boxes.”

Grounded in Faith and Connection

Amid the constant pace of leadership, Laurie finds balance in moments of stillness—spending time at Higgins Lake, reflecting on nature, and leaning into her faith. It’s a reminder that even the most community-minded leaders need space to recharge.

“Faith keeps me grounded,” she shares. “It reminds me why this work matters—not just for today, but for the generations that will follow.”

Looking Ahead

Laurie Baumer’s story is one of vision, collaboration, and heart. From transforming the Lansing riverfront to empowering nonprofits through trust and partnership, her leadership continues to shape the region’s future in meaningful ways.

As she looks ahead, Laurie remains focused on one simple truth: lasting change begins with connection. And through the work of the Community Foundation in Greater Lansing, those connections are building a stronger, more vibrant Mid-Michigan—one relationship at a time.

To learn more, visit ourcommunity.org or follow Capital Region Community Foundation on **LinkedIn** and **Facebook**. And to hear Laurie’s full conversation with Paul J. Schmidt, check out the *Mission Control* podcast—where stories like hers remind us that every act of giving begins with connection.

INNOVATE STATE: Pallavi Sharma | Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, FY26

Pallavi Sharma is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of witOmni AI Marketing, a pioneering firm that helps businesses transform their go-to-market strategies through artificial intelligence. With over two decades of experience leading marketing and brand strategy at global companies such as GE and HP, she brings a deep understanding of how innovation and technology intersect with business growth.
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The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Michigan State University empowers students to lead lives of impact through entrepreneurship. With an education-first approach, we equip Spartans with the mindset, experience, and community they need to create meaningful change.

Inside the Nonprofit Hub: Melik Interviews Cindy Hales of Capital Area Community Foundation

Building Stronger Communities Together: Inside the Nonprofit Hub at Child and Family Charities
The hum of conversation, the sound of shared purpose, and the steady energy of connection filled the air at the recent open house for the new Nonprofit Hub at Child and Family Charities. The event wasn’t just a tour of a new space—it was a celebration of collaboration, a tangible reflection of what happens when mission-driven organizations come together under one roof.
Standing among familiar faces and new friends, Cindy Hales, Vice President of Community Investment at the Capital Region Community Foundation, spoke with the same warmth and enthusiasm that have long characterized her work. Known for her deep ties to the local community, Cindy recalled personal moments that rooted this event in a larger story—the story of a community that grows stronger when it grows together. She mentioned her memories of the new playground project and the Old Town amphitheater, both vibrant examples of what’s possible when people unite around a shared vision.
“These projects show the heart of our community,” Cindy said. “They remind us that progress happens when we invest—not just in places, but in people.”
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Investing in People, Building Capacity
As Vice President of Community Investment, Cindy’s role at the Community Foundation is both broad and deeply personal. She oversees grantmaking, capacity-building initiatives, and partnership development, all designed to strengthen the nonprofits that serve the region.
From funding key community programs to facilitating peer learning opportunities, Cindy and her team ensure that organizations have more than just financial support—they have a foundation for sustainable growth. Her passion lies in connecting people and organizations in ways that multiply impact, and she often describes her work as “building bridges that help good ideas travel further.”
Behind every grant and program lies a simple but powerful belief: that local nonprofits are the heartbeat of the community. They are the ones creating lasting change, and it’s the Foundation’s mission to help them thrive.
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The Joy of Giving Back
One of Cindy’s favorite parts of her work is the moment she gets to call an organization to share good news—grant funding that will move their mission forward. “There’s nothing quite like hearing the excitement and relief in someone’s voice,” she said with a smile. “You know right away that those dollars will go straight to work making lives better.”
These moments are more than transactional—they’re transformative. Each grant represents countless stories of hope, progress, and possibility. Cindy shared how uplifting it is to receive heartfelt notes or updates from nonprofit leaders who describe the ripple effects of that support. Whether it’s a youth mentorship program expanding its reach or a housing initiative helping more families find stability, every success story reinforces why community investment matters.
“It’s not just about funding,” Cindy reflected. “It’s about fueling a movement of people who care deeply and act boldly.”
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The Power of Collaboration
That philosophy was on full display at the Nonprofit Hub open house. The Community Foundation’s involvement in the hub stemmed from a clear understanding: collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in community building.
The hub offers a shared workspace for mission-driven organizations to connect, communicate, and create together. Instead of working in isolation, nonprofits now have an environment where ideas can cross-pollinate naturally. Cindy described it as “a space where innovation happens at the coffee station.”
By bringing mission-adjacent organizations together, the hub fosters synergy that goes far beyond shared office space. It’s about shared energy, shared goals, and a shared sense of belonging.
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Connections That Spark Change
Within just a short time, the hub has already become a catalyst for collaboration. Cindy shared how a casual hallway conversation between Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA sparked the idea for a joint volunteer recruitment initiative. These kinds of connections—organic, spontaneous, and rooted in shared purpose—embody the hub’s potential.
“The energy here is contagious,” Cindy said. “You can feel people getting inspired just by being around others who are doing good work.”
That environment, she added, helps smaller organizations feel less isolated and more supported. It also opens the door to partnerships that might never have formed otherwise. The result? A stronger, more connected nonprofit community that’s better equipped to serve the people who need it most.
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A Community in Motion
As the open house came to a close, gratitude filled the space. Attendees thanked Cindy and the Community Foundation for their commitment to making the hub possible—and for their continued dedication to investing in collaboration.
The event underscored what UnoDeuce Multimedia has always believed: when stories of community impact are told and shared, they inspire others to join in. The Nonprofit Hub isn’t just a building—it’s a living example of what happens when collaboration becomes a cornerstone of community development.
Before the day ended, a special acknowledgment went out to MidMichigan Interactive, whose digital expertise helps local businesses and organizations amplify their voices online. Their support reflects another form of collaboration—one that connects technology, storytelling, and community progress.
In the end, the Nonprofit Hub stands as more than a workplace. It’s a testament to collective vision—a space where partnerships grow, where hope is built, and where every conversation holds the potential to create lasting change.

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