Inside the Hub: Celebrating Community, Collaboration, and Legacy with Danielle Robinson

# Celebrating Community, Collaboration, and Legacy: Inside the UnoDeuce Multimedia Livestream with Danielle Robinson

Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at the recent **UnoDeuce Multimedia Livestream interview at the Child and Family Charities nonprofit hub.** Hosted by Melik, this special conversation featured **Danielle Robinson, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Responsibility at Jackson**, who reflected on her career, her upcoming retirement, and the lasting impact of community partnerships.

This conversation was more than an interview—it was a celebration of legacy, unity, and what happens when people come together for the common good.

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## At the Heart of Community Action

Melik welcomed Danielle with his trademark warmth, inviting her to reflect on her decades of service. Danielle’s career has been shaped by her passion for corporate responsibility, with a focus on helping communities thrive. With retirement right around the corner, her reflections carried extra weight—highlighting lessons learned and the importance of leaving a legacy rooted in service.

The exchange felt less like a formal interview and more like two neighbors talking about the things that matter most: community, family, and the power of collaboration.

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## A Career Defined by Impact

One of Danielle’s most powerful memories from her time at Jackson involved **supporting teens experiencing homelessness** through Child and Family Charities’ Gateway Youth Services.

She recalled how then-CEO Julie Thomas approached Jackson with a bold request: to help expand services for vulnerable teens. Jackson stepped up, working hand-in-hand with Child and Family Charities to create what is now known as **Jackson House.**

The result? The capacity to serve teens doubled, providing safer, more effective support. Danielle calls it a legacy project that she and her colleagues are “really proud of.” It was more than philanthropy—it was partnership in action.

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## Finding Help or Lending a Hand

Danielle also emphasized how individuals can get involved.

* **Child and Family Charities Website:** The central place for anyone seeking services at Jackson House or wanting to learn about programs.
* **Jackson’s Giving and Grants Page:** A resource for those interested in corporate giving, funding priorities, and nonprofit partnerships.

Her message was simple: whether you need help or want to help, the resources are right at your fingertips.

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## Why the Nonprofit Hub Matters

When asked about the value of the nonprofit hub, Danielle didn’t hesitate: **collaboration.**

Instead of competing, organizations here come together to maximize efficiency, expand impact, and create unity. Danielle noted that this culture of partnership is what makes the hub unique—and what allows it to serve more people, more effectively.

“We know that there are efficiencies that can be gained. We know that there are many different ways to serve the community, but working together, we serve the community best.”

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## What’s Driving Change at the Hub?

Though less than a year old, the nonprofit hub is already making waves. Danielle credits its success to:

* **Bold Leadership:** Julie Thomas from Child and Family Charities made the vision possible by offering the physical space.
* **Shared Responsibility:** Big Brothers Big Sisters, under Megan’s leadership, stepped in as fiduciary, managing the business side.
* **Clear Roles:** Each organization knows its lane, collaborates without competition, and keeps the mission first.

The result? Less drama, more action, and a spirit of unity that fuels real progress.

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## Danielle’s Next Chapter

Retirement for Danielle doesn’t mean slowing down. Her plans include more time with family, volunteering at church, and supporting local causes. She jokes about “just showing up” as a supporter, but it’s clear her impact will continue—just in a more flexible, joy-filled way.

As she put it: “When work and passion really click, it’s not really work.”

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## Signs of a Thriving Community

Danielle lit up as she described the hub’s grand opening: every parking space filled, people from across the community coming together, and a buzz of energy surrounding tours, events, and activities.

It wasn’t just an event—it was proof that the hub is already serving as a unifying space for collaboration and connection.

Lessons from Danielle’s Story

Here are some of the key takeaways from the UnoDeuce Multimedia Livestream:

1. **Collaboration is Key** – Community work is strongest when done together.
2. **Leadership Means Stepping Up** – Progress happens when someone takes action.
3. **Unity Brings Strength** – Put ego aside and keep the mission first.
4. **Giving Never Ends** – Retirement or not, there are always ways to serve.
5. **Celebrate Your Team** – From volunteers to local businesses, everyone plays a role.

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## Spotlight on Partnerships: Paper Image Printing Center

The event also highlighted the role of local businesses like **Paper Image Printing Center,** which provides custom branded apparel for nonprofits and businesses alike. As Melik noted, these items help teams become “walking billboards,” spreading visibility and pride. It’s yet another example of how collaboration—whether through services, funding, or creativity—strengthens the community.

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## Final Thoughts: The Real Meaning of Community

The UnoDeuce Multimedia Livestream with Danielle Robinson was more than an interview—it was a reminder of the **power of unity.** Danielle’s career, her ongoing commitment, and the energy of the nonprofit hub all point to one truth: **when people work together, they can achieve extraordinary things.**

So whether you’re donating, volunteering, or simply showing up, remember Danielle’s words:

> “There’s no community without unity. Put pride aside, work together, and see how much more you can accomplish.”

ARTS ROLL-CALL: Tabor Vits–Community and Connection Through Dance

Welcome to Episode 31 of Arts Roll Call–a podcast for the arts curious. In this episode, host Robin Miner-Swartz talks with hip hop dance and teaching artist Tabor Vits. They discuss his journey from dancing to teacher to community organizer and beyond.

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 essential 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.

CLIENT STORY: Lansing Sports Commission – Mount Hope Park

Mount Hope Park in Grand Ledge, MI offers 60 acres of multi-use fields for a variety of outdoor sporting events, complete with amenities for the whole team and spectators alike. This well-maintained outdoor space is also perfect for your daily walk or bike ride, with over 2 miles of paved trails.

Learn more at: www.lansingsports.org

MISSION CONTROL: Serving Seniors with Dignity with Casey Cooper

The Mission Control Podcast has always been a space where nonprofit leaders, executive directors, and community changemakers share their journeys. Hosted by Paul Schmidt of UnoDeuce Multimedia, each episode uncovers the stories behind organizations that keep communities strong. In one recent conversation, Casey Cooper, Assistant Director at the Tri County Office on Aging (TCOA), shed light on her path into nonprofit work, the evolution of aging services, and why community-centered leadership matters more than ever.

From Greenville Roots to Lansing Leadership

Casey’s journey began in Greenville, Michigan, a small town outside Grand Rapids. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at the University of Michigan, she set out to find her place in the nonprofit world. That first role—fundraising and volunteer specialist at TCOA—turned out to be more than just a job. Eight and a half years later, she has grown into the role of assistant director, supervising staff, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for older adults.

Her longevity at TCOA speaks volumes. What started as an entry-level position became a calling. As Casey herself explained, the mission “sucked her in”—showing her how vital aging services are for individuals and communities alike.

The Mission Behind TCOA

At its heart, the Tri County Office on Aging exists to promote and preserve the independence and dignity of older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. This means helping people remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, on their own terms.

Programs like Meals on Wheels, congregate dining, in-home support, caregiver respite, and wellness workshops anchor the agency’s services. Each is designed not only to meet physical needs, but also to reduce isolation, provide education, and foster connection.

As Casey put it, “Everything that we do at TCOA is to help older adults and caregivers and adults with disabilities get connected to programs and services that could help them age in their own homes and communities or wherever they call home in a safe way.”

Growing a Career in Nonprofits

Casey’s decision to enter the nonprofit sector wasn’t accidental. During college, she interned with an organization that supported cancer patients and discovered a love for event planning, fundraising, and direct service. That experience revealed the power of nonprofits to transform lives—and inspired her to pursue the field full-time.

Her passion was also shaped by her own childhood. Growing up in a family that benefited from social services, she experienced firsthand how access to resources creates opportunities. That memory continues to drive her: “That changed my life… and I want that for other people.”

Clearing Up Misconceptions About Aging

A big part of Casey’s work involves breaking down myths about aging. She often encounters assumptions that seniors inevitably end up in nursing homes, that aging equals isolation, or that services are only for low-income individuals. TCOA challenges those misconceptions daily by showing that most older adults can and do remain independent with the right support.

“We’re all aging,” Casey often reminds people, stressing that services are open to anyone with questions or concerns about aging. Planning ahead and connecting early can make all the difference.

Building Community Through Fundraising and Engagement

When Casey first arrived at TCOA, her role revolved around fundraising. She quickly learned that success in development isn’t just about securing dollars—it’s about building trust. Community members needed to believe in the mission, not just in her as an individual.

Over time, she discovered that fundraising could also mean rallying volunteers, cultivating champions, and building partnerships. From volunteer drivers to advisory council members to passionate donors who created lasting fundraising traditions like annual golf outings, engagement at TCOA is about relationships first.

Adapting in Times of Change

Like many nonprofits, TCOA faced extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the crisis also sparked innovation. Carryout meals were introduced to meet demand and have since become a permanent offering. Older adults began embracing technology, using Zoom, FaceTime, and texting to stay connected with loved ones and services.

Casey recalls moments when seniors proudly shared selfies they learned to take with the help of volunteer tech coaches—proof that stereotypes about seniors and technology no longer hold true.

Leadership, Advocacy, and the Road Ahead

Now serving as Assistant Director, Casey supervises a team of seven while focusing on broader community engagement. Her work includes attending health fairs, strengthening advisory councils, and representing TCOA in advocacy efforts from Lansing to Washington, D.C.

Engaging lawmakers is increasingly essential, since much of TCOA’s budget relies on public funding. Casey views this part of her role as another form of relationship-building—ensuring that policymakers understand the real needs of older adults.

Her broader vision is to shift how society views aging itself. Rather than treating it as something to fear, she wants communities to embrace aging as a natural stage of life, worthy of respect, resources, and celebration.

Life Beyond Work

Nonprofit leadership can be demanding, but Casey is intentional about finding balance. She decompresses by gardening, keeping detailed notes on her plants, and spending time outdoors. Hot baths and planning new garden projects in winter provide additional outlets for stress relief. For her, balance is both a personal and professional necessity: leaders can only serve effectively when they themselves are restored.

Final Thoughts

Casey Cooper’s story reflects the very best of nonprofit leadership—rooted in service, sustained by relationships, and driven by a clear sense of mission. Her nearly decade-long journey with the Tri County Office on Aging illustrates how commitment, creativity, and compassion can shape stronger communities.

For anyone inspired to connect, TCOA remains a vital resource for older adults, caregivers, and families across mid-Michigan. Their website, tcoa.org, offers ways to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more.

The Mission Control Podcast conversation with Casey is a reminder that aging is universal, and that supporting seniors is, ultimately, supporting ourselves. As Casey wisely put it: “We’re all aging, right? We all hope to be an older adult.”

INNOVATE STATE: Emerging Leaders: Learning Without Limits

Emerging Leaders: Learning Without Limits, hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation on March. 12, at Michigan State University, featured Seth Killian Founder & CEO at Lingco.

The Innovate State Speaker Series brings both emerging and accomplished Spartans back to campus for a fireside chat-style interview. These 60-minute sessions offer the chance for guests to share their perspectives on a wide array of topics like innovation, startup life, investments, and career paths. Students get the opportunity to hear firsthand about the hard knocks of the entrepreneurship & innovation hustle to maintaining work/life balance. These are stories of success, stories of failures, and stories of uncommon will.”

CLIENT STORY: First Day Homecare – Lila’s Story: How Private Duty Nursing Made a Difference During a Medical Crisis

Lyla began experiencing neck pains that ended up turning her life upside-down. With the help of First Day Homecare, Lyla has been able to live her best life possible with around the clock care, and have set her mom Jennifer’s mind at ease with their exceptional care.

Learn more at: https://firstdayhomecare.com/

Inside Lansing’s Nonprofit Hub | How Child and Family Charities Transformed a Hospital into Hope

Take a tour inside the Child and Family Charities Nonprofit Hub with Executive Director Julie Thomasma and host MetroMelik. What was once an empty hospital campus has been transformed into a thriving space where nonprofits and mission-driven businesses work side by side to serve families, kids, and the Lansing community. From CASA to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Origami Rehab, NAMI, and more, this hub brings essential services together under one roof—making collaboration seamless and support easier to access. You’ll hear success stories, discover how organizations share resources, and get a look at how the hub is designed to help nonprofits thrive on tight budgets. 👉 Learn how community partners turned old hospital corridors into collaborative spaces. 👉 Meet the organizations already making a difference inside the hub. 👉 Find out how YOU can get involved, tour the space, or support the mission.

INNOVATE STATE: Driving Digital Transformation

Innovate State: Driving Digital Transformation, hosted by the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation on Feb. 20, at Michigan State University, featured Sanjay Baskaran, Operating Partner and Industrial Advisor of Advent International.

The Innovate State Speaker Series brings both emerging and accomplished Spartans back to campus for a fireside chat-style interview. These 60-minute sessions offer the chance for guests to share their perspectives on a wide array of topics like innovation, startup life, investments, and career paths. Students get the opportunity to hear firsthand about the hard knocks of the entrepreneurship & innovation hustle to maintaining work/life balance. These are stories of success, stories of failures, and stories of uncommon will.

CLIENT STORY: Hands Across the Water: Impacting Families, Changing Lives

Discover the story of Hands Across the Water (HATW)—a nonprofit changing lives for over 26 years. From foster care support and family reunification to behavioral health services, HATW empowers children and families to thrive. Hear inspiring stories, learn how the community can help, and see why real relationships make the difference.

👉 Learn more or get involved: https://www.handsacrossthewater.org/

MISSION CONTROL: Building Community and Spreading Love with Kwaku Osei of The Love Building

-Discover how Kwaku Osei, Executive Director of The Love Building in Detroit, is reshaping what community can look like. In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, host Paul Schmidt and Kwaku dive into the building’s mission: creating a hub for social justice, creativity, and belonging. From experimenting with shared resources to hosting vibrant gatherings like Love at Night, The Love Building proves that love and accountability can drive real civic change. ✨ Highlights in this episode: The origin and purpose of The Love Building Kwaku Osei’s journey into leadership How nonprofits share talent and resources The Love List: connecting communities across Detroit Why leading with love is a radical, practical strategy 📍 Learn more about The Love Building: https://thelovebuilding.org 🎙️ Subscribe to the Mission Control Podcast for more conversations on leadership, impact, and community-building.